Rascal Flatts Reunites with Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets in 2025

The country music world is celebrating a long-awaited reunion as Rascal Flatts, the iconic trio that defined late ’90s and early 2000s country-pop, returns with a brand-new project. In 2025, the band released Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, an album that breathes new life into their beloved hits by pairing them with today’s rising stars and established artists. For fans old and new, the release marks both a nostalgic journey and a bold reintroduction of one of country music’s most successful groups.

From Breakup to Reunion

Rascal Flatts — made up of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney — first announced their farewell tour in 2020, a decision that devastated millions of fans around the world. The pandemic ultimately canceled much of that tour, leaving a sense of unfinished business for both the group and their supporters.

In the years since, members pursued individual projects: LeVox embarked on a solo career with gospel-inspired releases, DeMarcus focused on producing and running a record label, and Rooney stepped away from the spotlight to focus on family and personal life. Yet the legacy of Rascal Flatts remained undeniable, and rumors of a reunion persisted.

Finally, in early 2025, the band confirmed what fans had been hoping for: they were back together in the studio, ready to celebrate their legacy while moving their sound into the present.

The Concept Behind Refueled Duets

The new album, Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, takes its title from one of Rascal Flatts’ most recognizable songs, their high-energy cover of Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is a Highway,” which gained international fame as part of the Cars movie soundtrack in 2006.

Rather than a standard “greatest hits” package, the band chose to reinvent their classics by recording duet versions with a wide range of artists. Each track features a fresh collaboration, offering a new perspective on songs that defined a generation of country fans.

“Instead of just revisiting the past, we wanted to create something that bridges generations,” LeVox explained in an interview. “By teaming up with today’s artists, we’re not only honoring our history but also passing the torch in a way.”

Star-Studded Collaborations

The tracklist boasts an eclectic mix of duet partners, including pop, rock, and country artists. Highlights include:

• “Bless the Broken Road” with Kelsea Ballerini — a heartfelt reinterpretation of the group’s most iconic ballad, blending LeVox’s soaring vocals with Ballerini’s delicate delivery.
• “What Hurts the Most” with Dan + Shay — a collaboration that feels natural, as the duo has often credited Rascal Flatts as a major influence.
• “Life Is a Highway” with Jonas Brothers — a high-energy anthem reimagined with pop flair, designed to resonate with younger audiences.
• “Fast Cars and Freedom” with Luke Bryan — a rollicking rendition that captures both nostalgia and modern country swagger.

The album also features unexpected cross-genre collaborations, including a duet with pop powerhouse Kelly Clarkson and a soulful track with John Legend. These pairings highlight Rascal Flatts’ ability to transcend genre boundaries while staying true to their signature harmonies.

Nostalgia Meets Modern Appeal

Critics have praised Refueled Duets for striking the right balance between nostalgia and innovation. Longtime fans are delighted to revisit the songs that shaped their teenage years and early adulthood, while younger listeners are discovering Rascal Flatts through the lens of contemporary stars.

Music writer Emily Harris described the album as “a time capsule with a modern twist.” She added: “Rascal Flatts has always thrived on storytelling, and hearing their classics reshaped for 2025 makes them feel timeless rather than dated.”

Fan Reactions

The announcement of the reunion and album release sent waves of excitement through Rascal Flatts’ devoted fan base. Social media platforms lit up with posts from fans reminiscing about concerts, road trips, and life milestones tied to the band’s music.

“I grew up with Bless the Broken Road as the soundtrack to my first love,” one fan shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Hearing it again, this time with Kelsea Ballerini, brought tears to my eyes.”

Concertgoers are equally thrilled, as the band has hinted at a possible reunion tour to accompany the album. Though no official dates have been announced, teasers from the group suggest that fans will soon get a chance to experience their classics live once again.

The Significance of Their Return

For many, Rascal Flatts’ comeback feels like the closing of a circle. Their decision to disband in 2020 left a void in country music, as their signature blend of pop melodies and heartfelt storytelling had influenced an entire generation of artists.

Their return with a collaborative project signals not just a reunion but also a reinvention. By working alongside today’s stars, the trio reinforces their relevance and ensures that their legacy continues to inspire new audiences.

Looking Ahead

With the success of Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets, speculation is already growing about the group’s long-term plans. Will they record new original music together, or will this reunion remain a one-time celebration?

While the band has not confirmed their future beyond the album and a potential tour, all three members have expressed joy in working together again. “We didn’t realize how much we missed this until we got back in the studio,” DeMarcus admitted. “The chemistry was still there — it felt like coming home.”

Conclusion

The release of Life Is a Highway: Refueled Duets marks a triumphant return for Rascal Flatts, a band whose music defined an era of country-pop and continues to resonate today. By reimagining their classics with the help of contemporary artists, they have created an album that bridges generations and genres, celebrating both the past and the future of country music.

For fans who once sang along to “What Hurts the Most” on the radio or danced to “Life Is a Highway” at weddings and road trips, this reunion is more than just an album release — it’s a return to moments that shaped their lives. And for a new generation discovering Rascal Flatts for the first time, it’s an invitation to join the journey.

One thing is certain: whether through timeless ballads or modern collaborations, Rascal Flatts has proven that their harmony — both musical and personal — remains as powerful as ever.