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Charles Kelley is “really grateful” as he reflects on a year of big changes in his life. The Lady A singer-songwriter publicly opened up about his efforts to stay sober in August, and since then, has shared his progress along the way.
“2022 was a big year of change,” Kelley said on Instagram on Tuesday (January 3). “Really grateful for all of you sharing your own stories and extra thanks today to [Men’s Health] for helping spread my sobriety journey and fresh interest and resurgence in working out.”
Kelley spoke with Men’s Health about the changes he’s made in his life, sharing that January 2022 — when he tried to give up alcohol “on my own” — was his third attempt. Kelley tried for the first time to stay sober several years ago, with encouragement from bandmates Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood, though he ultimately returned to the same habits. Now, Kelley said he credits his newfound success to the support he’s received from others and his efforts to “put tools in place.” And, he also said, because he feels better from not drinking, Kelley is more energized to work out.
Also speaking about his upcoming tour with Lady A and how family, Kelley said he’s “ready” to finally give up alcohol for good. See his full interview with Men’s Health here.
Lady A announced on their social media channels in August that they’d made the “hard but important decision” to postpone their “Request Line Tour” for one year: “We’re proud to say that Charles has embarked on a journey to sobriety. 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.”
Kelley has since thanked his fans and social media followers for their support, and shared that he wrote a song to serve as his “goodbye letter to alcohol.” Kelley wrote “As Far As You Could” with Haywood and Jimmy Robbins, and first shared the “therapeutic” song on Instagram in November. He released it last month, saying at the time: “Your response to this song has blown me away. Hearing all your stories has been incredibly healing for me and I can’t thank y’all enough for sharing.”