Country Star Luke Combs Opens Up About His 'Wicked' Health Condition

Beneath the success and the spotlight, Luke Combs has been fighting a battle few knew about. In a recent interview, the country star spoke openly about a condition that has sometimes taken control of his life.

Country music star Luke Combs is shedding light on his battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The 35-year-old singer recently spoke about his experience in an interview with "60 Minutes Australia," revealing the challenges he has faced since childhood.

Combs shared that he has dealt with OCD since he was 12. His specific form, known as "pure O," primarily affects his thoughts rather than causing visible compulsions. He described it as a condition that leads to unwanted thoughts, which can spiral out of control.

"It's thoughts, essentially, that you don't want to have," Combs explained. He called his condition "particularly wicked" because there were no obvious outward signs. The disorder, he said, has held him back at times, interfering with his success and even derailing months of progress.

"When you're trying to accomplish something, you're doing really great, and then you have a flare-up," he said. "It just ruins your whole life for six months. And then you're back to where you started."

Fans have since responded to his openness, praising his honesty. One person wrote on X, "Takes true grit to share this." Combs' revelation adds to a growing conversation about mental health, particularly in the entertainment industry.

This isn't the first time Luke Combs has spoken about his struggles. In a 2022 interview, the country singer revealed that he has battled anxiety for years. "It's something that I always struggle with," he said.

His first experience with anxiety began in middle school and followed him through college. Over time, he learned to manage it, finding ways to navigate the challenges. Despite the difficulties, Combs has continued to push forward in his personal life and career.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), the condition Combs struggles with, is a long-term mental health disorder. It involves uncontrollable and recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These symptoms can be time-consuming and disruptive, often interfering with daily life.

However, treatment options exist. With the right support, people with OCD can manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Combs' willingness to share his journey adds to the growing conversation about mental health, encouraging others to seek help when needed.

In November 2024, Combs committed to putting his health first — for himself and his young sons, Tex and Beau Combs.

The country star revealed that he had made a significant lifestyle change after noticing a worsening of his anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. "Surprisingly, this is the least country thing I've ever said: [I'm] gluten-free now," Combs shared in an interview.

During a break from touring, he experienced a severe flare-up of his symptoms, describing them as "crippling" at times. Concerned about his well-being, he decided to look deeper into his health. He found a doctor in Nashville and underwent a food sensitivity test, which revealed a strong reaction to gluten.

Although research suggests that eliminating gluten can help manage moods in individuals with sensitivities, experts note that it may not be a universal solution for all mental health conditions. However, for Combs, the change made a noticeable difference.

"Ever since eliminating that, man, it's changed my life mentally," he said. He also experienced unexpected physical changes but insisted weight loss was never the goal. More than anything, Combs said his motivation comes from his family. He wants to be his best self for his sons and wife, Nicole Hocking.

Combs emphasized that longevity is his goal, recognizing that raising children requires him to be in top physical and mental form.

Despite the progress, he acknowledged that the journey remains challenging. He described it as a long and difficult process he continues to navigate daily.