Sara Evans, the celebrated country music star known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, has captivated audiences around the world with her chart-topping hits and compelling performances. However, beyond the spotlight, Evans has also found happiness in her personal life, particularly in her marriage.
Let’s take a closer look at the man who holds the heart of this talented artist.
Who is Sara Evans?
Born on February 5, 1971, in Boonville, Missouri, Sara Lynn Evans discovered her passion for music at a young age.
Raised in a musical family, she honed her vocal talents through church performances and local talent shows. Inspired by iconic country artists like Patsy Cline and Reba McEntire, Evans dreamt of making her mark in the music industry.
Evans’ journey to stardom began in the late 1990s when she signed with RCA Records Nashville. Her debut album, “Three Chords and the Truth,” released in 1997, introduced audiences to her distinctive blend of traditional country and contemporary sensibilities.
While the album garnered critical acclaim, it was her sophomore release, “No Place That Far” (1998), that catapulted her to mainstream success. The title track became her first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, establishing Evans as a rising star in country music.
Throughout her career, Sara Evans has delivered a string of hit singles and albums, earning accolades and industry recognition along the way.
In addition to her music career, Evans has expanded her repertoire to include endeavors in television and literature. She has appeared on popular TV shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” and “Nashville,” further raising her profile in the entertainment industry. Moreover, Evans has authored books, including her memoir “Born to Fly,” offering fans a glimpse into her journey and experiences.
Who is Sara Evans’ husband?
Sara Evans is married to Jay Barker, a former American football player turned radio host. Their love story is one of resilience, faith, and second chances.
Born on July 20, 1972, in Birmingham, Alabama, Jay Barker rose to prominence as the quarterback for the University of Alabama’s football team, the Crimson Tide, during the early 1990s. His impressive skills on the field led him to become one of the most revered players in Alabama football history.
Following a brief run in the NFL, Barker joined the CFL’s Toronto Argonauts before moving to the XFL’s Birmingham Thunderbolts.
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Following his football career, Barker sought a radio career as an ESPN Radio analyst, having previously worked as an on-air personality for WJOX Birmingham. From 2008 to 2022, he was married to country musician Sara Evans. However, sources indicate that they have now reconciled.
Sara Evans and Jay Barker’s love story
Sara Evans shares a raw and frank tale on her podcast about the incident that led to her reconciliation with her husband, Jay Barker. Following a rough period that included separation and Barker’s detention, Evans recalls getting a text from Barker asking to reunite, recognizing their strong link despite the difficulties.
Evans saw this as a significant step toward communicating, reconnecting, and resolving concerns through therapy and counseling. Regardless of the complexity, their common dedication to recovery and mutual understanding eventually led to their reunion.
Evans claimed that following Barker’s arrest, she turned off all Instagram comments and spent the next week resting on her couch with her three children, unable to function.
“I was just getting call after call after call, and I thought, ‘I can’t believe this is happening to me and my children again. “I’ve lost the love of my life,” she explained. “He’s attractive and humorous, and we have a lot in common. We share the same views on everything: parenting, family structures, politics, religion, and so on. We simply love each other. “We are best friends.”
Several months later, while on tour, Evans got a text from Barker that read: “Everybody says I shouldn’t contact you, but you are still my wife.” The message affected the singer, and she and Barker eventually resumed communication.
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“Many women will, and want to, judge me. I don’t understand what he meant when he said, “But you are still my wife.” I just melted because I thought, “I am still your wife, and we can talk if we want.” “We’re both adults,” she recalled on the episode. “So I texted him back, and I believe I responded something brief and lovely, like, ‘How are you? I’m on the way,’ and we kind of tiptoed back to each other.”
Just as she had kept Barker’s cruelty hidden from her children, she kept their reunion hidden as well, though she did set certain ground rules: treatment and marriage counseling.
How many children do Sara and Jay have?
Sara has three children from her first marriage to Craig Schelske. She has two daughters, Audrey and Olivia, and one son, Avery.
Jay’s first marriage to Amy DiGiovanna produced four children. The sportscaster is the father of Sarah Ashlee, Harrison, Andrew, and Braxton.