How do Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith and other stars balance home life and music?

Country Weekly asked some of country’s top stars to share their secrets for keeping both their careers and families going strong. Alan Jackson reveals that it’s important to simply stay grounded. “[Wife] Denise and I started dating when we were in high school,” explains Alan, “so for the first 10 years of our marriage I was an ‘average guy.’ And Denise has reminded me over the years, ‘No one was throwing themselves at you when you worked second shift at the Kmart warehouse.’ That has been a good thing to remember.” Trace Adkins follows a similar path with his family. “My children have always kept me grounded, because to them, I’m just dad,” says Trace. “They’re not impressed by my celebrity, which keeps it in perspective.” Also featured in this cover story are Rodney Atkins and his family, Keith Urban and wife Nicole Kidman, and the families of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry.

To read this story, pick up the Nov. 5 issue of Country Weekly, on newsstands now.

~Courtesy of Country WeeklyCountry Music Photo Gallery