Thomas Rhett shared sentimental remarks when he received his star on the Music City Walk of Fame on Wednesday afternoon (July 8) in Nashville, Tennessee.

Rhett, 36, became the 113th inductee in a ceremony that included a heartfelt speech by fellow country star Jordan Davis, fans in attendance and Rhett’s family by his side. The family crowded around while Rhett’s star was unveiled. He smiled alongside wife Lauren Akins, 36, and their five young children: Willa Gray (10), Ada James (8), Lennon Love (6), Lillie Carolina (4) and firstborn son Brave Elijah Akins, who made his arrival in February.

During his speech, Rhett shared a sentimental message to his younger self.

“You’re gonna write songs you’re gonna be proud of, and somehow one day you’re gonna stand right here. But don’t get so busy building a career that you forget to build a life,” he paused. “Some of your favorite moments won’t happen under stage lights. They’re gonna happen around the dinner table, in the backyard, tucking kids into bed. I remember asking one of my daughters one day, ‘what do you think I do for a living?’ She said, ‘you sing.’ And she looked at me like it was the easiest question in the world. She did not answer me with, ‘you’re an entertainer,’ or ‘you’re a country artist,’ or ‘you have No. 1 songs.’ Just, ‘you sing.’ And I love that because to her that is all it is. It is simple. In so many ways, she’s right. Dream big, work hard, chase excellence, (and) don’t miss your life while you’re building your career. And finally, enjoy it. You’re gonna spend so much time chasing the next thing, the next single, the next tour, the next award, but if you’re not careful, you’re gonna sprint right past some of the best days of your life. Slow down every now and then. Look around. Take a picture. Celebrate with somebody. Tell people thank you. Because one day you’re gonna wake up and stand on a stage like this and wonder how 17 years went by so fast.

“Before I leave, I just wanna say one more thank you to every single songwriter that ever invited me into a room, every musician who’s ever played beside me, every member of my band and crew who spent countless nights away from their families, every business manager, attorney, publicist, booking agent, promoter, record label, radio station, and every person who’s worked behind the scenes to help carry this dream,” Rhett continued. “And finally, to all the fans, thank you so much for spending your hard-earned money to buy a t-shirt, a ticket or a record. Thank you for bringing your families to the shows. that means more than anything int he world that you trust me enough to bring your family to my show. Thank you for singing these songs louder than I ever could. Thank you for letting my music become a small part of your life. This star may have my name on it, but it belongs to a heck of a lot of people. Thank y’all so much.”

Rhett added in an Instagram post on Thursday (July 9), “that 19 year old kid would absolutely never believe me. …God is so good! Let’s celebrate tonight at Geodis, shall we?”

Rhett’s Music City Walk of Fame induction took place one day before he takes the stage for the first of two co-headlining shows with global pop artist Niall Horan, who surprised the audience with Rhett when he made his debut at the historic Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night (July 7). The two artists will perform at GEODIS Park in Nashville, along with Kashus Culpepper and Emily Ann Roberts. After the show on Thursday night, Rhett will continue his headlining “The Soundtrack To Life Tour” with Culpepper, Roberts, ERNEST, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Conner Smith on select dates. Rhett and Horan will reunite on stage again later this month at Hersheypark Stadium in Hersey, Pennsylvania. See the list of tour stops below.

Brooke Taylor