Rascal Flatts’ J.D. Rooney has been off the radar for a long while — but he’s back to clear the air on his personal life … and addressing the rumors he was transitioning to a woman.
The country artist posted a lengthy update on X Wednesday, where he opened up about where he’s been, what he’s been going through and what’s NOT true about his personal journey … namely, he debunks a rumor that he was undergoing sex reassignment surgery.
Rooney starts his open letter to fans by apologizing for being MIA over the past few years or so, and then adds … “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.”
The famed guitarist goes on to say he hit rock bottom in September 2021 when he got busted for a DUI in Tennessee — a wild incident TMZ covered in great detail at the time.
Rooney says after that, he went away to Utah to get clean … a process he says took a lot out of him, but from which he came out the other side sober and better than ever. JDR reflects on what he says his alcoholism caused … like major rifts in his relationships.
Like we said, J.D.’s doing much better now — adding, “My life has been changed forever – and I’m grateful for the change. 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 … God intervened and helped me to get my life back.”
He thanks fans/supporters for the prayers and well-wishes — and dishes those back to ’em in return … hoping everyone has a great 2024, which he certainly seems to be having himself.
Talk about a much-needed catchup.