Have you been wondering about Shay Mooney’s height and how it compares to his musical partner Dan Smyers? You’re not alone – this is one of the most searched questions about the Dan + Shay country music star.
James Shay Mooney stands at 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.73 meters), which makes him 2 inches shorter than his duo partner Dan Smyers who’s 5’10”. This height difference has actually become part of their signature stage presence and visual dynamic.
I’ve been covering celebrity news for over 15 years, and I’ve noticed fans are always curious about their favorite stars’ physical stats. Beyond just his height, there’s so much more to discover about this Grammy-winning duo member who’s transformed modern country music with his incredible voice and songwriting skills.
Shay Mooney Bio/Wiki
| Personal Information | Details |
| Full Name | James Shay Mooney |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73m) |
| Age | 33 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthday | December 27, 1991 |
| Birthplace | Natural Dam, Arkansas |
| Wife | Hannah Billingsley Mooney |
| Children | 4 sons: Asher, Ames, Abram, Aubrey |
| Profession | Country music singer, songwriter |
| Net Worth | $5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Education | Union Christian Academy |
Shay Mooney Personal Background
Let me tell you about Shay Mooney’s humble beginnings in Natural Dam, Arkansas. According to Shay’s IMDb profile he was born on December 27, 1991, he grew up in the kind of small-town atmosphere that shapes many country music stories.
His real name is James Shay Mooney, and he’s currently 33 years old as of 2025. Growing up in rural Arkansas, he attended Union Christian Academy where his musical talents first started showing.
What I find fascinating is how his Arkansas roots still influence his music today. That authentic country storytelling you hear in Dan + Shay songs? It comes straight from those early years in Natural Dam.
Early Musical Career
Before becoming half of the Grammy-winning duo, Shay Mooney tried his hand at a solo career. Can you imagine him performing without Dan Smyers? It almost happened differently.
He actually signed with T-Pain’s Nappy Boy Entertainment label early in his career. This experience in hip-hop influenced music gave him unique insights into blending genres – something that would later make Dan + Shay stand out.
The Nashville music scene was tough for a young artist from Arkansas. But this struggle taught him the business side of music and prepared him for the partnership that would change his life forever.
Formation of Dan + Shay
The magic moment happened in December 2012 at a Nashville party. Dan Smyers was hosting, and when Shay Mooney showed up, everything clicked instantly.
“We performed together for the first time and started writing the day after we met,” Shay recalls. Within just two months, they had multiple publishing deals knocking on their door.
Their first collaboration was actually put on hold for Rascal Flatts. Think about that – their very first song together was good enough for an established country group. That’s when you know you’ve got something special.
Professional Success and Achievements
Dan + Shay has racked up some serious numbers since 2013. We’re talking over 10 billion global streams and three consecutive Grammy Awards for Best Country Duo/Group Performance from 2019 to 2021.
Their debut single “19 You + Me” launched a career that would see hits like “Tequila,” “Speechless,” and their massive collaboration with Justin Bieber on “10,000 Hours.” Each song showcases Shay Mooney’s distinctive vocal range.
What sets them apart is how they’ve bridged traditional country storytelling with pop sensibilities. Music critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine noted they create “country-pop so smooth it would also sound at home on adult contemporary radio.”
Their chart success includes:
- Where It All Began (2014) – Hit #1 on Billboard US Top Country Albums chart
- Obsessed (2016)
- Dan + Shay (2018) – Self-titled breakthrough
- Good Things (2021)
- Bigger Houses (2023)
- It’s Officially Christmas: The Double Album (2024)
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Shay Mooney Personal Life and Family
Shay Mooney’s love story with Hannah Billingsley reads like a country song itself. She was Miss Arkansas, and their first meeting happened at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville on March 11, 2015.
Here’s the romantic part – on August 9, 2016, what Hannah thought was just an engagement turned into a surprise wedding. Shay had secretly arranged for family and friends to gather at a stone chapel.
They held their official ceremony on October 20, 2017 on the Mooney family property in Arkansas. Their son Asher James participated as a 9-month-old in a baby tuxedo, which had to be the cutest thing ever.
Hannah Billingsley Mooney now hosts her own podcast called “Unexpected with Hannah Love” where she discusses family life. She’s also appeared in Dan + Shay music videos including “Nothin’ Like You” and “10,000 Hours.”
Their four sons bring joy to their lives:
- Asher James Mooney (born January 24, 2017) – currently 8 years old
- Ames Alexander Mooney (born February 21, 2020) – currently 4 years old
- Abram Shay Mooney (born January 17, 2023) – currently 2 years old
- Aubrey Ellis Mooney (born January 21, 2025) – newborn at 7 lbs 9 ounces
Health and Personal Transformation
Shay Mooney’s weight loss journey starting in 2022 has been genuinely inspiring to watch. He lost approximately 50 pounds in just five months through a complete lifestyle overhaul.
