Why did Florida Georgia Line split up? Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley share new details in podcast, 'It felt like a divorce'

New details have emerged regarding the disbandment of popular country duo, Florida Georgia Line, known individually as Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. The two appeared on separate episodes of the "Bussin' With the Boys' podcast with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan to discuss what transpired between the two and what led to their breakup.

The duo performed together for the last time back in September of 2022 at the Minnesota State Fair, however breakup rumors had been swirling long before then. In February of 2022, Hubbard told People Magazine that the pair where "taking a break" as opposed to breaking up. A few months later, Hubbard confirmed that the pair had broken up due to Kelley initiating them going solo and said there was "no bad blood between the two of them."

More recently it was announced that FGL House, the Broadway bar the duo opened back in 2017, would be closed to make way for Lainey Wilson's "Bell Bottoms Up." As previously reported by the Tennessean, Florida Georgia Line was one of the first acts to capitalize on their success by opening a venue on Lower Broadway.

Throughout their career, Florida Georgia Line released various albums which garnered millions in sales, achieved numerous No. 1 singles and released the first country song to receive the Diamond (10 million sales) certification with "Cruise."

Here is what Hubbard and Kelley each had to say.

More: Florida Georgia Line among first country acts to open a Nashville bar; FGL House closing recalls how we got here

Tyler Hubbard: 'It felt like a divorce'

The "Bussin' With the Boys' podcast episode featuring Hubbard was released on May 7. He once again confirmed that the "unexpected' split was initiated by Kelley.

"BK came to me and said, 'Man I'm really feeling like I want to do the solo thing,' and I'm like really?" said Hubbard. "We were just getting out of our first deal, we were kind of in a sweet spot that we had worked for 10 years to get to."

Hubbard said he wanted to continue as Florida Georgia Line for five to ten more years, however, Kelley was adamant in his decision, saying it was what he needed to do for himself. Although caught off guard by his bandmates' decision, he supported him said Hubbard.

"We've had an incredible ride, this is where it's going to go," said Hubbard. "Let's do it and crush it and you never know, maybe it'll bring us back together and we can have a reunion tour or whatever."

New album: Tyler Hubbard's solo motivation remains 'Strong'

For Hubbard, Kelley's decision wasn't unexpected because it had never been brought it up before, rather because it came at an unanticipated moment. Hubbard said that for a period of time, he questioned Kelley's decision.

"I feel like I'm not enough for you … honestly it felt like a divorce," said Hubbard. According to Hubbard, Kelley wanted to continue as Florida Georgia Line while simultaneously acting as a soloist. Hubbard refused.

"Bro from an emotional standpoint, I know this is dramatic but this is what it feels like," said Hubbard. "It feels like we're in a marriage and everything's great and we love the benefits but you want to go sleep with the neighbors and come home at night and me be cool with it."

Hubbard said he didn't understand emotionally or logistically how the two could continue as both a duo and soloists. Talks with therapists and weeks of healing followed and the pair eventually disbanded.

Initially, Hubbard thought the opportunity would allow him to focus on his family and songwriting. But only a year later, he missed making records and touring he said. After meeting his manager and feeling supported in his decision to be a soloist, Hubbard decided he would "dive back into it."

"We were just young, dumb and on a mission and learning as we were going," said Hubbard about the early years as Florida Georgia Line. Now Hubbard said he's able to rebuild with that foundation with a lot more maturity, gratitude and humility.

Looking back, Hubbard said he's grateful for the ride and where it led both him and Kelley. At the end of the day, he's grateful Kelley initiated the breakup.

Brian Kelley: 'I wanted to do it all'

The podcast episode featuring Kelley was released on May 9. Kelley said his decision to pursue a solo career wasn't a surprise because the marker had already been set in place years prior. According to Kelley, the conversation of having extra creative outlets had been had in 2016 and every two years after.

Kelley said the pair made a deal that once their fifth record was done they were going to create more freedom for themselves while still keeping Florida Georgia Line going. Kelley said he felt it was important for him to continue honoring his craft, artistry and songwriting. He said he voiced those concerns for a long time.

Kelley called Hubbard a great songwriter and that's what fueled their team. Kelley's idea was to keep Florida Georgia Line going and be solosits under the same umbrella. Nothing would change, he said.

Latest project: Brian Kelley leaves Florida Georgia Line behind, finds 'Tennessee Truth' with new album

"We were trailblazers and I was a part of that you know," he said. "I had an idea that when our deal came up …. Tyler would get a solo deal under the same label, I would get a record deal and then we would renegotiate a new record deal."

"I wanted to do it all, I didn't think that was out of bounds," he added.

Kelley drew comparisons to Lady A and how band members were equally active as soloists and group members alike. He said it was possible to honor themselves and what they had built while still continuing as a duo. Kelley said the decision wasn't a casual one, rather a very intentional, methodical plan on how to keep moving forward together.

Kelley said he said he put a lot of thought into what that could potentially look like. He wrote detailed plans and said the process didn't need to be so emotional when it came to business and creativity.

"What we had and what we built in a short amount of time, people would give their entire lives for. Some people never get to that place so I don't ever want to downplay the success and everything that we built. It means a lot to me, it still does," said Kelley. "It's very important."

"We had magic, amazing fans, we went on a hell of a ride. I'm forever grateful for that and just what a time."

Reporter Marcus K. Dowling contributed to this report.

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why did Florida Georgia Line split up? 'It felt like a divorce'