11 Country Artists Who Don’t Drink Alcohol

It seems that the Country music industry and alcohol almost go hand in hand. With so many songs about drinking, partying and having an all-around good time, it really isn't a big surprise.

But, as Lady A's Charles Kelley begins his journey towards sobriety, the topic has been top of mind.

"I want to thank everyone who has shown me so much support and encouragement so far on my journey of sobriety," Kelly said in a recent Instagram post. "Y'alls kind words have meant the world to me and really lifted me up over the past few weeks. I can’t wait to get back on the road with Lady A next year."

That got us thinking about which other country stars don't drink. There aren't necessarily a lot of examples of people who are open about it in the industry, but there definitely are a few.

One notable example is Keith Urban, who has been very open about his struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol many times in the past.

"I've nothing against drugs or alcohol. Everyone does what they want to do to have a great time," Urban said in an article by The Times U.K. "I just realized I'm allergic to it. Someone said, 'You have an allergy? What happens when you drink?' And I said, 'I break out in cuffs.'"

Here is a list of 11 other country artists that go against the grain and choose not to drink alcohol.

Keith Urban says he owes his sobriety to his wife, Nicole Kidman. He stopped drinking after they got married in 2006.

It's hard to imagine someone like Tim McGraw hitting "rock bottom," but he said a moment in 2008 "changed my life." It was then, with the help of wife Faith Hill, that he gave up drinking.

It's probably not much of a secret that Chris Janson lives a sober life now, even though he's got songs like "Fix a Drink" out there. Janson told Rolling Stone one of the reasons he doesn't drink anymore is "I just choose not to because it always made me feel bloated and fat — I’m 135 pounds, so 10 beers makes me feel like a balloon, man."

We've all heard by now that Walker Hayes is "just tryin' to stay out of A.A." His hit song has a strong kernel of truth in it.  Hayes told Everything Nash about his struggles since stopping drinking in 2016. "I think about that all the time. I wish I could do anything responsibly. I’m really such an addictive personality. I think part of that is why I was still here in Nashville for this to even happen is I couldn’t put the guitar down."

Shania has made it clear she wants a clean life around her. In her book, she said she doesn't drink alcohol, use drugs, or eat meat.

That powerful social media post from July 29 of this year showcased the big change Jake Owen made in his life just about a year ago. "The next day I told myself, “never again.” I am better than that, and the people I love the most deserve better. My family, my little girls, and my friends."

Josh Turner has been very open about his faith, and how that has guided his choices on things like drinking. He told the 700 Club "I didn't rebel in the way a lot of people do. I didn't go out and have pre-marital sex. I've never had a drink of alcohol in my life. I've never smoked a cigarette. That's not to say I'm perfect. I'm not. I'm a sinner just like everybody else..."

Yes, he's known for Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off, but Joe Nichols has also made it clear that he's moved on from his wild past.

Back in 2004, Jo Dee Messina checked herself into rehab to battle her addiction, according to an interview with CMT. She had a bad performance and her manager confronted her. "I forgot the words to 'Stand Beside Me.' That's what I can remember," Messina said.

After many years of extremely wild partying with alcohol and drugs as a member of the Drive By Truckers, Jason Isbell finally had to get things right. The band kicked him out, and he eventually ended up on a sobriety path that he's been very vocal about. One of his best-known lyrics in his hit song "Cover Me Up" says "I sobered up, I swore off that stuff, Forever this time."  This interview with Vanderbilt University was incredibly insightful.

The alt-country star Margo Price told GQ getting sober is the "most rebellious thing I've ever done."