Country star Thomas Rhett gets it from his daddy, Rhett Akins. The elder Akins, 55, ironically got his start with 1996’s “Don’t Get Me Started.” Although he hasn’t charted a single since 2006, he has penned country hits for other artists, such as Blake Shelton’s “Honey Bee” and Dustin Lynch’s “Small Town Boy.” Following in his father’s footsteps, Thomas Rhett scored his first No. 1 with 2013’s “It Goes Like This” and has also written songs for Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line.
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Recently, Thomas, 35, received the highest compliment possible when he brought his dad to tears with a tender rendition of the nostalgic “What’s Your Country Song?”
Thomas Rhett Wrote This Song With His Dad, Rhett Akins
The National Music Publishers’ Association honored Rhett Akins during its annual meeting Thursday (June 11) in New York City. The two-time ACM Award winner received the 2025 NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award, which acknowledged his “over three decades of contributions to country music.”
[RELATED: 3 Rhett Akins Songs Every ’90s Country Fan Knows By Heart]
Before Rhett Akins accepted his latest accolate, Thomas Rhett took the stage to pay homage to his father. The Grammy-nominated country artist performed his 2021 chart-topper “What’s Your Country Song?” which he co-wrote with his dad.
As he accepted his award after the performance, Akins struggled to maintain his composure. “I have not cried in 20 years, I don’t think,” said the “Kiss My Country A–” singer, wiping away tears. “I mean, only God can do this. And I lost my dang phone… my whole speech is on my phone.”
Applause swelled as Akins broke down onstage. Once he had composed himself, the award-winning songwriter directed words of gratitude to his son.
“I never would’ve dreamed all the years we sat in the kitchen playing guitars and writing little dumb songs, and it turned out to be this,” he said. “Thank you, Thomas Rhett, for doing this today.”
To date, Akins has amassed 44 gold and platinum songwriting certifications, including Parker McCollum’s “To Be Loved By You” and “Red” by Hardy and Morgan Wallen.
Perhaps country music up-and-comer Bailey Zimmerman said it best. “Freaking goals,” the “Rock and a Hard Place” crooner wrote in an Instagram comment. “What an absolute legend.”
Featured image by Debby Wong/Shutterstock
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