The Shocking Truth: 5 Key Facts About Sara Evans' Husband, Jay Barker, And Their Dramatic Reconciliation

Country music star Sara Evans’ personal life has been as dramatic and headline-making as any song she’s ever recorded, particularly concerning her marital history. The intense public scrutiny surrounding her two marriages, especially the recent tumultuous relationship with former Alabama quarterback Jay Barker, has kept fans riveted. As of today, December 18, 2025, the most current and surprising update is the news of her reconciliation with Jay Barker, a revelation that came nearly two years after a highly publicized divorce filing and a shocking domestic violence arrest.

This article dives deep into the life of Sara Evans’ current husband, Jay Barker, detailing his background, the public scandal that rocked their marriage, and the intimate reasons behind their decision to reconcile, offering a fresh, unique perspective on one of country music's most complicated love stories.

Jay Barker: Biography and Professional Profile

Sara Evans' husband, Harry Jerome "Jay" Barker, is a well-known figure in the world of American football, particularly in the state of Alabama, before he transitioned into a career as a radio personality. Their blended family is a significant part of their shared life, including Evans' three children (Avery, Olivia, and Audrey) and Barker's four children from his previous marriage, making them a family of seven children.

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Here is a detailed look at Jay Barker's life and career:

• Full Name: Harry Jerome "Jay" Barker
• Date of Birth: July 20, 1972
• Age: 53 years old (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
• Alma Mater: University of Alabama
• Career Highlight (Football): Quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide, leading the team to a National Championship victory in 1992.
• Major Awards: He was the recipient of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award in 1994, recognizing him as the nation's top senior quarterback.
• Professional Career: Briefly played in the Canadian Football League (CFL).
• Current Profession: Radio personality and co-host of "The Jay Barker Show" in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
• Marriage to Sara Evans: Married on June 14, 2008.

The Tumultuous Timeline: Divorce Filing, Arrest, and Reconciliation

The relationship between Sara Evans and Jay Barker, which began after they were introduced by a marriage counselor following their respective divorces, was not without its public struggles. Their shared faith and commitment to a blended family were initially a source of strength, but the marriage hit a dramatic breaking point that led to national headlines.

The 2021 Divorce and Shocking 2022 Incident

In August 2021, after 13 years of marriage, Sara Evans filed for divorce from Jay Barker, citing irreconcilable differences. The situation escalated dramatically just five months later, in January 2022, when Barker was arrested in Nashville, Tennessee.

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The arrest stemmed from an alleged domestic violence incident where Barker was charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to the police report, Barker allegedly attempted to hit Evans’ vehicle with his truck while she was in it, after seeing her leaving a neighbor’s house. This event sent shockwaves through the country music and sports communities, bringing intense scrutiny to the couple's private struggles. The charges were later dropped after Barker completed a diversion program.

The Surprising 2023 Reconciliation

In a move that stunned many fans and media outlets, Sara Evans publicly revealed in 2023 that she and Jay Barker had reconciled. She announced the news on the first episode of her new podcast, Diving in Deep with Sara Evans, explaining that they had chosen to work through their issues.

Evans acknowledged the severity of the situation and the public’s perception, but she emphasized the deep connection and history they share, particularly with their blended family of seven children. She stated that she was "so happy" and asked for the "benefit of the doubt" from those who questioned her decision, highlighting the complexity of their relationship and the hard work they put into repairing it. This reconciliation provides the most current update on her marital status, positioning Jay Barker as her current husband.

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Sara Evans' First Marriage and Contentious Divorce

To fully understand the context of Sara Evans' life, it is essential to look back at her first marriage to Craig Schelske, which ended in a highly public and acrimonious divorce that foreshadowed the dramatic nature of her second split.

Craig Schelske: The First Husband

Sara Evans married Craig Schelske, a former political candidate and businessman, in 1993. They had three children together: Avery Jack, Olivia Margaret, and Audrey Elizabeth.

Allegations and Public Scandal

The divorce proceedings, which began in 2006, quickly became a media spectacle. Evans filed for divorce, alleging that Schelske was verbally and emotionally abusive, drank excessively, and frequently watched pornography. She also accused him of committing adultery.

Schelske vehemently denied Evans’ claims and counter-filed, alleging that Evans had engaged in multiple affairs, including one with Kenny Chesney (which Chesney denied) and another with her then-married dance partner on Dancing With The Stars, Tony Dovolani. He claimed the discovery of one of these relationships led to an argument the day before she filed for divorce. The divorce was finalized in 2007, marking the end of a very public and painful chapter that deeply affected her career and family life.

Topical Authority Entities: People, Places, and Events

The story of Sara Evans' marriages is interwoven with several key figures and events that define her personal narrative and public image. These entities provide a complete picture of the country star's life:

• Avery Jack, Olivia Margaret, and Audrey Elizabeth: Sara Evans' three children from her first marriage to Craig Schelske. Olivia recently got married, and Audrey welcomed her first baby.
• Alabama Crimson Tide: Jay Barker’s legendary college football team, where he achieved national fame.
• Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award: The prestigious award Barker won in 1994, cementing his legacy in college football.
• Domestic Violence: The serious legal charge Jay Barker faced in 2022, which led to the initial public outcry and separation.
• Blended Family: The term used to describe the large family unit of seven children created by the marriage of Sara Evans (3 children) and Jay Barker (4 children).
• Diving in Deep with Sara Evans: The podcast where Sara Evans chose to reveal the news of her reconciliation with Jay Barker, providing a direct, unfiltered update to her fans.
• Tony Dovolani: Sara Evans' professional dance partner on Dancing With The Stars, who was controversially named in her first divorce proceedings.

The journey of Sara Evans and Jay Barker is a testament to the complexities of modern relationships, especially under the intense spotlight of celebrity. Despite the dramatic events and public scrutiny, the couple chose to prioritize their family and marriage, leading to their surprising and very recent reconciliation.