Kenny Chesney Turns 40, A Time for Transitions
Kenny Chesney turns 40 today.
Sometime in the next decade, he may reach that midlife point where he’s not sure why he’s doing what he’s doing anymore and need to rethink it all. That’s what people do in their 40s. And he’ll likely end up doing exactly what he’s doing now, maybe just for different reasons, because that’s something else people do in their 40s.
What’s particularly predictable for Chesney is that his crisis will revolve around home and nesting. His songs, when they’re not party-themed, are inevitably about domestic partnerships — “Don’t Blink,” “You Had Me From Hello,” “Me and You,” “The Woman With You,” “There Goes My Life,” “The Good Stuff” — but Chesney’s never gotten the good stuff he keeps singing about. There was an engagement in the 1990s that went sour before they tied the knot and the much-publicized marriage to Renee Zellweger that ended in an annulment.
The Eagles‘ song “Lyin’ Eyes” contains that familiar line, “Late at night a big old house gets lonely,” and at some point, Chesney is going to wake up and feel like all the work he’s done at building his career — and he’s done a huge amount of it — is just a bit hollow because there’s no one to share it. Or he might discover that the fans and the musical camaraderie are enough, and then immerse himself even more in the music. Producing a Willie Nelson album and inventing his new Big Star Contest to discover new talent suggest that might be a route. One way or another, he’s likely to go through some sort of transition, because that’s what people do in their 40s. Even multi-platinum people.
Happy birthday, Kenny. And hang in there. It’ll be even better when the transition ends.
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Missy says:
What happened to the music and videos???? Every time I turn CMT on there is always some silly show on.I thought CMT was supposed to be for the music and videos!!!! We want more music and videos.
Ashley Stone says:
I agree,cmt needs more music and videos and lease stupied shows that no one wants to wacth.Every time you turn on cmt there is some stupid show one.Some arent bad but the rest are very stupied, like celebraty bullriding!Put more music and videos on cmt please!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Deb says:
I for one wish Kenny a very happy birthday!!!
Amy from PA says:
I hope Kenny will find unmistakable true love and experience the joy and pain contained in his songs. Love just isn’t love until you give it away…
Suzanne from NC says:
Happy Birthday Kenny!!!! I’m glad your in the 40 club now!Columbia Here We Come!!!!!
Brook from TX says:
Happy Birthday Kenny! We all love your music so keep on going. We all love you! As for CMT I wish you would play more videos too.
Annie says:
Happy Birthday Kenny! I wish you all the best, I love your music keep up the excellent work!
Sharon says:
Happy Birthday Kenny.
beachbum says:
Happy 40th! I am also turning 40 later this year and transition seems inevitable at this point in life…I think the best is yet to come though.
Carolee says:
Happy Birthday to my favorite country artist, Kenny Chesney. The most amazing shows and songs from the heart that he sings are easy to relate to. Hope to tell him in person one day!!Many more happy birthdays in the future. Love, Carolee
Brittany says:
Happy Birthday Kenny!!! I thought CMT was country music television, so why are they playing shows that have absolutely nothing to do with country music. When they actually do play videos its all the new ones over and over, why can’t they play the older ones too?
Nadine says:
I have gone to all your Milwaukee Concerts and enjoyed them very much.
I miss seeing you here as do my friends. Will you ever be back for another Concert in Milwaukee?
Have a very HAPPY,HAPPY BIRTHDAY and celebrate the big “40″
Your loyal fan club member,
Nadine Dick
Tammy says:
Happy 40th birthday KENNY!!!!! Hope you have a wonderful one. In 8 weeks I to will be turning 40.
Molly says:
Kenny your amazing, from 10 to 60+ the fans love you.
Happy Birthday!!
Cant wait to see you in Vegas this year.
Kristin says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY!! Can’t wait to see you in Austin..so excited that you are bringing Leann Rimes this time! I’ve seen every show and can’t wait to see what you have in store this time!
