As one of country music's brightest stars -- and also as someone who has gone through more than his share of hardship and struggle -- Randy Travis has plenty of stories to share about his life in the spotlight. Until now, he has never released a book about himself, in part because, he explains to Peoplehe never thought to take a step back and reflect on his extraordinary life and career.

"A book about my life wasn't something I thought much about while I was busy living it," Travis tells People via email. "Now I know the difference between life and living."

Now, Travis has officially announced a forthcoming memoir, Forever and Ever Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life. The country superstar has also shared the cover image for the new book, which he co-wrote with author Ken Abraham, and which is slotted to be available on shelves this spring.

Randy Travis memoir
Courtesy of 117 Entertainment Group
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According to the country icon, the book will detail his childhood and early years, a well as his ascension to country fame with his 1986 album Storms of Life. The book will explore his successful musical career and countless accomplishments, but will also delve into the darker side of Travis' past, too.

In the book, Travis writes about his struggles with alcohol, divorce from his wife and former manager Lib Hatcher, and financial problems, and he details the story behind the massive stroke he suffered in 2013. That stroke left Travis unable to walk or speak, and though he re-learned how to walk, his speech remains severely impaired.

Travis goes on to explain that the longer he has lived, the more he understands the importance of sharing his story and reflecting back on his life. "It's an interesting game of patience to sit and wait for the clocks of time to expose so much," he muses. "As the candle burns, it is time to share the history that made me who I am, tell the backstory to some of my songs, give insight to the challenges I faced, and reflect on the blessings through it all."

Forever and Ever Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith and Braving the Storms of Life is due out on May 14. It is available for pre-order on Amazon.

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