From his days as a Division 1 quarterback to his current reign as one of country music’s most magnetic stars, Riley Green has built a career on the foundation of Southern authenticity. Known for his traditional sound and “no-frills” attitude, Riley has become a staple of modern country, blending blue-collar storytelling with a high-octane stadium energy.
As we move into 2026, Riley is at the pinnacle of his career, fresh off a sweep of industry awards and gearing up for his biggest tour yet. Here is the up-to-date biography of the “Duckman” himself.
Riley Green Biography
Born Johnathan Riley Green on October 18, 1988, in Jacksonville, Alabama, Riley grew up immersed in the sounds of traditional bluegrass and gospel. He credits his grandfathers, Bufford Green and Lendon Bond, for his deep appreciation of country music; Bufford even ran the Golden Saw Music Hall, where Riley first took the stage.
Before the bright lights of Nashville, Riley was an accomplished athlete. He played three sports in high school and was a quarterback at Jacksonville State University. After a stint on the CMT reality show Redneck Island, Riley moved to Nashville, eventually signing with Big Machine Label Group (now Nashville Harbor Records) in 2019.
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Career
Riley’s career took off with his debut single “There Was This Girl,” but it was the emotional “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” that turned him into a superstar. Since then, he has consistently released music that resonates with the “everyman.”
In 2024 and 2025, his career reached new heights. His third studio album, Don’t Mind If I Do, was released on his birthday in 2024, followed by a Deluxe version in late 2025. This era saw Riley transition from a beloved opening act to a premier headliner. In 2025, he won multiple ACM and CMA Awards, including Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year for his massive hit “You Look Like You Love Me.”
Riley Green Songs
He is known for writing songs that feel like an afternoon on the porch or a night at a tailgate:
- “There Was This Girl”: His first No. 1 hit.
- “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”: A platinum-certified tribute to his roots.
- “Half of Me” (feat. Thomas Rhett): A chart-topping anthem for the working class.
- “Worst Way”: A 2x-platinum “sexy” standout from his 2024 album.
- “You Look Like You Love Me” (feat. Ella Langley): A viral, award-winning 2024/2025 phenomenon.
- “Jesus Saves”: A raw, storytelling masterpiece that has become a fan favorite.
- “Change My Mind”: His first major radio single for 2026.
Riley Green Net Worth
As of early 2026, Riley Green’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $10 million to $12 million. This wealth is driven by back-to-back sold-out stadium and arena tours, high streaming numbers, and his ownership of Riley Green’s Duck Blind, a popular new bar in Nashville.
Family
Family is the heartbeat of Riley’s music. He often references his late grandfathers in his lyrics and remains incredibly close to his parents and two sisters. While he spends much of his time on the road or in Nashville, he famously still lives in his hometown of Jacksonville, Alabama, where he enjoys hunting and spending time with his family.
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Relationships and Dating Rumors
Riley Green and Ella Langley
The chemistry between Riley and Ella Langley in their hit song “You Look Like You Love Me” sparked one of the biggest “are they or aren’t they?” debates of 2024 and 2025. Fans were convinced their on-stage heat was real, but in December 2025, Riley officially set the record straight, stating he is “single” and that the two are simply close friends and collaborators who “fans want to believe are in love because of the music.”
Riley Green and Megan Moroney
Rumors of a romance with fellow star Megan Moroney dominated the headlines throughout 2025. From “detective” fans spotting them on the same vacation in St. Barts to being seen together at the airport after the ACM Awards, the gossip was relentless. However, the rumors took a turn in late 2025 when Megan was seen mouthing the words “He fed up!”* to a fan wearing a Riley Green shirt during one of her concerts. As of 2026, Riley continues to state he is “pretty damn single.”
Controversies
Riley has largely kept a clean image, though he faced some criticism early in his career for the song “Bury Me in Dixie,” which contained a line referencing Robert E. Lee. He took the song down from streaming services in 2019, clarifying that it was about his Southern heritage and audio quality rather than a political statement. In 2025, he faced minor “internet drama” regarding his alleged love triangle with Langley and Moroney, which he navigated with his trademark “good ol’ boy” humor.
Riley Green Age and Now
As of January 2026, Riley Green is 37 years old. He is currently preparing for his massive 2026 headlining “Cowboy As It Gets Tour”, which will hit major arenas across the United States. He also recently made headlines for being named PEOPLE magazine’s “Sexiest Country Star” of 2025.
On Instagram (@rileyduckman), he shares updates on his “Duck Blind” bar, his hunting trips, and tour highlights with his 2.8 million+ followers.
Conclusion
Riley Green is proof that you don’t have to change who you are to reach the top. By staying true to his Alabama roots and his traditional country sound, he has earned the respect of both the industry and a massive, loyal fanbase. As he kicks off his most ambitious year yet in 2026, Riley remains exactly who he’s always been: a storyteller with a guitar and a heart for home.
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