country star Walker Hayes Reveals Near-Relapse, Credits Daughter’s Memory with Sobriety
Nashville, TN – Country music artist Walker Hayes recently shared a harrowing account of a near-relapse, revealing he came dangerously close to breaking his sobriety on the sixth anniversary of his daughter Oakleigh Klover Hayes‘ death.The singer, known for his hit “Fancy Like,” detailed the moment of crisis in recent interviews, attributing his decision to seek help to the memory of his daughter and a desire to avoid inflicting further pain on his family.
Hayes,49,has been open about his two-decade battle with alcoholism and his journey to sobriety,documented in his 2024 album,”Sober Thoughts.” He recounted the incident occurring on June 6, 2024, the anniversary of Oakleigh’s passing following a uterine rupture during childbirth in 2018.
“My wife, sadly, was just sitting by herself, on the day she’s buried her daughter. My kids are I don’t know where, and she’s just in the dark,” Hayes explained, describing the scene that triggered the urge to drink.”I could literally see what I was about to do.” He feared a relapse would necessitate a return to rehab and further strain his relationship with his wife, Laney Beville Hayes, and their six children: Beckett, baylor, Chapel, Everly, Loxley, and lela.
The singer emphasized the clarity he experienced in that moment, recognizing the destructive path he was on and feeling a desperate need for “a savior” and “redemption.” This realization, he says, stemmed from a deep understanding of the pain he would inflict on his family.
Hayes publicly announced his commitment to sobriety in 2022, and “Sober Thoughts” directly addresses his struggles and recovery. He discussed his decision to get sober during an appearance on “Today with Hoda and Jenna,” stating he woke up one Saturday feeling his body couldn’t endure another day of alcohol abuse.
“I just woke up on a Saturday, and I just knew if I did this one more day, my body would be affected, some organ,” hayes said. He described the positive effects of sobriety, including increased energy and a renewed sense of well-being. “Sobriety, when you’ve been drunk that long, you get addicted to it – the clarity, the pep in your step,” he shared. “You go to the gym and you’re like, ‘I feel like I’m 17.'”
Hayes continues to perform and record music,frequently sharing glimpses of his family life on instagram.His willingness to discuss his personal struggles has resonated with fans and positioned him as a vocal advocate for recovery and mental health awareness within the country music community. He recently performed at the Country Summer Music Festival in Santa Rosa, California (June 16, 2024) and at Arizona financial Theater in Phoenix, Arizona (June 5, 2025), and was honored at the CMA Foundation music Teachers of Excellence Awards in Nashville on september 17, 2024.
