T.J. Osborne, of the country duo Brothers Osborne, has publicly come out as gay.
Yes, he's one of us.
The country star came out in an interview for Time.
"I know it's going to help my relationship with my friends, my family, and, honestly, myself. I just want to thank everyone for the support," he said in an Instagram video.
I'm not sure if you know, but there aren't exactly *many,* if any, out mainstream country artists. So this is a very big deal!
As a lifelong fan of country music who has generally felt a *bit* out of the conversation because I'm gay, I'm somewhat surprised by the positive reactions from some of my all-time faves.
It's overwhelming.
Let's start with the one that makes me *the most* emotional: John Osborne, his brother and musical counterpart.
When asked by Time if he was worried that his brother was coming out, John said:
“If I had to have all my money and success erased for my brother to be truly fulfilled in life,” John says emphatically, “I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for a second.”
"Not for a second."
Other country stars I grew up loving and admiring have tweeted their support.
Kacey Musgraves:
Overcome with joy. He’s one of my best friends and one of the bravest people I know. Love you, TJ. Celebrating you today. https://t.co/5Wg5NKkObM // @brothersosborne
Dierks Bentley:
Love this guy right here. @brothersosborne. Happy you are telling your story dude. 🤘👊
Maren Morris:
We love you so much, Teej. 🙌🏼✨ https://t.co/e1snWo0Wjn
Chris Young:
Proud to have met/shared stages with this super talented artist several times! Great article. Respect @brothersosborne https://t.co/THkptnt3Wm
Dan + Shay:
we love you TJ! ❤️❤️ https://t.co/oL9vwIR2HM
Eli Young Band:
Hoping today is a big step forward for country music. We have always been friends, fans, and supporters of the @brothersosborne and the 4 of us couldn’t be happier that he is telling his story. https://t.co/S6bNdMcQAJ
Ty Herndon:
Congratulations TJ Osborne. There is nothing that can compare to living your life openly and authentically, and this will make a difference in the lives of so many. Proud of you, man. https://t.co/10xouT3IPd
LeAnn Rimes:
TJ, I hope you feel so supported today. It’s a brave thing to be wholly you in a world and industry that would rather you hide pieces of you behind a mask. #lgbtq #whollyloved https://t.co/KePZYq2gKB
Chely Wright:
Well done, T.J. Osborne. You’re nobody’s whisper anymore. You have just changed and saved a whole lot of lives; chief among them, your own. @brothersosborne https://t.co/AiFiJsSQYs
Lindsey Ell:
So proud of you, TJ. ❤️ @brothersosborne https://t.co/5XxIixgzqT
And the comments on his Instagram just continue this sea of positivity from some of the greatest in the genre.
Little Big Town:
Cole Swindell:
James Otto:
Cassadee Pope:
Lauren Alaina:
Jon Pardi:
Hayes Carll:
Maren Morris, again:
Tenille Townes:
Ruston Kelly:
Wade Bowen:
Cody Alan:
Lori McKenna:
Karen Fairchild:
And even Reese Witherspoon:
Basically, it's great and long overdue to have this type of LGBTQ representation in country music. I'm happy that kids growing up in 2021 will have someone like T.J. to relate to! Visibility really does matter.
Words can’t describe the immense amount of love we feel today. This world, as imperfect as it may be, is beautiful at its core and our collective open minds/hearts are what make anything possible. Wishing the best that love has to offer to each and every one of you.