Joe Don Rooney is celebrating a major milestone. He's officially three years sober.  Rooney -- the former lead guitarist of Rascal Flatts -- reflected on his sobriety journey over the weekend on X.  He thanked fans for their birthday wishes saying it wasn't just his birthday, but the day also marked his three-year sobriety date.

 

In September 2021, Rooney was charged with driving under the influence near Nashville. Police arrested the guitarist after he crashed his car into a tree. Rooney later pleaded guilty to the DUI charges. He was sentenced to one year in jail but served two days after his remaining sentence was suspended. Rooney also lost his driver's license.

 

Thank y’all for the birthday wishes. I’m humbled and blown away at all the X posts I’ve seen for my birthday today.
It’s been a heckuva journey for me the past 3 years. Not only is today my born date - but today is also my 3 year sobriety date.
I’m grateful and my heart is so…

— JDR (@JoeDonRooney) September 13, 2024

photo credit: Joe Bielawa