Ty Herndon says that by coming out publicly and sharing his story about being gay, he believes he can help a lot of people.
"Maybe they wouldn't have to go through as much pain and suffering. It's time to tell my truth," Herndon said during an interview with People in New York Tuesday (Nov. 18).
"I'm an out, proud and happy gay man," the country star added.
In an "Entertainment Tonight" interview airing tonight (Nov. 20), Herndon talks candidly about his current relationship.
"I have an awesome relationship that I've been in for a good number of years," Herndon told "ET's" Nischelle Turner. "[I] love him very much and he loves me."
Now clean and sober from battling past drug addictions, the singer acknowledged that he's ready for a married future with Matt, his partner of five years.
"God, I'm hoping he asks me right after this interview!" he joked. "I do want children one day, you know. I do want to be married one day."
In discussing his coming out to his fans and the country music world, Herndon said, "I've dreamed about being in country music since I was 6 years old. It's my life, it's what I do, it's who I am, and I went to great lengths to cover up that fact to be a country star."
Herndon exploded onto the country music charts with a string of hit singles, including "What Mattered Most," "Living in a Moment" and "It Must Be Love."
In 1995, he was charged with indecent exposure for allegedly exposing himself to a police officer in Fort Worth, Texas. The charge was later dropped in a plea bargain.
"I have made a lot of mistakes in my life. They've been my mistakes, and I own them," Herndon told People. "I've done a lot of work around forgiveness with people that I've hurt and people I've not been honest with because of my sexuality."
