Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” Becomes First Country Song to Go Double Diamond

Chris Stapleton Makes Country Music History

Chris Stapleton’s magical rendition of “Tennessee Whiskey” has officially become the first country song ever to be certified RIAA Double Diamond, a certification that signifies more than 20 million units sold in the United States.

This landmark achievement marks a major achievement for country music and strengthens the song’s place as one of the genre’s all-time biggest hits.

Historic Sales and RIAA Recognition

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) awarded the double-diamond certification on January 12, 2026, making “Tennessee Whiskey” the highest-certified country single in U.S. history.

Previously, no country song had reached this threshold, which includes physical sales, digital downloads, and streaming equivalents.

Stapleton’s track now joins an elite group of only three songs across all genres to earn double-diamond status — alongside Bruno Mars’ “Just the Way You Are” and Post Malone & Swae Lee’s “Sunflower.”

A Song with a Rich Legacy

Originally written by Dean Dillon and Linda Hargrove in 1981 and first recorded by David Allan Coe, “Tennessee Whiskey” became a breakout hit worldwide after Stapleton included his cover on his 2015 album Traveller.

His powerful performance at the 2015 Country Music Association Awards, including a memorable duet with Justin Timberlake, helped propel the song into mainstream success — where it has continued to resonate with fans more than a decade later.

RIAA Applauds Stapleton’s Impact

RIAA Chairman & CEO Mitch Glazier praised Stapleton’s achievement, highlighting his “undeniable vocal grit and storytelling” and noting that the song’s appeal has connected deeply with listeners over time. The RIAA called the certification a “remarkable achievement” and a defining moment for Stapleton’s career.

Enduring Popularity

Even ten years after its release, “Tennessee Whiskey” remains a staple on streaming platforms and radio, continuing to draw new listeners and celebrating Stapleton’s influence in modern country music.

This milestone not only honors a singular song but also underscores the broadening global reach and commercial strength of country music itself.

What’s in Lyrics that made it so special?

Used to spend my nights out in a barroom
Liquor was the only love I’d known
But you rescued me from reachin’ for the bottom
And brought me back from being too far gone

You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time

I’ve looked for love in all the same old places
Found the bottom of a bottle’s always dry
But when you poured out your heart, I didn’t waste it
‘Cause there’s nothing like your love to get me high

You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time

You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
You’re as sweet as strawberry wine
You’re as warm as a glass of brandy
And honey, I stay stoned on your love all the time

You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey

You’re as smooth as Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey
Tennessee whiskey