OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Luke Combs, the country music superstar behind hits like “Beautiful Crazy” and “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” has won the hearts of fans worldwide not only for his soulful voice and chart-topping tunes but also for his authenticity and openness about his personal struggles. Behind the polished persona of a country music icon lies a man who, like all of us, has faced challenges, worked through them, and come out stronger on the other side.
One of the most notable battles that Combs has fought was with a longstanding habit — chewing tobacco. A habit that had a strong grip on him for years, but in 2017, the “Hurricane” singer made the decision to quit, largely due to the encouragement of his girlfriend (now wife), Nicole. In an emotional and personal admission, Combs shared that it was Nicole’s support that gave him the push he needed to break free from the addiction. While it wasn’t an easy journey, Combs has said that quitting chewing tobacco was one of the best decisions he ever made, not just for his health, but also for his relationship.
“That was one of the big things that I had to kick to be a better man, to be a better partner,” Combs revealed in an interview. It’s a powerful reminder that even those with a larger-than-life career can face internal battles that are deeply personal. The decision to quit for love rather than just health proves the strength of his bond with Nicole and how much he’s willing to change for the ones he cares about.
Combs’ struggles with habits don’t end there, though. He has also opened up about his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), a mental health condition that involves persistent and intrusive thoughts that can often be overwhelming. In interviews, the singer has shared how his OCD affects his day-to-day life, giving fans a glimpse into the vulnerable side of his personality. Despite this, Combs has remained resilient, embracing therapy and coping strategies to manage the condition.
Beyond his personal struggles, Luke Combs’ interests and quirks reveal a multi-dimensional personality. Offstage, he has a keen interest in golf, although humorously admitting he’s not the best at the game. Golf has become a fun hobby for him, and he’s often found seeking tips to improve his swing. It’s a refreshing take for fans who often see their favorite stars as perfect and unapproachable. Combs’ humility and willingness to learn something new show that he’s not afraid to step out of his comfort zone, even when it means being a beginner at something.
In addition to country music, Luke has a surprising love for rap music, which might come as a surprise to some of his country music fans. In an interview, Combs revealed that he enjoys listening to rap in his downtime, showing his diverse musical taste and breaking the stereotype that country artists are limited to one genre. This openness to different kinds of music further proves how Combs is not confined by labels — he’s just an artist who loves music in all forms.
Despite his rise to fame, Luke Combs once considered a completely different career path. Long before he was making waves in the country music scene, he had aspirations to become a homicide detective. Driven by a deep interest in solving puzzles and uncovering the truth, Combs thought about joining law enforcement. This interest speaks to his inquisitive nature and determination, traits that have undoubtedly helped him succeed in the competitive world of country music.
Luke Combs’ journey to stardom has been far from easy, but it’s also been a journey of personal growth, change, and vulnerability. His decision to quit chewing tobacco for love, his openness about his mental health struggles, and his wide-ranging interests all paint a picture of a man who is much more than the superstar we see on stage. He’s a man who, like all of us, faces challenges but doesn’t shy away from confronting them, learning from them, and growing stronger along the way. Fans of Luke Combs don’t just admire his music — they admire the man he has become.