Country Star Ty Herndon: 'I'm an Out, Proud and Happy Gay Man'!

Five years ago, country singer Ty Herndon finally recognized that he had a very important story to share. 

"During an Anthony Robbins seminar, I realized I had an incredible story that could possibly help someone's son or daughter or grandchild's life not be as difficult as mine has been," he tells PEOPLE. "Maybe they wouldn't have to go through as much pain and suffering. It's time to tell my truth." 

 

That "truth" is about a part of himself he has kept secret for his entire career: "I'm an out, proud and happy gay man," the Nashville artist revealed to PEOPLE during a sit-down in New York Tuesday. (Herndon appears on Entertainment Tonight Thursday at 7 p.m. ET, his first TV interview about his journey.) 

The revelation was many years in the making for the 51-year-old singer, who first wondered if he was gay when he was about 10 years old and then began coming out to close family members at 20. 

"My mother probably knew I was gay before I did. I remember sitting down with her and having the conversation," recalls Herndon, noting his career path in country worried her. But, ultimately, "she was more concerned about me having a happy life. You have to be able to do that in your own skin, and [my family] has seen me struggle with being gay my whole career." 

Click here to read the rest of the story at People Magazine