Chely Wright's 2010 CD, Lifted Off The Ground. Photo courtesy of Vanguard Records.
In publicly announcing her homosexuality, Chely Wright has stepped over a figurative line that was drawn in the sand in country music years ago. She is not the first star who’s been rumored to be gay, but she is the first to publicly admit it, and it’s a step that leaves some observers scratching their heads.
It’s tough enough to get a recording deal. Tougher still to have hits. And it’s enormously difficult to hold a fan base together when there’s always a bevy of new artists attracting attention from consumers who only have so much money to spend.
The industry has long believed that country’s fan base won’t support a gay man or woman. Chely is essentially testing that theory with her admission in her new autobiography, Like Me.
“Country music is typically known to be conservative,” she said Wednesday on NBC’s “Today” show. “Our fan base is convservative. Pretty much our industry, the people who run it, have conservative beliefs, and it’s widely kown to be about God and country and family. For some reason, people don’t think that can co-exist with being a homosexual.”
For years, Chely bought into that belief and doggedly protected her private life from public scrutiny. It was a difficult process, and she managed to uphold her Christian integrity by never lying about it to anyone. People told her periodically that there were rumors she was a lesbian, but no one ever actually asked her if they were true, not until John Rich heard them.
“John’s telling me that, ‘Hey, you gotta hit this gay thing head-on. You’re not gay, are you?’” she recounted. “That was the first time I’d lied about it. I’d put myself in a spot where I’d never been asked the question. I’d been so detached to the point I think people thought I was snotty or cold or hard to get to know, but that’s the way I had to live my life in the closet, and John finally asked me point blank, ‘You’re not gay. If you are, people won’t have it. It’s sick, it’s deviant, it’s unacceptable to country music fans.’ And he said, ‘You’re not, are you?’ And I lied. And I knew I had gone from not talking about it to now, I’m a liar.”
It was one incident in a much larger puzzle that soon teetered on tragedy. Chely reached the pit of desperation, ready to pull the trigger on a 9-millimeter gun and kill herself. The pieces of her life didn’t seem to fit, and in being flagrantly dishonest about it, she was going against the very foundation of her belief system. Chely began crying, and that act was enough to stop her suicide attempt. She put the gun down and went to bed. When she awoke the next morning, she feared that the sight of the weapon might reignite plans to end it all. She looked for help the only way she knew.
“I got on my knees and I spoke out loud to God and I stopped praying for what I’d always prayed for, which was, ‘Help me find a way to figure out a way to still have my career and everything [else],’” she said. “I changed my prayer. And my prayer was, ‘God, give me a moment’s peace.’ I got up off my knee, I said amen and I got my moment’s peace, and I got the understanding. I didn’t hear God’s voice, I didn’t see a guy in a robe, but I heard God say what he’d been whispering in my ear all along: ‘I expect one thing of you and that is to tell the truth.’”
Chely details her journey in the book, which coincides with a new album, Lifted Off The Ground. She’s able to convey her difficult story in part because she now feels some spiritual peace and resolution.
RSS Feeds
I have read almost all of the comments on this and not once is it mentioned anywhere about another country star who "came out" a few years ago, and i believe in doing so, made it a lot easier for others to do the same.
Maybe she is being forgotten because she is Canadian, not sure, but even though i feel that KD Lang turned her back on country music, as this is where she got her start in the music business, she still has followers in the music. she has a great voice and style of music that is "her",
And to me kd is on the farther side of her sexuality as she tries to look like a guy, Chely is still very much a beautiful young women and doesnt hide it. Either way, these two women have come along way and have grown because of it, and i applaud them both.
Look forward to the new music from a brave and couragous country singer her really knows her stuff.
Yet another GLARING example of why I can't stand country music. God this, the Bible that. What a pile. And too many of the people here, though thankfully not all, are using their supposed all-loving 'god' to justify their bigotry. Yeah, this exists everywhere, this hypocrisy. But it's endemic in the Country music world, and it's sad.
I've never heard of Chely Wright before coming across some random twitter post congratulating her for having the guts to come out. I will likely never listen to her music, because I don't like country, never have, never will. But it's so sad to come here and actually see what I expected, a bunch of so-called "God-fearing, Bible loving" bigots who try and say it's not their place to judge, THEN JUDGE CHELY. The hypocrisy is astounding.
