Sara Evans Husband: A Timeline Of Their Relationship

George Douglas 24 May 2025

Can love truly conquer all? In the tumultuous world of celebrity relationships, where breakups and makeups often dominate headlines, the story of Sara Evans and Jay Barker offers a complex and compelling look at the resilience of love, the challenges of forgiveness, and the enduring power of second chances.

The country music star, known for her soaring vocals and heartfelt lyrics, has experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in her relationship with Barker, a former University of Alabama quarterback turned sports radio host. Their journey, marked by both deep affection and painful conflict, has played out in the public eye, prompting both admiration and scrutiny.

Category	Details
Full Name	Sara Lynn Evans
Date of Birth	February 5, 1971
Profession	Country music singer, songwriter, author
Spouse	Jay Barker (m. 2008; div. filed 2021; reconciled 2023)
Previous Spouse	Craig Schelske (m. 1993; div. 2007)
Children	7 (3 with Schelske, 4 with Barker - blended family)
Net Worth (approx.)	$20 million (2023)
Website	saraevans.com

Evans and Barker's love story began in 2008, culminating in a Tennessee wedding attended by their children from previous marriages. The blended family seemed to embody a modern fairy tale, but behind the scenes, a different narrative was unfolding. Evans later revealed she had endured years of alleged abuse, a situation she initially shielded her children from. The revelation added another layer of complexity to their relationship, raising questions about the dynamics of love, loyalty, and the difficult choices individuals face in challenging circumstances.

The situation reached a breaking point in 2021 when Evans filed for divorce. Then, in January 2022, an incident involving Barker's alleged attempt to hit Evans with his car sent shockwaves through the media and their fanbase. The arrest and subsequent legal proceedings further intensified the public scrutiny surrounding their relationship, casting a shadow over their already troubled marriage. Many questioned whether reconciliation was even possible, given the gravity of the allegations.

Yet, against the odds, Evans and Barker found their way back to each other. In 2023, Evans announced their reconciliation on her podcast, Diving in Deep with Sara Evans. The news sparked a flurry of reactions, with some applauding their commitment to working through their issues and others expressing concern given the past allegations of abuse. The reconciliation highlighted the complexities of forgiveness and the challenges of rebuilding trust after experiencing trauma.

Evans has been open about the difficulties they have faced, acknowledging the ongoing work required to maintain a healthy relationship. She has emphasized the importance of therapy and communication in their journey toward healing and rebuilding trust. Their story stands as a testament to the complexities of human relationships, and the courage it takes to confront difficult truths and strive for a better future. The couples combined family of seven children adds another dimension to their narrative, illustrating the intricate web of relationships and responsibilities that come with blending families.

From the initial joy of their wedding in Franklin, Tennessee, to the public airing of their struggles, Evans and Barker's story has unfolded with a raw honesty that resonates with many. Theirs is a story not just of celebrity gossip, but of the human condition the capacity for both great love and deep hurt, the struggle for forgiveness, and the enduring hope for healing and second chances. While the future remains unwritten, their journey continues to captivate and remind us that even the most complicated relationships can offer profound lessons about love, resilience, and the complexities of the human heart.

Before her marriage to Barker, Evans was married to politician Craig Schelske. Their 14-year marriage ended in 2007, a period marked by public accusations and a contentious divorce. They share three children, Avery Jack, Olivia Margaret, and Audrey Elizabeth. Schelskes subsequent political aspirations, including a run for Congress, further intertwined their personal lives with the public sphere. The details of their divorce, including allegations of infidelity, became tabloid fodder, highlighting the challenges of navigating high-profile separations.

Evans' career, spanning decades, has seen her achieve significant success in the country music world. With hits like Born to Fly and No Place That Far, she has solidified her place as a prominent voice in the genre. Her music often reflects her personal experiences, adding another layer of depth and meaning to her work. Her openness about her personal life, both the triumphs and the struggles, has allowed her to connect with fans on a deeper level, solidifying her position not just as a talented musician but also as a relatable figure navigating the complexities of life and love.