And yes CMT needs more videos…every time I turn it on its Redneck Weddings and truck drivers….UGH
Trish Kurtz says:
Happy Birthday Kenny, 40 is just the beginning baby and being married isnt all that. I have been there and been burned. Had a abusive relationship and now I have a fresh start to a new life. We all love you, we are your family and if we could we would all be there for you at the end of the day……HAHAHAHA but I don’t believe you have a big enough house!!1 BUT~~~~we are all family baby!! Party up and see ya in Va Beach in JULY!!! You are and always be the sexiest, sensational, inspirational, energetic, awesome and coolest man around!!!
Andi says:
Happy Birthday Kenny!!! You are really the BEST entertainer. Please come to Europe and teach Robbie Williams who is the better entertainer
Trish in Oklahoma says:
Happy Birthday Kenny! I become a bigger fan every year. True love will find you, don’t rush it, and you will know when it happens. Enjoy the ride…
Yeah CMT, what’s up with the crappy programming? And why do we never see Rissy Palmer but you can’t leave Taylor Swift alone?? One more tear on that guitar might make me puke….
bkb says:
right on Trish. Enough of Taylor trying to sing and people making all kinds of excuses for her.
Sheila says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY!!!!!
Judy says:
Happy Birthday Kenny! Looking forward to LP Field in July.
You are Country Music’s Shining Star of the 21st century.
There are many of us who would gladly be the love of your
life. Enjoy the best years of your life.
CMT - GAC is takng the best of your viewers!
Bev says:
Happy Birthday Kenny! Thank you for all the good times you have brought to us thru your music and your concerts. Here’s to YOU for a year that is the BEST YET!
Barb says:
I agree with everyone who said cmt dont play enough videos’.LORDY LORDY LOOK WHO JUST TURNED 40! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY. Keep on enjoying the WILD RIDE.
Donna says:
Happy 40th Birthday Kenny!
They say when we turn 40 this is a turning point in our lives, I know I recently turned 40 and yes it was one heck of an eye opener since then. All the best to you and I truly hope you find that place in life that makes you the happiest! I hope to enjoy one of your concerts soon as I’m a huge fan!
dody says:
Having a drink with you. mentally that is. happy birthday. 40s not so bad just do what you do best. and the contest is a terrific idea. hope you find peace and joy in everything you do.
Marty says:
Happy Birthday Kenny :) Good luck with the 40 thing, it’s way easier than the 50 thing I just did!! Some advice for when you find someone to come home to…listen to your songs!! Make sure your priorities are your family, take not one day for granted, and show those you love, that you truly do love them. My babies are 21 and 19 starting their own lives, it really does go by too fast. See ya in Foxboro in July!!
Ashley D says:
Happy 40th birthday KENNY! I love your music!
And i agree that cmt should play more music videos instead of a stupid other show.
Lisa says:
Kenny Happy B-DAY!! If your looking to settle down with someone here I am. I have been waiting on you.lol
Your the best and I am so glad that your still so sexy! The older the better. Bald guys are so sexy. LOVE YOU!
Your want to be wife. Lisa in Texas
vonnie says:
happy birthday kenny! love u! maybe kenny can go to tv to find love
tammy carder says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY ENOY THE 40′S ITS NOT BAD IAM IN THE 40′S HAVE A GREAT DAY
JOY FROM KENTUCKY says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY LOOKING GOOD FOR 40. LOVE YOUR MUSIC AND YOUR CONCERTS READY FOR A WILD RIDE THIS YEAR.
Teresa Fankhauser says:
Happy Birthday Kenny, Love Ya and wish that I could get to come to your next concert when you come to Charleston,WV. I would personally love to meet you in person. I have been to 2 of your concerts and you put on a fantastic show. Keep up the good work. Your biggest fan,Teresa
Sheila says:
Happy 40th Kenny. I hope you enjoy your 40th birthday as much as I enjoy your music. Can’t wait to see you in Moline!
Melissa in alabama says:
Happy Birthday Kenny.
Donna P. says:
Happy 40th Birthday, Kenny. You look great Hon!!!See you in July @ Lincoln Financial Field.
Donna P. says:
YOU’RE LOOKING GREAT, HAPPY 40TH!!!!!!
Terri Gwinn and E-Man says:
Happy Birthday Kenny, welcome to the wonderful age of 40 it’s GREAT!!!! My
9 year old son E-Man ,better known as Ethan says Thanks for signing, his Vols Wrist guard and cap last year. Only
signiture in his 9 year old mind would be Peyton Manning’s
next to yours on that orange and white VOLS Cap. You inspire his
Mom to keep writing those lyrics of hers. ” Angels Believe”. Does that one sound familiar??? Bet it does!
