At the age of 82, Lee Greenwood remains one of the most enduring figures in American country music. Known worldwide for his iconic anthem God Bless the U.S.A. Greenwood continues to capture attention not just for his timeless music but also for his active public appearances. Most recently, he performed the national anthem during the memorial service for conservative political activist, Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium on September 21, 2025. He was joined by Christian musicians, Brandon Lake and Phil Wickham.
From chart-topping singles in the 1980s to cultural milestones during presidential campaigns and national crises, Greenwood has built a reputation as a famous country star and a patriotic symbol. Let’s take a look at his early life, musical rise, and impressive net worth in 2025.
Lee Greenwood’s early life and roots in music
Born Melvin Lee Greenwood on October 27, 1942, in South Gate, California, Greenwood grew up in Sacramento on his grandparents’ farm after his parents separated. Music was part of his upbringing from the very beginning, his mother was a piano player, and Greenwood began singing in church at the age of seven. In the early 1960s, he founded his first band, The Apollos, which later became the Lee Greenwood Affair. For years, he performed in Las Vegas casinos, working as a blackjack dealer during the day and singing at night. In 1979, his life changed when he was discovered by Larry McFadden, bassist for Mel Tillis, who helped secure him a record deal with MCA Nashville.
Lee Greenwood’s breakthrough in country music
Greenwood’s breakthrough came in 1981 with the release of his debut single It Turns Me Inside Out. The song made the country Top 20 and set the stage for a series of hits throughout the 1980s. Over the course of his career, Greenwood charted 33 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, with seven reaching the No. 1 spot. Some of them were, Somebody’s Gonna Love You, Going, Going, Gone, Dixie Road and Hearts Aren’t Made to Break. In 1983, his single, I.O.U. also crossed over to the pop and adult contemporary charts, showcasing his versatility beyond the country genre.
The song that defined Lee Greenwood’s career: God Bless the U.S.A.
In 1984, Greenwood released God Bless the U.S.A., a patriotic anthem that would become his lifelong signature. The song originally peaked at No. 7 on the country charts, but its true legacy grew over time. It resurfaced during key moments in American history, like the 1984 Republican National Convention, where it was featured in a film about Ronald Reagan. Greenwood performed it for George H.W. Bush’s presidential campaign in 1988. During the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks, the song re-entered the Billboard charts and became one of the most played songs nationwide. Today, the song is considered one of America’s most recognised patriotic ballads.
What is Lee Greenwood’s Net Worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Lee Greenwood’s net worth is estimated at USD 7 million. His fortune comes primarily from his country music career, where he has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide. Beyond music sales, Greenwood’s wealth also comes from decades of live performances, royalties from his patriotic anthem, business ventures like his Tennessee theatre, and television appearances.
Lee Greenwood’s other career highlights
Greenwood won a Grammy Award for Best Male Country Vocal Performance and has earned multiple nominations throughout his career. He has over 20 studio albums and has collectively sold millions of copies. In 1995, Greenwood built a theatre in Sevierville, Tennessee, allowing him to perform daily shows while staying close to his family. The theatre operated for five seasons before closing. In 2008, Greenwood was nominated by President George W. Bush to serve on the National Council on the Arts, a role he held until 2021.
Lee Greenwood’s personal life and romantic history
Greenwood’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional one. He has been married five times, although one of those marriages was to the same woman twice. His current wife, Kimberly Payne, a former Miss Tennessee U.S.A., is 25 years his junior. Together, they share two sons, Dalton and Parker. Greenwood also has children from his earlier marriages, making him a father of six in total. He first got married at the age of 17 to his first wife, Edna, whom he later divorced and remarried. His second wife was Melanie Cronk, and the third was Roberta Taylor. However, not much information on his relationships is publicly available.
Lee Greenwood’s recent performances and projects
Even in his 80s, Greenwood continues to perform. After his latest performance at Charlie Kirk‘s memorial, he is set to return to Alabama for the launch of the Village Green at Clift Farms, a community space in Madison, where he will perform a free public concert. As of 2025, with a net worth of USD 7 million, Greenwood continues to tour, perform at major national events, and inspire audiences. Whether through moments of national pride or personal nostalgia, his music remains deeply ingrained in the American life.
Lee Greenwood remains a deeply important and celebrated figure in American history.
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