University of Georgia's Class of 2018 were treated to words of wisdom from two members of one of the biggest acts in country music. Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum returned to their alma mater on May 4 as commencement speakers, and they offered sound words of advice to new graduates before performing a classic song that is personal to their home state.

The Augusta, Ga., natives took turns imparting life lessons they've learned since their days at UGA, with Kelley encouraging the graduates that now is the time to take risks and follow passions.

"The thing that has brought me the most happiness is chasing my dream," he says. "There's so many options for you guys. Don't think you only have one clear path and one clear direction ... Go jump off the deepend a little bit while you're young."

Both he and Haywood graduated from UGA in 2004 and have degrees in business administration. They were honest in their speeches, with Kelley admitting that even a dream job will feel like work at times, but to not lose sight of what you love.

"To have those few moments of pure passion and purpose I think is what life's all about. I hope all of you can find that," he says.

Watch Lady Antebellum's Charles and Dave Sing "Georgia on My Mind"

A speech from two music stars wouldn't be complete without a song, and Haywood and Kelley treated the crowd to a beautiful and fitting performance, singing an acoustic rendition of the famous Ray Charles hit "Georgia on My Mind," which brought the graduates to their feet.

Lady Antebellum's co-headlining 2018 Summer Plays on Tour with Darius Rucker launches July 19 and runs through October.

See Which Country Stars Have College Degrees

 

More From Taste of Country