After tragedy, country star Walker Hayes shares what brought his family back together.
In 2018, Hayes, who worked with JCPenney on a clothing collection, tragically lost his daughter shortly after her birth.
In the aftermath of tragedy, Walker Hayes pondered on how his family had reunited.
In 2018, the country star, now 44, and his wife Laney experienced a devastating loss when their daughter Oakleigh Klover died shortly after birth due to a uterine rupture that nearly ended Laney's life as well.
Hayes, who recently collaborated with JCPenney on a new clothing line, shared with Planet Chronicle Digital how expressing his emotions through music enhanced his relationship with his wife and kids, and helped them get through tough times.
He expressed gratitude for the moment in his life when he started writing songs, which sparked his communicative side and made him feel the urge to express everything.
Let's throw it all on the table, and you can do what you want with it. However, selfishly, it's not inside me anymore.
"He added, "It has been a gift, and I am forever grateful. It has improved my relationship with my kids and my wife through brutal honesty and open communication.""
"I believe that's a significant reason why I'm not afraid to reveal both the good and bad aspects of my family and simply state, 'We're still a family.'"
In 2004, the songwriter married his high school sweetheart, Laney, and they now have daughters Lela, Loxley, and Everly, and sons Chapel, Baylor, and Beckett.
In 2021, Hayes' career took off after a TikTok video of him and Lela dancing to his song "Fancy Like" became a hit.
Hayes achieved a new level of fame after scoring a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Country chart with "Fancy Like," which also reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and the song's success.
Country singer Walker Hayes discusses how his family came together following a tragedy.
Hayes has shared openly about the challenges he has faced in his life, including how he overcame difficulties through the power of God, as he stated in his interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.
The singer, who had struggled with alcoholism, admitted that losing Oakleigh had a significant impact on his sobriety and put a strain on his relationship with Laney.
"Laney and I have been through things," he said.
Could the pain of losing Oakleigh, who would have been 6 years old this June, have ended their marriage, according to Hayes?
""That's the kind of stuff that annihilates marriages," he remarked. "I mean, it destroys them completely, like a bomb," he added."
"Hayes continued, "Lainey and I grieved differently: I was angry, while she was sad for two years.""
"Honestly, I have no answer," he said. "We're still hanging in there, but I can't tell you why we're on this side."
Hayes stated that working with his kids on social media content, including the "Fancy Like" video and showcasing their lives to their followers, has strengthened their bond.
"When people in Nashville hear my name, they likely associate me with my daughter, the OG dance, and our story about our children."
""Probably, they are aware of my testimony and have extensive knowledge about my life and family," he stated."
Instead of focusing on himself on social media, Hayes told Planet Chronicle Digital that he prioritizes his family.
He stated, "You won't get a good glimpse of me if you look at my social media."
The musician highlighted his children's renowned trick-shot videos featuring golf shots, pancake flips, and basketball throws.
Country singer Walker Hayes discusses the importance of family in keeping him grounded.
"Hayes chuckled as he watched his kids perform trick shots, stating, "Whatever they do, I wouldn't have it any other way.""
He continued, "That keeps me grounded. It reminds me to focus on them. Honestly, when I wake up, what matters most to me is, 'How do I be a better husband? How do I be a better dad?' OK. Because I want to take care of Laney. And I want my kids to be set up for life because life's going to throw a lot at them."
He added, "I just want them to know that their dad loves them."
Hayes' priorities have shifted to center around his family life, and his goal is to "just focus on the things that I think the world sees me now trying to focus on."
He stated that he is not an ideal spouse, follower, or father.
Hayes admitted that he failed miserably yesterday when he threw a plastic chair and his kids made fun of him all day. Despite this, he loved it and was happy that they did. They were attempting a trick shot, but he couldn't get it.
"I destroyed a plastic chair against a tree, but it made me feel better. I hope people see me trying and feeling inspired to try. Let's just try together."
Hayes and his children's popular social media videos have resulted in brand partnerships, such as a commercial for Applebee's and a back-to-school campaign with Great Clips. Additionally, JCPenney has utilized the singer's social media presence to launch a limited clothing collection.
In his interview with Planet Chronicle Digital, Hayes admitted that he had initially doubted whether he was the suitable individual to launch a clothing line.
"When they called me, I wasn't sure if I was confident enough to make fashion decisions," he said.
Hayes stated, "As they included me and genuinely delved into my personal story, they boosted my confidence and enabled me to contribute significantly to the creation of this line."
"Many of these items are personal and were created together. I wear a recreated jacket of my father's every day, and now it will be passed down to others, becoming a part of their lives."
WATCH: Country singer Walker Hayes on his new collaboration with JCPenney
"He stated that he feels confident wearing T-shirts with textures and colors that represent his personality and style. He added that these T-shirts are a significant part of his life and identity. He expressed gratitude to JCPenney for trusting him and providing him with a successful line of clothing."
Hayes remembered that he never really selected his own clothing in the past. The Grammy Award-nominee stated that his mother would choose clothes for him and his brother, and JCPenney was one of their preferred shops. After marrying Laney, Hayes often relied on her to choose his clothing.
"I think it's a smart move to create a men's line by using a real man who likely buys and wears clothes like an average JCPenney customer," he remarked. "Luckily, I have a cool job that aligns with it."
"Our relationship has been magical, organic, and something I would love to continue in a heartbeat. It's been a blast, and I can't wait to see it flourish out in the world."
The JCPenney collection by Walker Hayes will be available for online shopping on May 4 and in select stores on May 16.
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