Nate Smith opened up about his divorce for the first time when he appeared on The Viall Files. The new podcast episode arrived on Thursday (October 3). During the conversation, the award-winning country star also shared an update on his current relationship status.

Smith shared with host Nick Viall that he was married to his ex-wife for two years. Though the exes haven’t talked in more than a decade, Smith said there wouldn’t be bad blood if they saw one another now.

“I was too immature. I was way too immature. I didn’t know how to stick it out. I was 23. She was 34. I’ve never talked about this, by the way. Ever. I’ve never really brought it up,” Smith, now 39, said on the podcast. He said he and his wife were best friends, though they handled conflict very differently. “Together, we were just so toxic. We weren’t good together. It was just bad. And like I said, I don’t think I was mature enough to be like, ‘let’s work through this. I choose you no matter what.’ those aren’t thoughts that ever crossed my mind.

“It’s painful. Divorce is so painful, man. It really, really, really is. And I came back to California and my parents were getting a divorce at the same time. …I was in a really bad spot, mentally. I was not OK,” Smith added, noting that therapy “is the most empowering thing,” and helped him get through it.

Now, the reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year has someone new in his life.

When asked about his love life, Smith said, “it’s good, man. I’m dating somebody right now.

“I’m not gonna say who it is, or anything like that,” Smith declined. “But they are Canadian. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s Avril, OK? I’m not saying that. …We’re on cloud 9 right now. I’m hoping this is the final chapter in my dating life.”

Smith was previously rumored to be dating pop-punk icon Avril Lavigne. They were spotted together earlier this year having dinner together and riding around in the back of a truck around L.A. Since then, they’ve released two duets together. Lavigne joined Smith on a collaboration version of his song “Bulletproof,” and performed it for the first time together at the 59th ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas. Earlier this week, they released “Can You Die From A Broken Heart,” a breakup ballad that appears on Smith’s new album, California Gold, which releases on Friday (October 4).

Smith spoke with Viall about his life and career, including why he calls himself “delusionally optimistic.” Smith spoke about his previous job as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant), how he feels “music can really make a difference,” revealed his dream collaboration, shared stories behind his tattoos and more. Find the full episode here (warning: language).

Todd Matthews