Country Star Ty Herndon Releases Memoir Detailing Addiction, Coming Out

Country music star Ty Herndon is set to release his memoir, "What Mattered Most," on March 31, 2026, via Dey Street Books. The book offers a candid and intimate account of his 30-year career, including his struggles with addiction, mental health, and his groundbreaking decision to come out as the first openly gay male country superstar. Herndon reflects on his personal and professional challenges, such as arrests, marriages, lawsuits, secret relationships, and a near-fatal relapse in 2020, sharing his journey of resilience and survival. Co-written with David Ritz, the memoir aims to inspire readers to embrace their own stories with hope and authenticity. Herndon describes the book as his full truth, going beyond the pieces of his life he has shared through music and interviews, and hopes it encourages others to find courage in their own experiences. Throughout, his trademark humor, warmth, and wisdom shine, making the memoir not only about survival but also about choosing love and authenticity against all odds.