TORONTO — Country singers Ty Herndon and Billy Gilman came out as gay just hours apart on Thursday.
In an interview that aired on ET, Herndon said he went to “great lengths” to hide his sexuality from his country music peers and fans — including getting married twice to women who knew he was gay.
“I had a lot of people around me that I trusted,” said the 52-year-old, “and I was like, ‘Hey, you know this about me but the world doesn’t. So I’m gonna need to call on your services for a little while.’”
Herndon, who sought treatment to deal with drug and alcohol problems, said he hopes sharing his experiences will help young people struggling with their orientation.
“Maybe they wouldn’t have to go through as much pain and suffering,” he told People.
Herndon said he and his partner Matt have been together for six years.
“I’m a gay man, and I’m looking forward to living the rest of my life authentically and happy,” he said.
Herndon had a No. 1 hit in 1995 with his debut single “What Mattered Most” and followed with the hits “Living in a Moment” and “It Must be Love.”
He released the album Lies I Told Myself last year.
Also on Thursday, country singer Billy Gilman posted a video online declaring that he, too, is gay.
The 26-year-old credited Herndon for giving him the courage to come out publicly.
Gilman was only 12 years old when he had his first hit, “One Voice.” He went on to sell 5 million records.
Now living in Rhode Island with his partner of five months, Gilman admitted he is scared about how fans — and the country music industry — will react.
“I know some people won’t agree with this, and that’s OK,” he said. “To each his own.
“But it was time for me to be honest and to be truthful.”
BELOW: Watch Billy Gilman come out to his fans.
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