Rascal Flatts' Joe Don Rooney breaks silence and dispels rumor of transition, Internet says 'good work'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Following a guilty plea to a DUI in 2021, Rascal Flatts' guitarist Joe Don Rooney has finally spoken up.

In a lengthy social media post, he refuted a rumor that he was transitioning while also affirming his sobriety.

For the first time in months, the musician opened up on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, January 3, discussing his time away from the spotlight and the rumors that he is now transgender.

Rooney further recounted his September 2021 arrest, when he was accused of DUI after smashing his car into a tree in Franklin, Tennessee. The guitarist entered a guilty plea in June 2022 and was given a two-day jail sentence, as per PEOPLE.

JD Rooney affirms 'not transitioning to be a woman'

Rooney, who gained recognition for his guitar playing in one of the most popular country music groups, apologizes for being absent from his followers for the last two years at the beginning of his open letter.

Rooney, 48, began his statement by writing, "First off, I am alive! There have been so many rumors and opinions thrown around about me - but I’m finally healthy and ready for the world."

"And NO, I’m not transitioning to be a woman. That thought has never entered my mind. Nothing against the trans community whatsoever but I needed to set the record straight," Rooney added.

Almost all of Rooney's post was devoted to discussing his tragic car accident and the personal changes he made as a result.

Rooney discusses his sobriety journey in social media post

Rooney, who was arrested on September 9, 2021, for driving while drunk, went on to say that he has been concentrating on maintaining his sobriety since he "ran square into a tree and about killed" himself two years ago at four in the morning.

"My life and career took a major detour at 4a in the early morning hours of Sep 9, 2021 when I ran square into a tree and about killed myself," he continued in the post.

The musician went on to say that he had been an awful husband, father, and bandmate because of his drinking problems for several years.

"I was drunk and I was so far gone with my life - I was completely out of control and finished with trying to fight the fears, depression and anxieties that had spun me out in a way I’ve never experienced before," Rooney added.

"I probably would’ve never taken responsibility for any of this if it hadn’t been for my car wreck," he continued.

"Fortunately, (and I truly believe this,) God lead (sic) me into that tree safely enough to not kill me – and luckily nobody else was involved and I didn’t injure or kill anyone."

Besides the many blunders he made in his personal life, Rooney claimed that "the pressures of my career and the many mistakes I made in regards to my home life, coupled with a lot of pain and trauma from my childhood and early on in my adult life."

Following the accident, Rooney spent four months isolated in a rehab facility in Utah, which ultimately resulted in a permanent change in his life.

He then on, "I’ve been sober now for almost 28 months come this Jan 13. I never believed I could actually live my life without drinking."

"It had become such a huge part of my daily and nightly routine. I had tried to stop on my own in the past but the powerful nature of alcohol always found its way back into my life."

Rooney thanked God in conclusion, mentioning his family and clinical advisors for helping him rebuild his life.

"Now, I need to protect my family and protect my sobriety. I have new healthy boundaries for the first time in my life. Only positive, loving, caring & understanding people may enter," he wrote.

Rooney and his wife Tiffany Fallon officially divorced in December 2023.

Tiffany filed for divorce in January 2021 as a result of the guitarist's battle with alcoholism. The former couple share daughters Devon, 9, and Raquel, 13, and a son Jagger, 17.

According to PEOPLE, accusations of infidelity and drinking accompanied their court case, which was settled in December 2023.

Internet supports JD Rooney's online confession

Following Rooney's online declaration on X, Internet users flocked to the comment section to show their support for the Rascal Flatts guitarist.

One X user wrote in support, "One day at a time JD! So happy to hear you are doing well and on a positive path. Keep moving forward and good things will come!"

A second one added, "Thank you so much for sharing your story, Joe. Praying 2024 is better for all of us. Excited to see what is on the way and am here to support you every step of the way, so proud of you!"

Author Lisa Cornwell commented on the post, "Couldn’t love this post more! Respect you for making it public, JD. It will help a lot of people. Glad you’re in a good place."

"Glad you're doing well JoeDon!! Keep up the good work on your sobriety!! There are so many people out there rooting for you (me included)!!" chimed in another supporter.

"Good to see you back! Glad you are healthy! Hope to see you playing and entertaining again sometime!" hoped another one.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.