Introduction
Country music legend Trace Adkins is no stranger to the stage — but his latest role has taken him from concert halls to television screens. In an exclusive sit-down with Siouxland News, Adkins opened up about his role in the hit FOX drama Monarch, sharing behind-the-scenes stories, personal reflections, and why this show hits so close to home.
Monarch, a fictional family drama set in the world of country music, stars Adkins as Albie Roman — the tough, grizzled patriarch of the Roman family, often called the “First Family of Country Music.” Alongside Susan Sarandon and Anna Friel, Adkins plays a character who must juggle fame, family secrets, and the weight of a musical legacy.
“When they offered me the role, I thought, ‘Well, they must’ve written this guy with me in mind,’” Adkins said with a laugh. “Albie is rough around the edges, he’s stubborn, but he’s loyal and deeply tied to his roots. In a lot of ways, I see myself in him.”
For fans used to seeing Trace Adkins behind a microphone or in his signature black cowboy hat, Monarch shows a new side of the country icon. It’s not his first foray into acting — he’s had roles in films like The Lincoln Lawyer and I Can Only Imagine — but this is his most prominent and complex television role to date.
Adkins said stepping into a scripted series was both exciting and intimidating. “I’ve been on stage my whole life, but TV is a different beast,” he admitted. “You have to hit your marks, know your lines, and keep the emotional tone consistent through multiple takes. It gave me a whole new respect for actors.”
Filmed primarily in Georgia and Nashville, Monarch doesn’t just focus on the glamour of country music — it digs into the grit behind the scenes: family tensions, betrayal, ambition, and sacrifice. According to Adkins, that realism is part of what drew him to the project.
“Country music isn’t just about rhinestones and radio hits,” he said. “It’s about heartache, redemption, loyalty, and struggle. Monarch captures that spirit.”
Adkins also noted that the show’s music — which includes both original songs and covers — adds authenticity and emotion to every episode. “The songs tell the story just as much as the script does. I even got to record a few myself,” he shared proudly.
As for how real-life country stars have responded to the show? “A few of them have texted me and said, ‘Man, this hits close to home.’ So I think we’re doing something right,” Adkins said with a grin.
With a strong debut season and growing fanbase, Monarch may be Trace Adkins’s boldest chapter yet — blending his musical roots with a powerful new voice in storytelling. And while Albie Roman may be fictional, the soul behind him is unmistakably real.