Country singer Chely Wright came out in a recent interview with People Magazine.

“Early in my life I went through what I think a lot of gay people go through, thinking that I could change and pray it away,” Wright told People. “Nothing in my life has been more magical than the moment I decided to come out.”

According to On Top Magazine, Wright is the first openly gay major country artist.

The Academy of Country Music named Wright, now 39, Best New Female vocalist in 1994. She has released seven studio albums throughout her career. Her 1999 #1 single release Single White Female won her her greatest recognition. Broken, her new single, was released last month.

To read more on this story, visit On Top Magazine.