Is TJ Osborne dating anyone? A look at Brothers Osborne vocalist's love life as he comes out as gay
Thomas John "TJ" Osborne, better known as the country music star who is a vocalist for the band Brothers Osborne, has revealed that he is gay through an interview with Time magazine on February 3. TJ who started Brothers Osborne with his sibling guitarist John Thomas in 2012, is described by the magazine to have a "sonorous voice that often crests into deep, warm laughter." The brothers who are signed to EMI Records Nashville have a fan base that is completely invested in their delivery of country-rock.
The band's accolades speak for themselves as they have won four CMS awards, have seven Grammy nominations and have collaborated with stars such as Dierks Bentley and Maren Morris. But, now as he revealed to the magazine, TJ is "ready to put this behind". What is the "this" he is talking about? Read on to see what the vocalist had to say about his process of publicly coming out as gay.
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What are TJ Osborne's worries about coming out?
With Time calling this a possible "surprise" to Brothers Osborne fans, TJ, 36 has come out as gay. The singer knew about it when he was younger and although his being gay has now been made public, it is revealed in the article that TJ has been out to his family and friends "for years." Speaking about it, TJ said that he is "comfortable being gay". "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.”
More socially important, by coming out publicly as of now, TJ has become the only openly gay artist that is signed to a major country label. Time called it a "historic moment for the genre." But, he is not the first country star to come out as gay. Speaking to Time, the vocalist revealed that he is concerned that coming out now might paint him as an 'attention-seeker'. "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!'" he said.
TJ Osborne struggled while in the closet
Raised in Deale, Md, a town in Chesapeake Bay, TJ along with his brother John and sister Natalie were "always musical." In the Time article, TJ revealed that being in the closet was "lonely and isolating." He added, “It made me resent people.” The talented singer also revealed that while he was in his 20s he had a heartbreak but at that time he was "mad that no one knew why" he was "hurting." This is when he "channeled" his pain into music with '21 Summer' being about a relationship. Speaking about the hit, he said, "There are so many times I’ve sung that song and wanted to cry. People love that song, but the emotion of it is deeper than they even realize.”
The two brothers were able to sign a publishing deal after they moved to Nashville, this later led to a record deal. As for telling his family about him being gay - TJ told his brother when he was in his mid-twenties. John revealed that TJ was "very open and candid" and that John was "emotional" because TJ "was finally able to be completely honest" about himself to his own brother. Speaking about TJ coming out publically, John said, "If I had to have all my money and success erased for my brother to be truly fulfilled in life,” John says emphatically, “I wouldn’t even think about it. Not for a second.”
The brothers have been incorporating acceptance and inclusion when it comes to their art for a while now. Songs such as 'Stay a Little Longer' had both interracial couples and gay couples as well. While many loved their release, TJ said that there was also a negative response. "“There were people who were like, ‘Faggot lovers!’” he said. Time revealed that being "publicly closeted" was "suffocating" for the artist who was also thinking about the people he was dating. "Saying, ‘Hey, don’t hold my hand. Someone I know is in here, so can you wait in the car?’ Rightfully, they would feel unwanted by me.”
As for wanting to put "this" behind him, TJ said, “Don’t get me wrong. When I say I want to put it behind me, I want to put the coming out behind me. Because ultimately it’s a very small detail about me.” He added, "I’ve done more than I ever thought I would. At this point, my happiness is more valuable than anything else I’d ever be able to achieve." Speaking about how his decision could make for more "creative possibilities," the vocalist said, "I want to get to the height of my career being completely who I am. I mean, I am who I am, but I've kept a part of me muted, and it's been stifling."
Who is TJ Osborne dating?
As of now, TJ is not dating anyone or at least the news is yet to become public. In the past, the vocalist has been linked to other country stars such as Miranda Lambert. We don't know if TJ will go public with the news should he be part of a relationship. In a 2017 interview with Sounds Like Nashville, the vocalist had talked about how romance can also be a bad thing. "I think both of us, this sounds awful to say, but both of us don’t really care much about Valentine’s Day. It’s really awful for guys and girls. Instead of doing something really sweet out of the kindness of your heart, you’re doing something because you’re supposed to. You don’t get credit for that!” In fact, the star has some beef with Valentine's Day adding, "Doing something for Valentine’s Day because it’s Valentine’s Day is unromantic. Most couples I know don’t really give a s*it about Valentine’s Day. The only thing Valentine’s Day does is make all the single people feel bad.” So maybe he doesn't have a date for the most romantic day this year?