**Ty Herndon Reflects on Past Struggles and Embraces a Bright Future with New Memoir**
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Acclaimed country singer Ty Herndon has recently released his memoir, *What Mattered Most: A Memoir*, in which he candidly recounts his tumultuous journey through sexuality, addiction, and mental health. The book comes at a time of personal renewal for the artist, who, after marrying his husband Alex Schwartz in early 2023, is planning for a future filled with family and stability.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Herndon, now 63, discusses the significant changes in his life since publicly coming out as gay in 2014. He reflects on his challenging past, including harrowing experiences of substance abuse and multiple suicide attempts, leading to a newfound appreciation for life and love.
“I’m living a normal life now, and that reality brings me immense joy,” expressed Herndon. The transformation he has experienced is profound; he describes a life characterized by routines such as house payments, pet ownership, and the prospect of expanding his family. “Normal for me today is nothing like what normal looked like for me then,” he emphasised.
Herndon recalls a light-hearted moment at the GLAAD Awards, where fellow celebrity Colton Underwood questioned whether he was ready for this newfound normalcy. Herndon enthusiastically affirmed his readiness, expressing that he had yearned for such a life for as long as he could remember. “It’s what I always wanted, but it just didn’t seem possible back then,” he remarked.
Reflecting on their marriage, which began with an intimate ceremony followed by a more lavish celebration later in 2023, the couple is now engaged in discussions about starting a family. “We’re talking about kids next year,” Herndon shared, highlighting his excitement about a future that once seemed unattainable. He also mentioned plans for home expansion, indicating a desire to create a nurturing environment for potential children.
Since Herndon’s coming out, societal progress regarding LGBTQ+ rights has been significant, including the landmark Supreme Court ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges, which legalised same-sex marriage across the United States in 2015. The singer acknowledges how this shift has positively influenced LGBTQ+ families. He shared anecdotes about receiving support from the younger generation, including his nephew, who remarked on how common same-sex parents have become among his peers.
“The kids today just see it as normal,” he noted. Herndon’s humorous observations included a quip from his nephew who found out about his sexuality and described him as “just a plain, old boring gay.” This unexpected response brought Herndon immense satisfaction, affirming that he had reached a point in his life where being unremarkable was a source of pride.
The themes of hope and acceptance feature prominently in *What Mattered Most*, revealing the resilience that has shaped Herndon’s life. The memoir serves not only as a personal account but as a beacon of inspiration for others navigating similar paths.
As he embraces this stable chapter, Herndon is determined to use his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ acceptance. His journey is a testament to the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead. Reflecting on the importance of sharing his story, Herndon added, “I want to show that there is a light at the end of the tunnel, no matter how dark it feels.”
For those looking to delve deeper into Ty Herndon’s inspiring narrative, *What Mattered Most: A Memoir* is available now, offering both a reflection on his past and a vision for a hopeful future. As he steps into this new phase of life, Herndon’s story resonates with a message of perseverance, love, and normalcy that many can relate to and draw strength from.