WHAT MATTERED MOST
by Ty Herndon with David Ritz
On Sale Now Here
| (Nashville, Tenn. – March 31, 2026) – Trailblazing country music artist Ty Herndon opens his heart like never before with the release of his memoir, What Mattered Most (Now available from Dey Street Books). In this candid and inspiring work, Herndon pulls back the curtain on a remarkable career marked by chart-topping success and deeply personal battles behind the scenes. “The memoir is moving, and the reader can’t help but root for this affable, well-intentioned man who has had to battle more than his share of demons.” – Kirkus Reviews “Country singer Herndon debuts with an affecting chronicle of his struggles with addiction and coming to terms with his sexuality. It’s a raw account of one man’s jagged path to self-acceptance.” – Publishers Weekly With unflinching honesty, Herndon shares his struggles with addiction and mental health, his groundbreaking decision to become the first openly gay male country superstar, and the resilience it took to endure more than three decades in the music industry. Infused with his trademark humor, warmth, and hard-earned wisdom, the memoir offers a powerful story of survival – and of choosing hope, authenticity, and love against all odds. “Writing What Mattered Most has been one of the most vulnerable and rewarding experiences of my life,” says Herndon. “This book is my truth – the highs, the heartbreaks, the lessons, and the love that have shaped me as a man, an artist, and a survivor. My hope is that in telling my story, others will find the courage to embrace theirs, no matter how messy or beautiful it may be.” Herndon’s journey began at the Opryland theme park as a member of The Tennessee River Boys, the group that would later become Diamond Rio. After signing with Epic Records, he rose to fame in 1995 with his chart-topping debut single “What Mattered Most,” the first of seventeen Billboard hits. But behind the success was a life far from easy. Herndon faced addiction, mental health struggles, and the pressure of hiding his true identity in a traditionally conservative industry. His journey included an arrest, marriages, lawsuits, secret relationships, and a devastating relapse in 2020. On New Year’s Day 2021, he reached a breaking point that nearly cost him his life – ultimately leading to intensive rehab and a long-overdue confrontation with the traumas he had carried for decades. From those darkest moments came renewed purpose – first expressed in his deeply personal song “God or the Gun,” and now revealed with striking honesty in What Mattered Most. The memoir offers not only a window into Herndon’s private battles, but also a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of living authentically. “For thirty years, I’ve told pieces of my story through my music – but this book has given me the chance to tell the whole truth,” Herndon adds. “It’s about the journey, the struggles, the faith, and the people who shaped my life. I hope readers walk away knowing that no matter where you’ve been, you can still write a new chapter.” More than a memoir, What Mattered Most is a story of transformation. By sharing his path with openness and courage, Herndon offers readers a message of connection, encouragement, and renewal. “This book is my heart on the page,” he says. “It’s about the boy I was, the man I became, and the grace that carried me through it all. If this story inspires even one person to keep going, then I’ve done my job.” About the Author Ty Herndon has experienced the highest highs and lowest lows of a country music career. Between 1995 and 2002, he charted 17 singles, including three No. 1 hits and numerous Top 10 songs such as “I Want My Goodbye Back,” “Loved Too Much,” and “Living in a Moment.” In 2015, he made history as the first major male country artist to come out as gay. He has since released critically acclaimed albums including House on Fire and Got It Covered, and launched the annual Concert for Love & Acceptance. Herndon’s recent work continues to reflect his personal journey, including collaborations with artists such as Kristin Chenoweth, LeAnn Rimes, Ashley McBryde, Terri Clark, and Michael Ray. A GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award–winning artist, Herndon is also the founder of the Foundation for Love & Acceptance, supporting mental health, addiction recovery, and inclusivity within country music. His voice – and his mission – remain stronger than ever. |
Music Matters Magazine 