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Musician Jay DeMarcus is best known for hit songs such as “Life Is a Highway” with his band, Rascal Flatts. They’ve sold over 23 million albums and won more than 40 awards as the decade’s most-honored country group. Now, along with his wife Allison, a former beauty queen, he’s added a reality show to his …
Musician Jay DeMarcus is best known for hit songs such as “Life Is a Highway” with his band, Rascal Flatts. They’ve sold over 23 million albums and won more than 40 awards as the decade’s most-honored country group.
Now, along with his wife Allison, a former beauty queen, he’s added a reality show to his resume.
“DeMarcus Family Rules” brings viewers into the chaotic lives of Jay, 49, and Allison, 43, which includes their lavish Nashville mansion, two rambunctious kids and meddling relatives.
It’s not their first time at the TV rodeo; Jay has appeared in shows such as “CSI” and “Nashville,” while Allison has been a red carpet host at the CMT Music Awards.
The couple spoke to The Post about why they did the show, series producer Todd Chrisley and more.
Why did you decide to do this show?
Jay: It was really a combination of things. We had gone on [USA reality show] “Chrisley Knows Best” a few times, and are dear friends with Todd and Julie [Chrisley]. After we went out to dinner with them one night, Todd said, “You know, I think there’s something here that people would identify with — you’re funny and your family is unpredictable. I think there’s a show here.” We didn’t really want to do it at first, to be honest. It’s a big leap to let cameras into your home and expose your children to that. But once we talked it through with Todd he assured us that he would protect us. He said, “Let’s do a sizzle [reel] and see how you like it.” He went out and shopped it and Netflix liked what they saw.
Was it hard to get your family and friends to appear on the show?
Allison: We definitely had purposeful discussions about it, because it does open everyone up than they had before. We talked about the pros and cons. The Chrisley brand is a family show. And so we knew that was the kind of show that [Todd] would want to make, even though this was the first one outside of his family. Our kids are young and we’re focused on them and all the things that they’re doing in their lives. So it was challenging at first, but it was also really fun and we enjoyed the process.
Jay, are you looking to get more into the TV and movie world?
I’ve always been interested in it, and it’s a new challenge. So for me, whatever prospects come along that I have the time for and make sense, yes — I love exploring that side of the arts. I was in musicals in high school and college and enjoyed acting, and I have a lot of friends in that world. So while I have yet to be nominated for an Oscar, I do love that process.
Are you both fans of reality TV?
Allison: Jay is more of an NFL network, Investigation Discovery [and] History Channel kind of guy, and I’m the one who watches reality television. I’m watching “Selling Sunset,” and every city and every season of the “The Real Housewives,” just to have some mindless drama and nonsense in our lives.
Jay: We’ve always watched “Chrisley Knows Best” and I’m obsessed with “Yellowstone.” And if Kevin Costner happens to read this, I’d like to audition for a role, because I can ride a horse and I’m very adept as a cowboy.
How have you been spending your time during the pandemic?
Allison: We definitely want people to know that this was filmed pre-COVID — otherwise, we’d be handling things differently! We have a Thanksgiving scene in there, and it’s the fall season and everything. Clearly life changed quickly after that for everyone. I’ve been home-schooling the kids and Jay’s been trying to do what he can from the studio. He cooks a lot at home which is fantastic and very appreciated.
What are you hoping the audience takes away from watching your family’s antics?
Jay: I hope they’re able to laugh a little bit. We’ve seen enough crap in this world in the last nine months to last a lifetime. Hopefully, families will be able to see a little of themselves in you and be able to laugh at themselves as they laugh with us — and at us.
