Aldean: US citizens ‘live in the best country in the world,’ have chance to achieve ‘American Dream’

Jason Aldean reflected on why he is proud of America ahead of the country celebrating Independence Day.

The 47-year-old country star explained what being an American citizen means to him during an interview with Fox News Digital at the Academy of Country Music Awards rehearsals.

“I think being American to me just means freedom,” Aldean said. “We live in the best country in the world.

He continued, “I mean, there’s a reason that everybody else wants to be here and wants to come here. It’s because they don’t have what we have. And so, I’m still very proud of that and proud of our country, even though sometimes it gets a little sideways and a little hard to recognize sometimes.”

“But I think we live in the best country in the world,” Aldean added. “I mean, we get the chance to go and still have the American dream. You can come from nothing and build something and make something out of your life, out of yourself and change your life, your family’s life.”

“And I think we still have the ability to do that in this country, which is pretty cool.”

At the ACMs, Aldean paid tribute to the late Toby Keith with a performance of the legendary country singer’s hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Accompanied by a string quartet, Aldean’s moving rendition of the song drew a strong reaction from the crowd, many of whom joined in and sang along.

“We love you, Toby,” Aldean said at the end of his performance.

While speaking with Fox News Digital, the “Dirt Road Anthem” singer said the best piece of advice that longtime friend Keith gave him was to “never apologize for being patriotic.”

“Just being not afraid to speak your mind, stand up for what you believe in,” he explained. “Whether other people agree with it or not, be who you are and be unapologetic about it. And I think that’s pretty good advice.”