And as for the few supportive comments left, at least my assumption was partially shut down; not all country fans are bigots. I know this, I know not all country performers aren't Bible-thumping, xenophobic freaks, but unfortunately, too many are, which is why I can't bring myself to bother.
My thoughts are for Chely, and I just hope she's able to continue to do what she loves.
This is for dgracing 318. Read the book, and listen to the album. You will discover that the music is the best she has ever produced, the writing is superb. And the book will give you the background to understand WHY it matters. Understanding makes you able to make coherent comments that contribute to a conversation.
well just to let you know i'm proud of chely it takes great strength to do what she did i myself am gay and i love country music and i hope that we can all move past this
why was my comment deleted by the administrator?
i juss want to say i chely am like you and i commend you
for being the brave soul u are
well just to let you know i'm proud of chely it takes great strength to do what she did i myself am gay and i love country music and i hope that we can all move past this
LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.
What a hard subject. Our God is Love. There is no doubt about that. Our God is also just. Every person commenting on this page needs to remember that w/o Christ we all would be going to hell. God knew though all our weaknesses, that is why, from the beginning of time, He knew that as Jesus, He would also pay for our sins. Homosexuality, fornication are all sexual sins and all carry the same weight in God's eyes. A sin is a sin is a sin. The person who sleeps with someone outside of marriage is a sinner. i don't care if it is between a man and a woman or between two women (men). It is sin and Jesus died for both situations.
Don't you people know it is so much easier to love than hate? It's okay to not be in agreement with the gay lifestyle…but to hate ? We all need to remember The Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
What a hard subject. Our God is Love. There is no doubt about that. Our God is also just. Every person commenting on this page needs to remember that w/o Christ we all would be going to hell. God knew though all our weaknesses, that is why, from the beginning of time, He knew that as Jesus, He would also pay for our sins. Homosexuality, fornication are all sexual sins and all carry the same weight in God's eyes. A sin is a sin is a sin. The person who sleeps with someone outside of marriage is a sinner. i don't care if it is between a man and a woman or between two women (men). It is sin and Jesus died for both situations.
What a hard subject. Our God is Love. There is no doubt about that. Our God is also just. Every person commenting on this page needs to remember that w/o Christ we all would be going to hell. God knew though all our weaknesses, that is why, from the beginning of time, He knew that as Jesus, He would also pay for our sins. Homosexuality, fornication are all sexual sins and all carry the same weight in God's eyes. A sin is a sin is a sin. The person who sleeps with someone outside of marriage is a sinner. i don't care if it is between a man and a woman or between two women (men). It is sin and Jesus died for both situations.
ya know – i don't know why my comments were deleted but if you want to see them go to my twitter account.
What a hard subject. Our God is Love. There is no doubt about that. Our God is also just. Every person commenting on this page needs to remember that w/o Christ we all would be going to hell. God knew though all our weaknesses, that is why, from the beginning of time, He knew that as Jesus, He would also pay for our sins. Homosexuality, fornication are all sexual sins and all carry the same weight in God's eyes. A sin is a sin is a sin. The person who sleeps with someone outside of marriage is a sinner. i don't care if it is between a man and a woman or between two women (men). It is sin and Jesus died for both situations.
To say that a homosexual cannot have a relationship with God is wrong. However, the sin will hinder that relationship. Just as the sins of gossip or telling lies hurts our relationship. That is why the Christian life is so hard. We have one foot in heaven but we are not yet all the way there. We all are living in a fallen world. Christ asks us to love each other. The relationship between Chely and God is between them. Only Chely will answer to God for her choices. I will answer to God for my choices. I will pray for Chely to here truth from God. Who knows there may be greater hurts in her life that God wants to take care of before this. I will trust Chely to my loving, just God
What a hard subject. Our God is Love. There is no doubt about that. Our God is also just. Every person commenting on this page needs to remember that w/o Christ we all would be going to hell. God knew though all our weaknesses, that is why, from the beginning of time, He knew that as Jesus, He would also pay for our sins. Homosexuality, fornication are all sexual sins and all carry the same weight in God's eyes. A sin is a sin is a sin. The person who sleeps with someone outside of marriage is a sinner. i don't care if it is between a man and a woman or between two women (men). It is sin and Jesus died for both situations.
