Darius Rucker, the 58-year-old country music star known for his hit song “Wagon Wheel,” has relocated to London, England. The Grammy winner, originally from South Carolina and formerly residing in Nashville and Charleston, announced his international move on Instagram, surprising many fans. Rucker’s post featured photos of him performing on stage and promoting upcoming U.K. shows. “I can’t move to London and not play U.K. shows! Do you have your tickets yet? Limited VIP packages still available,” he wrote. “See you soon!”
Rucker’s move was preceded by several cryptic Instagram posts hinting at a significant life change. He shared pictures of himself walking his dogs in a park, followed by an image of the London skyline. Followers quickly recognized Hyde Park and speculated about his location in the comments. Days later, a photo of Rucker in front of the “Mamma Mia!” sign at London’s Novello Theatre confirmed his presence in the city.
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The relocation to London marks a significant shift for the artist, who has deep roots in South Carolina. In a 2019 interview with the Greenville News, Rucker expressed a strong connection to Charleston, calling it “home” and the place where he felt he was “supposed to be.” He cited the importance of family and community in his decision to remain in South Carolina.
Rucker’s ties to Charleston extend beyond sentimentality. In 2022, he renovated a historic antebellum property in the city, showcasing the process on his Design Network show, Rucker’s Reno. He described the renovated property to Architectural Digest as “a place of comfort, community, and healing” for himself and his loved ones. He also previously resided in Nashville with his son, Jack, and shared his love for that home and its golf course with Architectural Digest in 2020.
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The move to London raises questions about Rucker’s future plans and his connection to the U.S., where his three children currently reside. In a June 2023 interview with PEOPLE, he discussed the challenges of his children living in different locations, including Nashville and New York. He mentioned spending Father’s Day with his son, Jack, playing golf while his daughters were elsewhere. Rucker has not yet clarified whether he will maintain a residence in the U.S.
