Entertainment Music Country Thomas Rhett Reveals 'Full Transparency' Is Secret to Success with Wife at 2024 ACMs: She's the 'Best' (Exclusive) Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins married in 2012, and are parents to four daughters By Rachel DeSantis Rachel DeSantis Rachel DeSantis is a staff writer on the music team at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2019, and her work has previously appeared in Entertainment Weekly and the New York Daily News. People Editorial Guidelines and Brianne Tracy Brianne Tracy Brianne Tracy is a Staff Editor at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2016. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 17, 2024 12:35AM EDT Close Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins. Photo: Katie Kauss/ABC via Getty After more than a decade of marriage, Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren Akins have it figured out. The country star, 34, opened up to PEOPLE at the 2024 ACM Awards about his secret to success with Lauren, whom he married in October 2012. "[Lauren] is the best. I think just full transparency [is key]," he said. "I think really telling each other how you feel about whatever it may be. That's really helped us over... we've been married 12 years this fall." The couple first met in elementary school, and briefly dated in high school before reuniting as adults. Jelly Roll Reacts to Earning First ACMs Nominations — Including Entertainer of the Year: 'Insanity' (Exclusive) Thomas Rhett at the ACM Awards. Jason Kempin/Getty Check out PEOPLE's full ACM Awards coverage here. Over the years, they've welcomed daughters Willa Gray, 8½, Ada James, 6½, Lennon Love, 4, and Lillie Carolina, 2½. “Everybody's good," Thomas Rhett said of his girls. "They're just growing like weeds and into every sport you could ever imagine. But man, these are sweet times and I love to get to be a part of them. They always love to watch me on TV, so this one's for them.” On Mother's Day, Thomas Rhett gave a special shoutout to Lauren, 34, as well as his own mother and grandmother in a sweet Instagram post. Reba McEntire Details Her Backstage Rider for Upcoming 2024 ACM Awards Hosting Gig (Exclusive) "Surrounded by the best moms, stepmoms, and grandmas out there. Love y’all so much. Happy Mother’s Day yall!" he wrote. The musician is set to play his new song "Beautiful as You" at the ACMs, which will mark the song's live debut. The single serves as the first off his upcoming seventh studio album, which will be released in August. He told PEOPLE that he plans to release a new song every month until then. The 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards are streaming live on Prime Video from Ford Center at The Star in Texas.