Country music legend Kenny Chesney, known for his ability to sell out massive stadiums, has been leading a surprisingly secretive life behind the scenes, according to insiders. The 55-year-old singer, currently on a nationwide tour, has become intensely private over the years.
A source close to the "She's Got It All" singer shared, "Besides Garth Brooks and George Strait, Kenny's the only country star who can sell out 80,000-seat stadiums, and still be an intensely tight-lipped guy who guards his privacy like the crown jewels."
Chesney's guarded nature reportedly stems from his short-lived marriage to Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger in 2005. After Zellweger filed for annulment citing "fraud" as the cause, rumors circulated that Chesney was secretly gay. He vehemently denied the allegations, stating, "What guy who loves girls wouldn't be angry about that sh*t? I've got a long line of girls who could testify that I am not gay."
Since then, the country star has remained notably tight-lipped about his romantic life. Though often linked to model Mary Nolan, the two are rarely seen together in public. A friend of Chesney explained, "Kenny was so upset about how his marriage to Renée ended, he just shut down any access to his private life."
Contrary to his songs that celebrate alcohol, insiders reveal that Chesney is nearly teetotal, only indulging when relaxing at his Caribbean home. Moreover, the fitness-conscious singer, weighing a lean 150 pounds, refuses to eat in restaurants. A friend explained, "Kenny won't dine out because he doesn't know what's actually in the food. He has a personal chef who prepares his meals. Kenny pulls them out of the fridge when he wants to eat."
Chesney's circle of friends has also reportedly grown smaller over time. While he and fellow country star Tim McGraw were once inseparable, their friendship has since waned after McGraw quit drinking. Despite having friends and loved ones, a source divulged that Chesney leads a relatively solitary life, often saying he is "married to his music."