Craig weisman and Ronnine Dunn turned it into the wonderful_” I believe.” Lyrics written were about Ethan and old man Staffy back in Marietta Georgia. We wish You
much happiness in your next 40 years. Hope your day was
extra special! Terri Gwinn Hall and E-Man Spring Hill ,TN
Vicky says:
Kenny
A Very Happy Belated Birthday to you!!!!!!
Thank You for the terrific songs and always being so personable to your fans at your shows!!! Keep having SO MUCH FUN despite all your hard work!!!!Can’t wait for the upcoming shows with The Red Rocker–Sammy Hagar!!!!What a blast they will be!!!
robin in ky says:
HAPPY B-DAY Kenny!!!! My 7 year daughter’s b-day is on the 26th and she thinks this is just so awsome. We all love you here in ky. and hope to have alot more concerts in Rupp Arena. My daughter went to your last concert in ky with me and she now wants to go to all of your concerts no matter where they are. Her biggest dream and b-day wish is to get to meet you and get your autograph some day. We love ya!!!!
Kay says:
HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY KENNY
Turning 40 is not the wosrt thing in the world today is my 47th birthday and I found true love about 5 years ago and last year married him to your song YOU SAVE ME he is the best thing in my life other than my daughter just have fun and be true to YOU!!!!!!LOVE YOUR MUSIC and hope to be listening to it when i’m 50
Dawn says:
Happy Birthday Kenny!! I have every cd and video you’ve made! You are definately the HOTTEST country star ever, you’re voice is so soothing, I get so excited when I hear one of your songs on the radio :>) Can’t wait to see you at Ford Field in Detroit again. One of my favorite songs you wrote is “You Had Me From Hello”, which is my song to my boyrfriend of the past 3 years!! My wallpaper on my cell phone is you shirtless with your cowboy hat on and everyone who calls me hears “Beer in Mexico”, and I have a different song of yours play for each person who calls me. Like my one son is 6′7″, so I have “Big Star” for when he calls me. My youngest son loves “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy”, so I have that for when he calls me. When my boyfriend calls me, I have “You Had Me From Hello” play. You’re awesome, keep up the great music :>)
Beverly says:
I adore Kenny and he is just getting better to me all the time. I don’t miss a concert of his each year and I always get his CD’s. I love all of his music and I wish him the best in everything he does. He is the greatest to me!!!!
Kathy says:
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KENNY!!! I’ll be 40 in November and I’m single and available! :) You’re here in Indy at Lucas Oil Stadium on 9/13 and I just bought my ticket. I wasn’t going to go by myself but after all this time on my own I’ve decided to stop waiting for someone to share the good times with so I’m going by myself, going to make my own good times. With all your awesome fans in Indy I’ll probably make some new friends that night! Looking forward to another fantastic concert from you, can’t wait!
BluesFloozy says:
I can only hope that Kenny’s “transition” brings him new sounds and new material and gets him out of Jimmy Buffett’s tiki hut.
Lord knows the fans love him and he puts on a helluva show, but can he realy keep singing about spring break and kegs? At what point does it appear silly? Or worse, sad? There’s a lot to be said for growing up and maturing. His fans will still love him if he evolves.
Michelle says:
“40″ Happy Birthday Kenny Chesney! I love all of your songs and have a big crush on you! I can’t wait to see you in concert! Take care and I hope all your birthday wishes come true!
Stacy says:
HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY KENNY!!! i love your songs i hope i get to meet u soon. ever time i hear your song i get happy
Alex Como Sr says:
After being wiped out by drug dealers in Yakima ,Washington for millions our 24 track recording studio stripped my van a mobile recording studio etc all we had is gone my race car gone etc the theft was $174,000,000.00 I am here to say Keep on making me happy all you Country people. The fact is when I could finally watch again CMTV changed why? Where are all the videos and music we all love so much? Hey by the way my pickup was wrecked by a BUS it is a 77 Ford Custom Camper Special with 400 Cleveland and Cobra Jet trans etc LUCK NONE!
