The year was 2012. A catchy tune called “Cruise” took the country music scene by storm, propelling the duo behind it, Florida Georgia Line, to stardom. Composed of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, FGL, as fans affectionately called them, became synonymous with feel-good anthems and electrifying performances.
But behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding. Like a song with a melancholic bridge, their partnership, once harmonious, began to hit a few sour notes.
This is the story of their public breakup, a tale woven with political differences, cryptic social media posts, and solo career ambitions.
The Unfollowing That Sparked a Firestorm
In the politically charged year of 2020, the first crack in their public facade appeared. Tyler Hubbard and his wife, Hayley, unfollowed Brian Kelley on social media. The reason? Speculation was rife, and fans quickly attributed it to the duo’s differing political stances.
Tyler and Hayley were vocal supporters of Kamala Harris during the presidential election, while Brian and his wife, Brittney, publicly criticized Joe Biden’s supporters. The unfollowing incident ignited a social media firestorm, forcing the bandmates to address the elephant in the room.
In an interview, Tyler admitted to unfollowing Brian for a few days during the election season, explaining that he didn’t want to see Brian’s political views every time he opened Instagram. He emphasized that it wasn’t personal and that he still loved Brian like a brother.
Florida Georgia Line performing at the 2019 Billboard Music Awards
Cryptic Messages and Public Statements
The social media drama didn’t end there. Brittney Kelley added fuel to the fire by sharing a series of cryptic messages on her Instagram stories, hinting at a disagreement and emphasizing the importance of respect and differing opinions.
In a joint interview, Tyler and Brian acknowledged the “hard times” they had experienced but maintained that they were working through their issues.
Despite the public attempts to downplay the rift, the damage was done. The unfollowing incident brought to light the growing chasm between the two musicians, both personally and professionally.
Solo Ventures and the “Hiatus”
In 2021, Brian Kelley took a significant step by releasing his first solo album, “Sunshine State of Mind.” While he emphasized that this was a natural progression and not a permanent split, it signaled a shift in their dynamic.
The following year, Tyler Hubbard released his debut solo single, “5 Foot 9,” further solidifying their individual career paths. He spoke candidly about his desire for more personal expression in his music, something he felt restricted from doing within the confines of FGL.
Their final performance together at the Minnesota State Fair in August 2022 marked the end of an era. The emotions were palpable as they thanked their fans and acknowledged the closing of a significant chapter.
The Real Reason Behind the Split
In a 2023 interview, Tyler Hubbard finally addressed the elephant in the room – the real reason behind their separation. He revealed that Brian had initiated the idea of pursuing solo endeavors and that while differences of opinion and geographical distance played a role, the decision to part ways was inevitable.
He admitted that their decision to stay quiet about the details fueled speculation and allowed fans to create their narratives. He acknowledged that in a highly polarized world, it was easy for people to blame their split on politics or personal conflicts.
Lingering Tension and Solo Success
In 2024, Brian Kelley released a new single, “Kiss My Boots.” Fans and critics alike were quick to point out the lyrics, which hinted at betrayal and wrongdoing, seemingly directed at Tyler.
While Brian hasn’t confirmed or denied the speculation, the song added another layer of complexity to their already strained relationship.
Both Tyler and Brian are flourishing in their solo careers. They continue to release music, tour, and connect with fans in ways they perhaps couldn’t as part of FGL.
Tyler Hubbard performing at a concert
Will They Ever Reunite?
The question on everyone’s mind remains: will Florida Georgia Line ever reunite? As of now, the answer seems to be a resounding no.
Both artists are focused on their individual paths and seem content with the distance they’ve created. There’s no denying the magic they created together, but for now, the Florida Georgia Line chapter remains closed.
Their story is a reminder that even the most successful partnerships can experience turbulence. It’s a testament to the evolving nature of relationships, both personally and professionally, and the importance of staying true to oneself, even when it means saying goodbye.
