Introduction
For decades, Trace Adkins has been the face (and voice) of rugged country music — a baritone powerhouse with hits like You’re Gonna Miss This and Honky Tonk Badonkadonk. He’s toured the world, acted in films, survived real-life tragedies, and stood tall as a symbol of Southern strength and grit. But these days, Trace Adkins has one modest wish: a little peace and quiet.
Now in his early 60s and officially a grandfather, Adkins has entered a new chapter in life — one filled with grandkids, early bedtimes, and a growing appreciation for silence. “I used to love loud guitars and rowdy crowds,” he recently joked in an interview. “Now I love naps and not hearing people chew with their mouths open.”
Becoming “Grandpa Trace” has been a humbling, heartwarming transition for the country star. He often speaks with pride about his grandchildren and how they’ve shifted his outlook on life. “I’ve been blessed with a big, beautiful family,” he says. “But I’ll be honest — when those little ones come running into the house, screaming and dragging toys all over the floor… part of me wants to hide in the barn.”
Fans might imagine Adkins as the cool, tough grandpa — the one teaching kids to fish, fix trucks, or play guitar by the fire. And while some of that is true, he admits he’s not as energetic as he used to be. “They wear me out,” he laughs. “After one weekend with the grandkids, I need three days just to recover.”
That said, being a grandfather has brought him unexpected joy. He finds humor in the chaos, tenderness in the small moments, and perspective in the way kids see the world. “They don’t care that I’ve been on the radio or acted in movies,” he says. “They just want me to play with blocks or watch cartoons.”
Despite his craving for quiet, Trace isn’t slowing down completely. He continues to perform and record music, though he’s become more selective about his schedule. “I’m not chasing hits anymore,” he says. “I just want to do work I enjoy — and then get back home before dinner.”
Adkins also appreciates how becoming a grandfather has made him more reflective. Known for his roughneck background and no-nonsense attitude, he’s softened with age — not just in personality, but in priorities. “I’ve learned that peace and quiet isn’t just about silence,” he says. “It’s about being surrounded by people who love you, and not having to prove anything anymore.”
So while the stage lights may still shine on him now and then, Trace Adkins is happiest when he’s offstage — sitting on a porch swing, sipping sweet tea, and listening to nothing but the sound of birds… and maybe a distant crash as one of the grandkids knocks something over.
Because at the end of the day, even a country legend just wants a nap.