To say that a homosexual cannot have a relationship with God is wrong. However, the sin will hinder that relationship. Just as the sins of gossip or telling lies hurts our relationship. That is why the Christian life is so hard. We have one foot in heaven but we are not yet all the way there. We all are living in a fallen world. Christ asks us to love each other. The relationship between Chely and God is between them. Only Chely will answer to God for her choices. I will answer to God for my choices. I will pray for Chely to here truth from God. Who knows there may be greater hurts in her life that God wants to take care of before this. I will trust Chely to my loving, just God
What a hard subject. Our God is Love. There is no doubt about that. Our God is also just. Every person commenting on this page needs to remember that w/o Christ we all would be going to hell. God knew though all our weaknesses, that is why, from the beginning of time, He knew that as Jesus, He would also pay for our sins. Homosexuality, fornication are all sexual sins and all carry the same weight in God's eyes. A sin is a sin is a sin. The person who sleeps with someone outside of marriage is a sinner. i don't care if it is between a man and a woman or between two women (men). It is sin and Jesus died for both situations.
Jesus died because of hate and the desire for one group to keep power over another. NOTHING MORE. He didn't die because we might "sin" 2000 years in the future. Get over yourself.
Y are my comments being deleted GAC TV?????
Chely, I like your music, I like who you are. You being gay has nothing to do with anything, that is your choice and I will never judge you for that because that is not my Job. You have to take that up with God. I love your music and that will never change and will always be your fan. You choose the way you want to live your personal life because that is none of our business. If the music industry holds that against it is a shame because there are not that many people who can sing like you and who has a beautiful voice. .
Chely, I like your music, I like who you are. You being gay has nothing to do with anything, that is your choice and I will never judge you for that because that is not my Job. You have to take that up with God. I love your music and that will never change and will always be your fan. You choose the way you want to live your personal life because that is none of our business. If the music industry holds that against it is a shame because there are not that many people who can sing like you and who has a beautiful voice. You should be right up there today with Reba McEntier and in my opinion you are, but there are not that many people who know about you, but I spread the world about you and your music! I also love the fact how you support our military men and women. Thank you and God Bless you and we love you girl. Stand tall and do not let anyone bring you down and we want more music! Your voice needs to be heard on CD'S and on radio much more. Love ya.
Chely, I like your music, I like who you are. You being gay has nothing to do with anything, that is your choice and I will never judge you for that because that is not my Job. You have to take that up with God. I love your music and that will never change and will always be your fan. You choose the way you want to live your personal life because that is none of our business. If the music industry holds that against it is a shame because there are not that many people who can sing like you and who has a beautiful voice. You should be right up there today with Reba McEntier and in my opinion you are, but there are not that many people who know about you, but I spread the world about you and your music! I also love the fact how you support our military men and women. Thank you and God Bless you and we love you girl. Stand tall and do not let anyone bring you down and we want more music! Your voice needs to be heard on CD'S and on radio much more. Love ya.
Chely, here is a ministry that can help you, providing you want help. http://www.crosspowerministries.com/
I just made a post to the article. why did GAC delete it. I didn't say anything negative or bad. heres what it sais as soon as I hit submit "This comment has been deleted by the administrator. " What the heck?
Kim,
I just finished reading some of the comments Chely Wright has made about your husband, and I want you to know how sorry I am that someone could be so selfish and stupid as she has been. You have been the best wife and mother anyone could have, and you don't deserve to be embarrassed like this!
The best thing he ever did was get away from her, and marry you! You are a New Yorker, and New Yorkers are really thick skinned and tough. I know you are able to ignore things, I just wanted you to know there are people who support you, and love you. I'm so sorry that she is trying to use your husband for money and fame, but her fifteen minutes will be up soon. She never really had much of a career anyway, and untalented people are desperate to make themselves more than they really are. Take care, we love you!
Chely, here is a ministry that can help you, providing you want help. http://www.crosspowerministries.com/
What I like about myself is that I have never been a follower. I stick to my beliefs, and I don't care what anyone else thinks. I love God, and I try to follow his commandments. I know what's right, and what is wrong. I'm proud of the people who have posted here and stuck to their own beliefs, even when other people are the ones who are filled with hate and mad because we don't agree with them. I'm not a close minded person, I put God first in my life, and not men.
god's an asshole and dog spelled backward!
Exactly, Jones! I can't believe how hate-filled some of the posters are because we do not approve of homosexuality. I would not dream of shouting at others because their beliefs are different than mine. And we're the supposedly intolerant ones?
I will stick by my beliefs, hate the sin and not the sinner.
