In today’s digital age, a musician’s online presence can be just as crucial as their music, and country star Thomas Rhett appears to understand that all too well. In a bold move to capture social media attention, Rhett seemingly went to extreme lengths—getting a face tattoo dedicated to his wife, Lauren.
A Valentine’s Day Surprise—Or Just a Clever Prank?
In a February 2025 Instagram reel, Rhett stunned fans with a video showing him getting the name “Lauren” tattooed in cursive across his cheek. The tribute appeared to be a nod to his wife and the inspiration behind his August 2024 album, About a Woman—a fitting gesture just ahead of Valentine’s Day.
However, a closer look at the video reveals the truth: the tattoo isn’t real. The stunt, designed to generate buzz, quickly fooled many Instagram users who expressed shock and disbelief in the comments.
“They said we needed content,” Rhett joked in his caption, playfully acknowledging the pressure artists face to create viral moments. The video, which features him singing After All The Bars Are Closed—the sixth track from About a Woman—captures a tattoo artist clad in pink latex gloves appearing to ink his face. To make the illusion even more convincing, the production team left part of the word “Lauren” in a purple stencil, with the rest appearing freshly inked in black.
A Nod to Country Music’s Tattooed Stars
Even if Rhett had followed through with the tattoo, he wouldn’t be the first country artist to sport ink on his face. He tagged Post Malone, Jelly Roll, and Teddy Swims—all known for their extensive facial tattoos—asking for their thoughts on his “new look.”
Before Rhett even mentioned Post Malone, fans had already drawn comparisons, with many commenting on the similarities. Of course, if Rhett were aiming for a truly Post Malone-inspired aesthetic, he’d need a dozen more tattoos across his forehead, cheeks, and eyebrows.
Fans Weigh In on the Hilarious Stunt
The reaction to Rhett’s prank was a mix of amusement, skepticism, and humor. Some fans praised his marketing genius, while others played along with the joke.
“I’m thinking next you do all four girls on your forehead… then maybe ‘Go Vols!’ on your other cheek to really show [Lauren] how much you love her,” one user quipped, referencing Rhett’s daughters and his Tennessee roots.
Regardless of the reactions, the stunt was a viral success—keeping fans rewatching After All The Bars Are Closed to double-check whether the tattoo was real.
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