“I was tired of feeling horrible all the time,” he explained to People magazine in September 2023. “I was too tired and rundown mentally to play with my kids when I got off the road.”
His approach included clean eating, cutting out alcohol, and walking seven miles daily plus weight training. But the mental health benefits surprised him most – his panic attacks completely disappeared after getting healthy and starting his sobriety journey.
Professional Challenges and Growth
Even successful partnerships face rough patches. In 2021, following their arena tour, Dan + Shay experienced a significant rift that led to four months without communication.
Dan Smyers was in “the lowest low of my entire life” and considered quitting music entirely. This challenging period nearly ended their partnership, but by March 2022, they had what Smyers called a “come-to-Jesus moment.”
“That night changed everything because we aired a lot of stuff out,” Smyers explained. Both artists credit their wives for helping them navigate this difficult time, with Hannah Mooney serving as Shay’s “lifeline” during the darkest moments.
Shay Mooney Television and Media Career
2024 marked a historic moment when Dan + Shay became the first duo to coach on The Voice. They introduced the “double chair” concept, making television history with this groundbreaking format.
Body language expert Judi James observed interesting dynamics during their Voice appearances, noting how the height difference between partners created unique on-screen chemistry.
Their other notable television appearances span various shows:
- The Bachelorette (June 7, 2016 episode)
- American Idol performance with Madison VanDenburg (May 19, 2019)
- The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo (2020)
- CMT Crossroads featuring Earth, Wind & Fire (2017)
Shay Mooney Net Worth
According to Comingsoon, Shay Mooney’s net worth sits at approximately $5 million as of 2025. This wealth stems from his successful music career with Dan + Shay, including album sales, touring revenue, and streaming royalties.
Their Gold and Platinum certifications from RIAA translate to serious money. The duo’s Warner Records Nashville partnership has been profitable, and their extensive catalog continues generating substantial royalties.
| Financial Breakdown | Details |
| Individual Net Worth | $5 million (2025 estimate) |
| Primary Income Source | Music career with Dan + Shay |
| Album Certifications | Multiple Gold/Platinum from RIAA |
| Streaming Revenue | Over 10 billion global streams |
| Record Label | Warner Records Nashville |
Current Status and Future
As of 2025, Shay Mooney is balancing fatherhood with his thriving music career. The recent birth of Aubrey Ellis in January marked another beautiful chapter in the Mooney family story.
He’s been open about pushing himself “to be a better father” and considering “what kind of future do I want for them?” This perspective drives both his personal choices and professional decisions.
Dan + Shay continues creating music that reflects authentic experiences. Their influence on country music keeps growing as they reach audiences far beyond typical country demographics.
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Conclusion
Shay Mooney has come a long way from that small-town Arkansas kid with big dreams. His 5’8″ height might make him the shorter half of Dan + Shay, but his voice and talent tower over the competition.
What strikes me most about Shay’s journey is how he’s managed to stay grounded while achieving massive success. From his transformation to his dedication as a father of four, he shows that personal growth matters as much as professional achievement.
The future looks bright for this 33-year-old country star. With baby Aubrey bringing new joy to the family and Dan + Shay continuing to push boundaries, Shay Mooney proves that sometimes the best things come in perfectly sized packages.
FAQ About Shay Mooney
Q: How tall is Shay Mooney exactly?
Shay Mooney is 5 feet 8 inches tall (1.73 meters), making him 2 inches shorter than his partner Dan Smyers.
Q: What is Shay Mooney’s net worth in 2025?
His estimated net worth is approximately $5 million, earned through his successful music career with Dan + Shay.
Q: How many children does Shay Mooney have?
Shay and Hannah have four sons: Asher, Ames, Abram, and newborn Aubrey Ellis born in January 2025.
Q: What was Shay Mooney’s transformation secret?
He lost 50 pounds through clean eating, no alcohol, walking seven miles daily, and weight training starting in 2022.
Q: Where is Shay Mooney from originally?
He was born and raised in Natural Dam, Arkansas, which influences his authentic country storytelling style.
Q: When did Dan + Shay first meet and form their duo?
They met at Dan Smyers’ Nashville party in December 2012 and started writing together the very next day.
Q: What are Dan + Shay’s biggest hit songs?
Their major hits include “Tequila,” “Speechless,” “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber, and “19 You + Me.”
Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on public sources and is accurate as of August 2025.
My name is Luna, the editor and publisher of SportsWane.com. With 9 years of experience writing and editing for many blog sites, I loves to sharing fun and interesting sports stories. I works hard to bring clear, honest, and exciting sports news that fans enjoy reading. When not writing, I enjoys watching games and learning new facts about players and teams. SportsWane is all about simple, true, and cool sports content for everyone to enjoy.