Exactly, Jones! I can't believe how hate-filled some of the posters are because we do not approve of homosexuality. I would not dream of shouting at others because their beliefs are different than mine. And we're the supposedly intolerant ones?
I will stick by my beliefs, hate the sin and not the sinner.
She's gay she's not gay. Who cares, its her life she can live it how she wants to as long as she's not hurting anybody. I don't blame her, If I were a woman I would be gay to. Especially for someone who looks like Chely. She's easy on the ears and on the eyes that's all that really matters
Nah, she is straight. Just a ploy to jump start her career.
Nah, she's not gay. Just a ploy to jump start her career.
Sending Peace, Blessings and Joy to you Chely…Ignore the critics, keep on with the music..Why people think or require you to report on your private life is unbelievable to me..I have not need or want to know about what others do or don't do…As long as you are happy and harm none there is nothing more to add except I like your music and hope to hear more….Blessings Dear Lady
Just a couple of things.
Firstly, Chely is being very brave to be honest about who she is drawn to in life. To be open and truly honest about who she is attracted to. We should all be so brave in our own lives. To know who we are, really, and be able to allow others to see that, is courageous and brave, no matter who is doing it, but to do it in Country Music, is saying something tremendous. To do it in public where people who walk down the street with you know your business, is tremendous. I hope this allows her to be happy and to live a life with all the joy and tenderness and love that it was meant to be lived.
Secondly, John Rich is not a bigot, or stupid, or an idiot. He WAS misguided. People, his comments were 10 years ago. Think of the amount of headway that has been made in ALL music, in ALL life in the last 10 years. 10 years ago, people still believed that gay people "caused" AIDS. We all have lived and learned since then. I don't like his music, but I'm not going to bash him because of something he said a long time ago, that if he KNEW would have caused the problems it did, would not have said it, I'm sure. Whether I agree with his statements (and clearly I do not), I am sure that he did not mean to send her into a tailspin. However, this is a learning experience that we can all gain something from. Remember always that you don't know how what you say to or about someone will affect them. You do not go home with them. You are not in their head or their heart. Think before you speak. Think before you act. Again, I am sure he did not mean to hurt Chely and wouldn't have said it if he knew it would. But we've ALL said things to our "friends" when we thought no one was listening who would be hurt by it. Haven't we? If we are honest with ourselves. Let it go. It's Chely's issue to deal with and in the end, he did her a favor, as it did lead to her decision to accept herself and be happy. It's all in how you look at it.
Thirdly, people are allowed to have their reactions and allowed to voice their opinions. It is a right that is provided by being a human being. However, please also realize that not everyone believes the same as you do. Whether you believe what Chely feels is right and justified, or whether you believe it's not and is a sin, it's okay for you to believe that. So long as you do not let your belief allow you to build up anger and hate and unleash that on anyone else. People are who they are and they should be allowed to be who they are. I am not responsible for anyone in this life except my child/children. I am responsible for forming THEIR minds, THEIR reactions, and THEIR moral compass. Other than that, I learned long ago that I should live and let live. I wish other people would learn that lesson. Voice your opinion, but do so in a constructive and non-hateful manner.
Finally, Chely's music has not and will not change. What you loved about her music before is what you will continue to love about her music. Anyone who says that they can't love a song based on the fact that they now KNOW that Chely sleeps with women, is – unfortunately – misguided and a little on the ridiculous side. Really, people. She sang the songs originally thinking of exactly who she wanted to. SHE hasn't changed, other than being open and honest about what her life is like OFF the stage. SHE is the same – just hopefully happier in her life and able to be more honest about it. HER SONGS are going to be the same. Whether they are about a man or a woman, does it really matter? Love is love. Pain is pain. Hurt is hurt. Music is Music. It's meant to mean something to you, and knowing that she sleeps with women should not influence the fact that you LIKE her songs, or DISLIKE her songs.
Live and let live.
Let he who is without sin, cast the first stone. And please think about that, before you ridicule someone's life who is just trying to live it – their way. The way that feels right – to them.
This was more then just a "couple of things", lol, more like 4~ lol!! Just wanted to let you know, Way to go, i can only pray that those that are casting stones will take it all to heart and stop, as for you, God's Blessings i send to you, thanks for what you said, as I whole heartedley agree, and wish Chely all the best because now she can do what she loves, and fly free with it on the wings of truth. May God Bless her always.