Luke Combs’s Wedding Songs: The Story Behind “Forever After All”

When country music sensation Luke Combs dropped "Forever After All," it turned into more than just a number-one single. The song, a powerful letter to his wife, Nicole Hocking, has now taken on a life of its own, and lucky fans everywhere have come to love it. Combs wrote the song back in January of 2019, shortly after he and Hocking had moved into their new home in Tennessee. The song acts as an emotional reminder of Combs's love, and the current love story of his life as a love-struck musician.

Combs penned "Forever After All" in January 2019 — the first song he wrote in his new house with Nicole. Co-written with Drew Parker and Rob Williford, the track continues the love story Combs began telling in earlier hits like "Beautiful Crazy" and "Better Together." The intimacy of writing it in the home they shared infused the song with authenticity and warmth. As Combs himself put it, "'Forever After All' doesn't happen without my wife, Nicole."

Although the song was not officially released as a single, it entered the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart at No. 1, a rare occurrence at the time, demonstrating the immediate emotional and cultural impact of the song. It was also a huge moment for the digital age of country music to show that organic storytelling with heart could still have a way into those larger platforms and experiences.

At its core, "Forever After All" captures the belief in love that withstands time. Through vivid imagery, Combs contrasts fleeting things — like the fizz in a cold beer or the mileage on a pickup truck — with a love that defies all odds. The iconic line, They say nothing lasts forever / But they ain't seen us together strikes at the heart of the song's message: some bonds are built to endure.

Each verse radiates personal devotion, from the subtle nods to Nicole's influence in his life to his promise of unwavering support. The lyrics resonate not only because they're romantic, but because they're grounded in the simplicity and honesty that define Combs's style. The track is an intimate portrait of his relationship and a universal anthem for lifelong love.

Luke Combs and Nicole Hocking first crossed paths at the 30A Songwriters Festival in Florida in 2016. Their bond blossomed quickly, rooted in shared values and a mutual appreciation for authenticity. By November 2018, they were engaged, and on August 1, 2020, they exchanged vows in an intimate beachfront ceremony in southern Florida — scaled down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The couple's family grew with the birth of their first son, Tex Lawrence Combs, in June 2022, followed by Beau Lee Combs in August 2023. Throughout their relationship, Nicole has been a muse for Combs. In addition to "Forever After All," she inspired love-centric hits like "Beautiful Crazy" and "Better Together," each serving as a milestone in their journey together.

Their shared journey has not only influenced Luke's personal growth but also deepened the emotional substance of his music. Fans often cite his openness about their love as one of the reasons they feel such a strong personal connection to his songs. Nicole's presence in his songwriting reminds listeners of the beauty in everyday love stories.

The response to "Forever After All" was immediate and overwhelming. Its release saw its debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart — an impressive achievement for a non-single. Fans gravitated toward its sincerity, and it quickly became a staple at weddings across the country. The emotional weight behind the lyrics made it a popular first-dance choice, further embedding the song into moments of real-life romance.

Combs's orchestral performance of the song at the 2021 ACM Awards showcased its versatility and depth, revealing layers that resonated beyond its studio version. The track earned critical praise for its lyrical integrity and emotional resonance, cementing its place as one of the defining ballads in modern country music.

"Forever After All" is more than a love song; it's a career-defining statement. Released as part of Combs's 2020 deluxe album What You See Ain't Always What You Get, the song represents the culmination of his narrative arc about love, beginning with earlier tributes to Nicole.

The music video adds another layer to the track's legacy by featuring real footage from Luke and Nicole's wedding. This visual authenticity elevates the song's emotional depth, transforming it into a visual love letter that complements its lyrical tone.

By embedding his personal experiences into his music, Combs has carved out a space as one of country music's premier romantic balladeers. "Forever After All" fits seamlessly into his discography and stands as a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution, blending personal milestones with universal themes of love and devotion.

"Forever After All" represents the best of what country music offers — raw emotion, relatable storytelling, and deeply personal connections. Luke Combs's tribute to his wife is more than just a hit song; it's a shared experience that has touched hearts across the globe. From its creation in their Tennessee home to its orchestral live renditions and viral wedding playlists, the song is a living, breathing part of Combs's legacy.

In Luke Combs's own words, "This song is the next chapter in our story." As fans continue to connect with "Forever After All," it becomes clear that this chapter is not only his — it belongs to all who believe in love that stands the test of time.