Country music icon Garth Brooks shocked the world when he ended his 15-year marriage to Sandy Mahl, resulting in one of the most financially significant celebrity settlements in history.
In 2000, after enjoying many happy years and raising three children together, the renowned singer and his songwriter wife made the heartbreaking decision to part ways. Citing irreconcilable differences in court, Sandy later revealed that their extensive time apart due to Garth’s demanding career had taken a toll on their relationship.
In the documentary “Garth Brooks: The Road I’m On,” Sandy expressed her frustrations, explaining, “People constantly wanting your attention and yanking and pulling on him. He’d be gone eight to 10 weeks at a time. He’d come home, and there would be number-one parties, or shows, or CMAs, or ACMs, and American Music Awards, so it was constantly going. But we both grew apart really, really quickly. I don’t think either of us had stopped to think about how this would change our lives.”
Their divorce was finalized on December 17, 2001, with Sandy receiving an astounding $125 million settlement. They agreed to joint custody of their daughters, Taylor, August, and Allie, who have since grown into young women, told Hello.
Despite their separation, Sandy played a significant role in Garth’s career and was even credited with two of his songs from his first album. The couple managed to maintain an amicable relationship, with Garth acknowledging the challenges his fame brought to their marriage. He expressed his newfound appreciation for Sandy’s experiences, stating, “She was phenomenal.
[I was] gone so much on the road [during our marriage], there were things I guess she was [trying to tell] me that I didn’t hear until this biography. It’s rare you get to hear the other side. I just saw her, and I think I hugged her harder than I ever have now that I know things that either I didn’t hear or that she didn’t say until now.”
Garth went on to marry fellow country star Trisha Yearwood in 2005, and they have made a conscious effort to overcome the challenges of being apart. “We plan our days if we’re gonna be apart so that we can get back together as soon as possible,” shared the “Walkaway Joe” singer.
Celebrating 17 years of marriage, Trisha praised Garth as a remarkable partner, highlighting his attentive nature and genuine kindness. She revealed, “At the end of the day, even when I’m mad at him, [Garth] listens. Even when I think he’s not listening to me, he is. And he’s kind. He’s very generous and he’s very thoughtful.”