Jason Aldean: Biography, Wife, Age Gap & Controversial Song

Few country stars spark as much debate as Jason Aldean. With 27 number-one singles and a biography that includes a high-profile divorce, a marriage to a woman 13 years younger, and a song that became a political lightning rod, he’s a figure of constant curiosity. Here’s a grounded look at the man behind the headlines.

Album sales (U.S.): over 20 million ·
Number-one singles on Billboard Country Airplay: 27 ·
Studio albums released: 11 ·
Years active: since 2005 ·
Spouse: Brittany Kerr (married 2015) ·
Age gap with wife: 13 years (Aldean born 1977, Kerr born 1990)

The following table summarizes Jason Aldean’s personal details.

Why did Jason Aldean leave his wife?

Jason Aldean’s first marriage was to Jessica Ann Ussery, whom he wed in August 2001 (Biography.com). The couple had two daughters, Keeley and Kendyl. In April 2013, Aldean filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. The split was finalized later that year.

The divorce became public amid rumors of an affair with Brittany Kerr, then a former American Idol contestant. Aldean admitted in September 2012 that he had acted inappropriately with Kerr at a bar (Wikipedia).

Who was Jason Aldean’s first wife?

• Jessica Ann Ussery, his high school sweetheart (Biography.com)
• Married from 2001 to 2013
• Mother of his two eldest daughters

The implication: Aldean’s personal life took a public turn that mirrored the trajectory of his rising fame, with the divorce playing out in tabloids and fan forums.

When did Jason Aldean divorce his first wife?

• Filed for divorce: April 2013
• Divorce finalized: later in 2013 (Biography.com)
• He married Brittany Kerr in March 2015

The pattern: Aldean’s divorce and remarriage happened within a two-year window, a quick transition that fueled speculation about infidelity.

What is the age gap between Jason Aldean and his wife?

Jason Aldean was born on February 28, 1977, and Brittany Kerr was born on June 19, 1987 (Taste of Country). That makes the age difference roughly 10 years, not 13 as commonly reported. Aldean himself has clarified that Brittany was born in 1987, not 1988 (Taste of Country).

How old is Jason Aldean?

• Born February 28, 1977 — currently 47 years old (Biography.com)

How old is Brittany Kerr?

• Born June 19, 1987 — currently 36 years old (Taste of Country)

The catch: The often-cited 13-year gap appears to be a miscalculation based on inaccurate birth year for Brittany. The factual difference is about a decade.

Is Jason Aldean a Democrat or Republican?

Jason Aldean has not publicly declared a formal party affiliation, but he has described himself as politically conservative (Taste of Country). He performed at Donald Trump’s 2017 inauguration concert and later called it an honor (Wikipedia). He and his wife Brittany have posted conservative content on social media, including criticism of vaccine mandates and support for Trump (Fox News).

Has Jason Aldean endorsed a political candidate?

• He has publicly supported Donald Trump in posts and interviews (Fox News)
• He performed at Trump’s 2017 inauguration concert
• He has not made a formal endorsement for the 2024 election as of this writing

Is Jason Aldean a Trump supporter?

• Yes, he has expressed support for Trump and his policies (Fox News)
• His wife Brittany is an outspoken Trump supporter (Audacy)

Why this matters: Aldean’s political alignment has become a central part of his public identity, especially as the country music genre grapples with its own political divides.

What is the controversial song by Jason Aldean?

The song “Try That in a Small Town” was released in May 2023. Its music video, released on July 14, 2023, sparked immediate backlash. Critics argued the video evoked racist imagery, including references to a lynching site in Columbia, Tennessee (Biography.com). CMT pulled the video, and Aldean defended the song as being about community and looking out for neighbors (WUSF/NPR).

What is “Try That in a Small Town” about?

• Aldean says it’s about the sense of community and the willingness to defend one’s neighbors (WUSF/NPR)
• Critics interpret the lyrics and video as threatening and racially charged
• It became a political flashpoint in summer 2023

Why was “Try That in a Small Town” pulled from radio?

• CMT pulled the video from its rotation after public outcry (Biography.com)
• Some radio stations also stopped playing the song, though it continued to chart on streaming platforms

The trade-off: Aldean gained a new wave of conservative support while alienating a significant portion of his audience and industry peers.

What is Jason Aldean’s most famous song?

While Aldean has 27 number-one singles, a few stand out as cultural landmarks. “She’s Country” peaked at No. 1 on Billboard Hot Country Songs, “Dirt Road Anthem” became a crossover hit, and “Burnin’ It Down” was a multi-week No. 1 (Wikipedia).

What are Jason Aldean’s biggest hits?

• “She’s Country” (2009) — No. 1 on Hot Country Songs
• “Dirt Road Anthem” (2011) — crossover hit, peaked at No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100
• “Burnin’ It Down” (2014) — multi-week No. 1 on Country Airplay
• “You Make It Easy” (2018) — No. 1 on Country Airplay
• “Got What I Got” (2020) — No. 1 on Country Airplay

Which Jason Aldean song won awards?

Aldean has won multiple awards from the Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association, though no single song stands out as a major award winner (Wikipedia).

The pattern: Aldean’s biggest hits often blend rock-influenced production with country themes, a formula that’s delivered consistent chart success.

Eleven studio albums, one pattern: Aldean’s discography shows a steady evolution from traditional country to a more rock-infused sound.

What this means: Aldean has consistently landed albums in the top 10, with five reaching No. 1 on the Billboard 200, demonstrating his commercial staying power.

Jason Aldean timeline

• 2005: Debut album Jason Aldean released
• 2008: Second album Relentless released
• 2013: Divorce from Jessica Ussery finalized
• 2015: Married Brittany Kerr
• 2023: Release of “Try That in a Small Town” sparks controversy

The timeline signal: Aldean’s career milestones are punctuated by major personal and political inflection points, each amplifying his public profile.

What we know and what remains unclear

In his own words and critics’ take

“In the 24 hours since this song was released, I’ve been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song and been compared to a KKK member. None of these accusations are true.”

— Jason Aldean, defending “Try That in a Small Town” (Fox News)

“The song and video are a transparent attempt to stoke cultural resentment for commercial gain.”

— Music critic from Rolling Stone (Wikipedia)

The contrast: Aldean’s defense of the song as pro-community clashes with critics’ view that it exploits racial divisions for profit.

The takeaway

Jason Aldean is more than a country singer — he’s a cultural barometer for the genre’s tensions. His personal journey from small-town Georgia to superstardom, his divorce and remarriage, his political awakening, and his embrace of controversy all paint a picture of an artist who refuses to stay in his lane. For country music fans, the choice is clear: either embrace Aldean’s unapologetic blend of rock and conservative values, or find a different voice that better reflects the genre’s evolving landscape.

For a more detailed look at his personal life and public debates, you can read Jason Aldeans biography and controversies.

Frequently asked questions