Marking Three Years Since Florida Georgia Line's Breakup: A Look Back at Their Legacy

On this day three years ago, Florida Georgia Line decided to part ways after a highly successful 10-year run that helped shape modern country music.

The duo, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, became one of the most influential acts of the 2010s, leading the bro-country movement. Their genre-blending sound, record-breaking hits, and high-energy performances set them apart in the industry. 

The Breakup Announcement and Early Reactions

In 2022, however, they announced they were stepping away from Florida Georgia Line to pursue solo careers. The announcement initially stated that the duo was simply "taking a break" and not permanently disbanding.

"I think 'taking a break' is the proper term, as opposed to breaking up," Hubbard told PEOPLE.

"We're not going our separate ways," Kelley added. "We're taking a break from recording our music. We're being artists. We love creating. A couple of years ago, we started writing separately, trying out different writers, and now we're both doing that with our music."

A few months after this update, it was confirmed that Florida Georgia Line had officially broken up. However, there was no clear indication of what the future might hold for the duo, leaving fans to wonder whether a reunion was possible.

The iconic pair gained favor within the industry and with fans by introducing something entirely new. Their unique blend of rock, hip-hop, and country quickly attracted fresh audiences to the genre, making it difficult for fans to say goodbye.

The Truth Behind the Split: Politics and Social Media Divide

Speculation about the cause of their breakup also circulated on social media, with sources pointing to political differences as a major factor. 

Hubbard and Kelley both addressed the rumors during interviews with The Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, clarifying that the public struggles began after the 2020 election.

Kelley explains that the tension became evident when Hubbard and his wife unfollowed them on social media. Hubbard also mentioned that he didn’t want to see the political content Kelley was posting, leading to a shift in their relationship.

“You can’t control what people are thinking or saying, so you just have to ride with it, stick to your truth, and let it be,” Hubbard said, reflecting on the situation.

Kelley, sharing his perspective, said, “He told me he liked me better in person than online. That caught me off guard, especially from my brother. So that was the first public issue, and I can see how people started to frame things that way.”

Solo Success

Although a Florida Georgia Line reunion seems unlikely, both artists have achieved success in their solo careers.

Tyler Hubbard’s Solo Journey

Tyler Hubbard's solo career took off with the release of his Gold-certified debut album, Tyler Hubbard, in January 2023. The album includes his hit debut single, “5 Foot 9,” which not only reached No. 1 at Country Radio but also earned a 2x Platinum certification from the RIAA. Hubbard followed that success with his second No. 1 single, “Dancin’ In The Country,” also certified 2x Platinum. 

As a solo artist, Hubbard has made notable television appearances performing at the CMT Music Awards, ACM Honors, and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. 

His success continued with “Back Then Right Now,” the lead single from his sophomore album, Strong, which reached No. 1 at country radio, making Hubbard the only artist to begin two separate careers with at least three consecutive No. 1 songs. 

Brian Kelley’s Solo Journey

Brian Kelley is making a name for himself as a solo artist in the country music industry, building on his successful time with Florida Georgia Line.

His sophomore album, Ed & Mary Margaret’s Son, released on October 25, 2024, solidified his presence in the country music scene. The album was met with critical acclaim for its authentic sound, with Kelley embracing a blend of traditional country influences and modern storytelling. The project also showcases his versatility, with a mix of reflective ballads and upbeat tracks, capturing his personal growth both as an artist and individual.

Following his debut album, Tennessee Truth, this project highlights Kelley’s evolution as an independent artist, having written and produced the entire album himself, marking a new chapter in his career with full creative control.

Florida Georgia Line's Enduring Impact

Florida Georgia Line's influence on Nashville extended beyond music with the opening of FGL House in 2017, quickly becoming a staple on Lower Broadway. However, in May 2024, the iconic venue officially closed after nearly seven years of operation, marking the end of an era. The space has since been taken over by Lainey Wilson’s "Bell Bottoms Up," symbolizing a shift in Nashville’s entertainment landscape.

Though Florida Georgia Line’s chapter has come to a close, their contributions to country music and Nashville’s entertainment scene are far from forgotten. As Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley embrace their solo careers, their influence will continue to shape the industry for years to come.

Sources: HERE, HERE