Photo via @brothersosborne / TIME

T.J. Osborne – guitarist and lead singer of Nashville outfit Brothers Osborne – has publicly come out as gay.

The 36-year-old musician broke the news on Feb. 3 in an interview with Time, making him the only openly gay artist signed to a major country label. (Brothers Osborne – consisting of T.J. and his brother John – are signed to EMI Nashville.)

Osborne confirmed to Time that “he’s been out to family and friends in his tight-knit Nashville community for years,” however, he was a bit torn when it came to coming out publicly.

“I’m very comfortable being gay,” he says. “I find myself being guarded for not wanting to talk about something that I personally don’t have a problem with. That feels so strange… People will ask, ‘Why does this even need to be talked about?’ and personally, I agree with that. But for me to show up at an awards show with a man would be jaw-dropping to people. It wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh, cool!'”

Brothers Osborne released their third LP Skeletons in October 2020, and the album’s lead single “All Night” is nominated for a 2020 Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

 “I don’t think I’m going to get run off the stage in Chicago,” T.J. adds. “But in a rural town playing a county fair? I’m curious how this will go.”

Following the announcement, Brothers Osborne shared an additional message of appreciation to their fans.

“Words can’t describe the immense amount of love we feel today,” the band wrote via Twitter, thanking them for the outpouring of support. “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.”

Read Relix‘s 2018 interview with Brothers Osborne here.

Read T.J.’s full story via Time here.

Watch Brothers Osborne’s full set at the Mercury Lounge for the Save Out Stages Fest below: