History of Trace Adkins in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 22, 2026

Trace Adkins is an American country music singer and actor who debuted in 1996 with "Dreamin' Out Loud." Signed with Capitol Records Nashville, he's released 10 studio albums and two greatest hits compilations. Adkins has achieved significant success on the Billboard country music charts, with over 20 singles and three number-one hits: "(This Ain't) No Thinkin' Thing," "Ladies Love Country Boys," and "You're Gonna Miss This" in 1997, 2007, and 2008.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1955: Automobile Accident at Age 17

In 1955, at age 17, Trace Adkins was in an automobile accident where his 1955 Chevrolet pickup truck hit a school bus head-on, resulting in broken ribs, punctured lungs, and a partially torn-off nose.

1989: Stranded on Oil Rig During Hurricane Chantal

In 1989, Trace Adkins, along with nine coworkers, were stranded on an offshore oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico during Hurricane Chantal.

1994: Shooting by Ex-Wife

In 1994, Trace Adkins was shot by his second ex-wife, Julie Curtis. The bullet went through his heart and both lungs, but he survived and chose not to press charges. They got divorced after three years of marriage.

2001: Entered Alcohol Rehabilitation

In 2001, Trace Adkins entered a 28-day alcohol rehabilitation facility.

March 2008: Contestant on The Celebrity Apprentice

In January-March 2008, Trace Adkins was a contestant on NBC's The Celebrity Apprentice, playing for donations to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, chosen because his daughter suffers from life-threatening reactions to peanuts, milk, and eggs. Ultimately, he was the runner-up of that season in March 2008, losing to Piers Morgan.

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2012: Endorsement of Mitt Romney and Performance at Republican National Convention

In 2012, Trace Adkins endorsed Mitt Romney and performed at the 2012 Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.

2012: Spokesman for Pilot Flying J and Firestone Campaign

In 2012, Trace Adkins signed a deal with truck stop chain Pilot Flying J to become the company's new spokesman. Adkins also lent his voice to Firestone as part of the "Drive a Firestone" campaign in 2012.

March 2014: Rehabilitation for Alcoholism and Filing for Divorce

In early March 2014, Trace Adkins checked into rehabilitation for alcoholism after getting into an altercation on a cruise ship. Later in March 2014, Rhonda filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

April 6, 2015: Signing with Broken Bow Records

On April 6, 2015, Trace Adkins announced that he signed with Broken Bow Records, under the Wheelhouse imprint.

August 2015: Signing to Wheelhouse Records

In August 2015, Broken Bow Records announced that Trace Adkins was one of the first artists signed to the label's new imprint, Wheelhouse Records.

2015: Performance at Tennessee Governor's Inauguration

In 2015, Trace Adkins performed the National Anthem at Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam's second inauguration.

January 18, 2016: Release of "Jesus and Jones"

On January 18, 2016, Trace Adkins' first single for Wheelhouse Records, "Jesus and Jones", was released to country radio, eventually peaking at number 41 on the Country Airplay chart.

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July 4, 2016: Surprise Appearance in Sarepta, Louisiana

On July 4, 2016, Trace Adkins made a surprise appearance at his hometown Independence Day celebration in Sarepta, Louisiana, joining the Backbeat Boogie Band on stage for several unrehearsed songs.

July 25, 2016: Release of "Lit"

On July 25, 2016, Trace Adkins released "Lit" to country radio, though it failed to chart.

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2016: Performance at the Republican National Convention

In 2016, Trace Adkins performed during candidate Donald Trump's nomination at the 2016 Republican National Convention.

March 31, 2017: Release of 'Something's Going On'

On March 31, 2017, Trace Adkins released the album 'Something's Going On' via Wheelhouse Records, and its title track became a video.

October 12, 2019: Marriage to Victoria Pratt

On October 12, 2019, Trace Adkins married Canadian actress Victoria Pratt in New Orleans, Louisiana.

2019: Collaboration on Hardy's Hixtape Volume 1 and Blake Shelton's Fully Loaded: God's Country

In 2019, Trace Adkins appeared on Hardy's album, Hixtape Volume 1, on the song "Redneck Tendencies" with Joe Diffie. Also in 2019, Adkins reunited with Blake Shelton on "Hell Right" in Shelton's compilation album Fully Loaded: God's Country.

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