Charles KelleyofLady Ais opening up about his sober journey.
The country music starsappearedontheTODAYshowas a part of their Citi Music Series on Tuesday. In addition to performing their latest single “Love You Back,” the band spoke about how theypostponed their 2022 tourso Kelley, 42, could focus on his sobriety.
“I feel great” the vocalist said after hostHoda Kotbasked how he’s been feeling now that he’s sober.
“For me, it’s been a new adventure. I know that sounds cheesy, but I went away for so long and I’m finding so much more purpose,” the vocalist/guitarist of the trio also featuringHillary ScottandDave Haywoodsaid.
Dave Haywood, Hillary Scott and Charles Kelley of Lady A in Nashville in June 2023.Ed Rode/Getty
Ed Rode/Getty
After explaining that his lifestyle “wasn’t fun anymore” and “got really old and exhausting” in the last few years, the singer-songwriter explained how he’s been living in a more positive light now. “I’m connecting to my spirituality like I never have before. And the connection with my family and everybody,” he said. “And I’m just loving this new kind of lease on life.”
The “Need You Now” band also shared how Kelley’s personal journey has affected the group as a whole. Scott, 37, even said it’s impacted them in “incredible ways.”
The lead vocalist said, “Charles has always been such an open-hearted, loving, amazing, passionate bandmate and friend. But I would say, you say it more now. You’re just living so much more open-hearted and in so much gratitude. So it’s beautiful.”
Lady A perform in Detriot in February 2023.Scott Legato/Getty
Scott Legato/Getty
Kelley, who spent a month in a rehab facility last year, has previously spoken openly about his sobriety.
He and his wife Cassie — with whom he shares 7½-year-old son Ward — appeared onCBS Morningsin May and shared that he sought treatment after anargument almost prompted herto meet with divorce lawyers.
The singer admittedhe was “scared to death"to go to rehab, but ultimately is in a much better place. He said, “I go to a lot of group meetings with other alcoholics, and I’ve got a case manager. I’m not even ashamed to admit it, I’ve got this little device [to check for alcohol] I blow in every morning and every night and it’s not even for me — it’s for me, my wife, my band, for everyone else to know.”
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The country hitmakers are currently on their Request Line Tour now through December. The tour was originally scheduled to kick off last year, until theACMwinners decided to postpone the show to give Kelley thetime and support he needed.
The hitmakers shared a statementon Instagramin August 2022 when they announced the postponement. “Being on the road with our fans is our greatest joy, so it was a hard but important decision to make,” the group wrote. “We are a band, but more importantly… we’re family. We’re proud to say that Charles has embarked on a journey to sobriety.”
The statement continued: “So, right now in order to be the healthiest, strongest and most creative band we can be, Lady A will take the time with the support of our families and team of professionals to walk through this together. It’s early on this road, but we are determined to do what will best set us up for many more years together. We’re grateful for your patience.”
As the band is back on the road, they recently dropped“Love You Back”on Friday. OnTODAY, Lady A confirmed the new release is the first taste of more new music, which is currently undated, to come.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
source: people.com