Lilli says:
Cool to see he’s branching out into producing and Willie’s “Gravedigger” is a fine start (love that video too). Willie also has a box set coming out 4/1/8 “One Hell of a Ride” with 100 songs from his past.
Frank n Stank says:
Missy and all of you wondering where the music went,
CMT quit being a MUSIC station years ago. They watched too much west coast tv and like most of BNA, work hard to copy everything BUT originality!
As far as Kenny Chesney, let’s just say, thank God for ProTools!!! If he could really sing, he may have REALLY been a star! A lot like Tim McGraw.
Marketing makes the artist and talent, well, it’s optional!
Betty in VA. says:
HAPPY B-DAY KENNY!! LOVE YOUR MUSIC KEEP IT UP!!I’M ABOUT TO TURN THE BIG 4 0!!! I DON’T FEEL THAT BAD!!
Teresa in MO. says:
Happy Birthday Kenny, You are a great inspiration to many. I enjoy your music very much. I unfortunately have not ever been to one of your concerts but hope to sometime. I know you will find what you seek but only in the Good Lords time not ours.
Laura says:
Are you kidding me?! I thought oh Happy Birthday Kenny! But this is more a slam in his face of what he doesn’t have!! We should be expressing what a remarkable career he has had in this short period of time. Just because he sings about “having it all(like a family)” doesn’t mean he doesn’t already have it all. He has good health, a good family and friends! He is living his life to the fullest and enjoying life!!!!!!!
Cheers to you Kenny! I hope your 40th Birthday was great and outstanding!!! I hope your blessed with many, many more wonderful years!!!!!
Many Wishes,
Laura Jackson
Akron, Ohio
tina says:
happy birthday kenny i love your music you realy kick ass in cmt you are realy something well i hope you dont drink to much haha.
tina says:
from richwood wva
Santana says:
Dear God….. I don’t care how old that man is he will always be one of the sexiest men alive!!! No matter what, I always refer to Kenny Chesney as my “future ex-husband!” He is awesome, he is laid-back, easy going,he can make any woman melt with that beautiful voice, sexy smile, and the way he damnces in those jeans, and he loves the beach. Which is really funny…. I was born 20 minutes away from the beach, and I’m at the beach or the lake at least 8 months out of the year. I love KC, I’m a true Kenny Chesney fan…. GO TENNESSE!!!!!
Santana says:
Beaumont, Tx… I hope to meet you one day or at least go to a concert or 10 hahaha just kidding! HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY, keep up the good work and I’ll keep buying those CD’S!!! Your the greatest and you will always be.. May God Bless You and Keep you safe always.
Ashton says:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KENNY!!!
: )
emily says:
kenny chesney is definately the sexiest man alive, no matter if he is 40, hope to meet you one day and hope you will be in concert in missouri soon!
Val says:
Happy Birthday Kenny. Turning the big 40 was a great time for me. Hope that you have an awesome year. I enjoy listening to your music.
Debbie says:
Happy Birthday Kenny–you are definately the sexiest man alive–the way you look when your sitting at the beach looking out at the waves or having a good time on your boat with your friends–that is truly peaceful and wonderful–just the way life should be. Enjoy your days and remember we all love you. I wish you the best and all the happiness you deserve.
shelby says:
happy b-day iam 22 i have a little crush u r very sexy i have very cd i have been 4 connserts this year your butt is sexy u can be my husand
courtney jones says:
Hey, Kenny Chesney I hope your foot will be alright. If there’s anything that i can do for you. Please don’t be afraid to ask me and i will help you. Kenny i love you so much will you be able to see me in concert at the attel pavillion.
shelby says:
how is your foot i was their the night it happen how is it now i hope it gets better ihave 4 more of your shows i am goin to what have you been up to i am gald you did not brake your foot why are you going to take a year off arew you an tim still friends do you still have fun with his kids i have a crush on you i will let you be my husand any day you are sexy what is your favorit candy
love
ya
always
shelby
April says:
Okay did anyone notice how skinny he looked at the CMT awards - and how much longer do we have to wait until he comes out of the closet?
anna says:
happy late b-day kenny!!!
i also want to no y isnt there mor vidoes. i havent seen any old ones from a few years ago and i love them and the new ones.