Walker Hayes Reflects on Sobriety Journey After Tragedy
Country singer Walker Hayes recently shared a deeply personal moment from his life, revealing how he almost relapsed after the heartbreaking loss of his newborn daughter in 2018.
During an interview on the K-Love Morning Show, Hayes opened up about the day he and his wife, Laney, laid their daughter Oakleigh to rest. The song “Fancy Like” has made Hayes a household name, but this experience cuts to the heart of his story.
At the time of the tragedy, Hayes was about two and a half years sober. However, the overwhelming grief pushed him to consider drinking again. He recounted driving toward a bar in downtown Franklin right after the funeral, feeling the urge to self-destruct.
“When I got to the bar, I looked through the window and saw three men inside. At that moment, I thought about getting a drink and possibly starting a fight,” he admitted, acknowledging how irrational the thought was.
Fortunately, a small stroke of luck intervened; Hayes realized his wallet was missing and chose to return home to find it. This decision allowed him to reflect on the pain he would have caused Laney if he had followed through with his plans. He vividly imagined her having to pick him up from jail the next day and knew he had to confront his demons.
In the wake of this tragedy, Hayes has been open about his journey through grief and recovery, using his music as a platform to address these heavy topics. He emphasizes the love and support he has received from family, friends, and fans, expressing gratitude for the people who have shared their own experiences with him.
Hayes, who began drinking at the young age of 13, decided to start his sobriety journey at 36, feeling that continuing on that path would lead to serious health consequences. Over the years, he has celebrated milestones in his recovery, finding strength in his newfound lifestyle and seeking to inspire others battling similar issues.
Through his story, Hayes reminds us all of the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of profound loss. He continues to seek redemption, embracing the love and support that surrounds him as he moves forward.
