NASHVILLE, Tn (December 30th, 2025): 2025—where do I begin? It has arguably been the most powerful year of my career, when I least expected it. First and foremost, I want to thank God for giving me all this. A heartfelt thank you to my wife, son, and family for their unwavering support throughout all these days on the road, for being supportive, and for embracing all these joyful moments together. What a journey to be on. To everyone in my fan club, thank you for your dedication, membership, and relentless support. Your presence at my shows and your passion for my music mean the world to me, and I am truly grateful. To all my fans and my hometown, your steadfast support is incredible. The way you promote me every single day on your socials, filling every chair at bars and festivals—an endless, heartfelt thank you. You’ve supported us, brought your friends & family out to shows, and followed my career for many years, and I sincerely thank YOU.

As I look back over the last 12 months in this whirlwind kind of year, several moments stand out: my Grand Ole Opry Debut, my bourbon whiskey series debut on June 14, Belterra Casino, my sold-out album release at the Kentucky Derby Museum, my display unveiling at the Museum, my debut at the Country Music Hall of Fame, a sold-out show at the Bluebird Cafe, Clarkson Honey fest, Sorghum Festival and much more. Those are “moments” this year that stick out, and especially this year during my journey that helped propel us even farther than the year before.

I recall the day in June when I was at home with my wife and son, in the garage. While listening to music and preparing for the Bloomfield Street Concert the next day, my email notification caught my attention while listening to my Bluetooth speaker. As soon as I checked my phone, my stomach sank upon seeing the word “Opry Entertainment” pop up in my email. I just knew it! I rushed inside, handed my wife the phone, and exclaimed, “BABE, IT’S HAPPENING!” She immediately started crying, and we both celebrated in the kitchen. For me, it’s never been about individual achievements but about “we.” I cherish how we share and celebrate these moments as a team. The Opry invitation was special and unforgettable for both of us. She knew how patient I had been waiting for that moment. Seeing my name on opry.com was a thrill— I had to look twice just to make sure it was there. Fulfilling a long-held dream, with many of you witnessing it, is a memory I will cherish forever. That moment, among many others this year, pushed us to new heights and boosted our credibility even more.

From sold out shows this year, to my Opry debut and the whole experience, debut at the Country Music Hall of Fame, French Lick Casino to Belterra Casino, many county fairs, E-town Block Party opening for Craig Morgan, standing center of the ring at Freedom Hall to sing our Nation’s Anthem, my sold out show at the Kentucky Derby Museum, private parties for friends & clients, Danville Concert Series, Markers Mark Distillery Concert, the Springfield Sorghum Festival, a performance at Unbridled Eve Derby Gala, Clarkson Honeyfest where we brought their largest crowd, The Etown State Theater, 3 nights at Gilley’s in Las Vegas, the Chicago gig for Destination Reps, Options Unlimited Gala, Charleys Cure Fest, Fall Heritage with Exile and the first annual Liquor Barn Country Jam presented by Inclusion…..extreme highlights from my touring season that stick out…it’s been the biggest year of my career. From a recording session with the Legendary Crystal Gayle, to my ninth straight video on CMT with Backroad Kinda Love, I sometimes have to pinch myself. This is really happening. Getting to record a duet with Crystal, a staple of my home state and a legend in country music, made my year. We have built a friendship through my opry debut and now a recording session. never dreamed all this…God is so good.

I take it back to June 14th, the debut of my Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. First time seeing my bourbon getting bottled in Bardstown and shipped right to the store, and seeing a huge crowd show up for my very first bottle signing in Middletown. That was surreal to see the line wrapped around the store. That happened several times this year, and it always amazes me to see the support for the bourbon. Thank you, Tracey Jacobs and Scott Jenkins of Inclusion Brand, for this new dream of mine that has come full circle, all because of you and your perseverance. You made this happen. Tracey and Scott believed in my brand enough to build their brand, and for that, my family and I are forever grateful. To all of you who have purchased my bourbon, a heartfelt thank you. To all those stores that stock our inventory, and endless thank you for believing in us. Stay tuned for exciting news in 2026!

My new band and my crew, thank you. Your hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. Bradley, you sacrifice your time to build my career. I will never repay you for all you have done for my career. Thank you, Laura, for letting him be a part of this away from your family. I truly cherish these times. To Shawn and the rest of the crew who help us on the road, anytime a helping hand is needed, you come, and even if it’s after work. You pitch in, and you work until the last box is packed, you roll chords, pack the trailer, unpack merch, and I thank you for that. You guys are a part of this and you know how you are. Tom, Mark, and all who work security for us at shows. You know how important this is to all of us. Kevin Bell, Robert Sampson, Heath Plum, Brandon Owen, Rhett Gordon, Stormlight Pictures, and anyone who has had a hand in design, videography, concert photos, and any promos on my socials….thank you so much! Your talents always help, and you never expect a thing in return. I am always in your corner.

Thanks to all my sponsors all year. Thank you for believing in my music and helping us. Sponsorships help concerts come to life and we can’t thank you enough. My band, Rhett G., Randy O., James L., Greg L., Trevor W., and John F. What a year. I am thankful for talented musicians who push me, my producers, songwriters, and my publicist, Bev, who push us to succeed. So thankful. Grateful for your dedication and for always showing up with a smile.

I can’t forget that we were named in the top 3 best bands in the State of Kentucky by Kentucky Living Magazine (fan voted!). That was a high honor, as was winning Entertainer of the Year at the Josie Music Awards. To the University of Kentucky College of Communication Magazine for the feature….thank you for recognizing my hustle. It all started on the campus of Lexington Community College and at the University of Kentucky from 2002-07. I am proud of my 2 degrees and my 2016 Alumni of the Year award.

From 99 shows in 40 cities, it has been a record year. Let’s do it again next year.

Highlights of the year!

-Grand Ole Opry Debut on 7/5

-Inclusion Brand Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey Debut

-New album Raised on the Good Stuff – debut on #28 on iTunes Country Albums Chart

-Sold Out! Album Release at Kentucky Derby Museum

-Country Music Hall of Fame Debut

-Sold out Bluebird Cafe

-Recorded Silver Bells with Crystal Gayle

-9th straight video to CMT

-“Backroad Kinda Love” featured on Heartland Network

-2025 Josie Music Award Winner “Entertainer of the Year” Recipient Award at Grand Ole Opry House.

-Kentucky Derby Museum Exhibit Feature

and more

To all my fans, your support is appreciated. I will see you in 2026. – JD

Read here: https://mailchi.mp/bd30692acfa7/2025-was-a-record-year-thank-you-to-my-fans?e=4fa196bf69

Flashback to a few tour highlights