What Happened to Brian Edward Kelley?

Brian Edward Kelley rose to prominence as one half of the groundbreaking country music duo, Florida Georgia Line (FGL), which he co-founded with Tyler Hubbard in 2010. The duo achieved immense success with 19 career No. 1 hits and became the first and only duo in Country music history to earn two RIAA DIAMOND singles: 'Cruise' and 'Meant to Be' with Bebe Rexha. However, by early 2021, Kelley expressed a desire to pursue a solo career, leading to speculation about the duo's future.

The official hiatus of Florida Georgia Line was announced in February 2022, primarily stemming from Kelley's ambition to explore his individual artistry. While initial public speculation sometimes pointed to political differences, Tyler Hubbard later clarified in December 2025 that the split was initiated by Kelley's desire to go solo, a creative divergence that Hubbard found challenging to reconcile with the duo's ongoing work. Kelley had reportedly floated the idea of solo work since 2016, emphasizing the importance of honoring his craft and songwriting beyond the FGL brand.

Following the hiatus, Kelley fully embraced his 'Beach Cowboy' persona, launching his own label, Nashville South Records, in partnership with Warner Music Nashville in April 2021. He released his debut solo EP, 'BK's Wave Pack,' in April 2021, followed by his first full-length album, 'Sunshine State of Mind,' in June 2021. His solo career continued to flourish with subsequent releases, including 'Tennessee Truth' in May 2024, 'Ed & Mary Margaret's Son' also in 2024, and 'Sunshine State of Mind Season Two, Chapter One' in 2025. In July 2024, Kelley also released the single 'Make America Great Again,' endorsing Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election. In 2025, he participated in season thirteen of 'The Masked Singer' as 'Mad Scientist Monster,' finishing in fourth place.

A significant turning point occurred in June 2026 when Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard reunited onstage at CMA Fest in Nashville, surprising fans and declaring, 'We back, baby!' This reunion was followed by the release of Kelley's single 'Jimmy Buffett Summer' in July 2026, co-written with his wife Brittney Kelley, which became a soundtrack for a summer trend. His latest album, 'Coral Beats,' a 10-song collection showcasing his 'Coastal Country' sound, was released on August 14, 2026, via Nashville South Records. The album features collaborations with artists like ERNEST, Niko Moon, Wheeland Brothers, and CHXNDLER.

As of September 19, 2026, Brian Kelley is actively touring, with a concert scheduled for today at Bristol Motor Speedway as part of the Cracker Barrel Pre-Race Concert. He also continues to host his popular 'SURF POST SESSIONS' concert series at the Tribe Kelley Surf Post in Grayton Beach, Florida, a business he operates with his wife, Brittney. Most notably, on September 15, 2026, Florida Georgia Line officially announced their reunion for a 2027 'Anything Goes Again: The Festival Tour,' with their first confirmed appearance at the Stagecoach Festival in April 2027. This signifies a new chapter where Kelley balances his thriving solo career with the renewed partnership of FGL.