Country VJ Cody Alan Comes Out in Heartfelt Letter

CMT star Cody Alan took to Instagram early Thursday morning to publicly come out. Alan -- the host of CMT's Hot 20 Countdown and a popular personality in the country world -- wrote a moving open letter explaining his journey as a gay TV and radio personality.

"I struggled with my sexuality starting at a very young age, I remember having distinct feelings early in my life. I knew this about myself, and I had a really hard time dealing with it."

2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you. You see, I'm gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I've known about myself my whole life. Through life's twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures - I've landed on this day, a day when I'm happier and healthier than I've ever been. And I'm finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won't change how you see me. I'm still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here's to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody

A photo posted by Cody Alan (@cmtcody) on Jan 12, 2017 at 7:50am PST

Talking to People, Alan said he was overwhelmed by the amount of support to his coming out -- including from his ex-wife. Alan admits he was terrified with the prospect of telling his children.

"It was a while back, but I remember being scared. But my son said, 'You're a great dad; it's okay.' To their generation, being gay is like your eye color -- it's just there -- so they understood better than I thought."

Alan added that he is currently dating occupational therapist Michael Smith, whith whom he has apparently been involved with for some time after coming out in his personal life.