I'm a happy gay man: Country singer Ty Herndon

Country singer Ty Herndon says he is a proud and happy gay man. He says his mother was the first person to know his sexual orientation.

In an interview to people.com, the Nashville artiste opened up about his "incredible story that could possibly help someone's son or daughter or grandchild's life not be as difficult as mine has been".

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," he said.

The 52-year-old singer 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," recalled Herndon, noting that his career path in country music 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."