Jason Aldean on Marriage to Jessica Ussery: "It's Been a Learning Process"

USMagazine, Tuesday, October 16, 2012, 6:45am (PDT)

Jason Aldean's personal life has become the stuff of a country ballad.

The married father of two was photographed making out with American Idol alum Brittany Kerr at a West Hollywood bar in September, and once the pictures surfaced, the country crooner, 35, quickly apologized to his family and fans.

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"I screwed up," the singer -- who released his new album, Night Train, Oct. 16 - wrote on Facebook. "I had too much to drink . . . and acted inappropriately." (Season 11 Idol singer Kerr, 24, also later apologized for her "lapse in judgement" with Aldean.)

Now that the initial dust has settled and his apology offered, Aldean is focusing on mending his 11-year marriage to high school sweetheart Jessica Ussery, 33, with whom he has two daughters, Keeley, 9, and Kendyl, 5.

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"They are talking and working things out," a source tells Us of Aldean and Ussery, whom the singer calls his "best friend."

Indeed, family is paramount for the musician, who told Us Weekly less than 24 hours after his indiscretion at L.A.'s The Den -- but before the snapshots surfaced -- that he and Ussery take special care to stay committed.

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Keeping their relationship strong despite Aldean's rigorous touring schedule was something the couple "have to learn to deal with. Our lives got turned upside down and it's been a learning process," he said.

Aldean's three leading ladies, however, are worth the effort. "When there's kids involved, that's something you've always got to try and protect," the country star told Us.

This article originally appeared on Usmagazine.com: Jason Aldean on Marriage to Jessica Ussery: "It's Been a Learning Process"