Challenges in the Life of Sara Evans in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 9, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Sara Evans's life and career.

Sara Evans is a celebrated American country music singer-songwriter, record producer, actress, and author. She has achieved significant success in the country music scene with five number-one hits on the Billboard country songs chart and over six million albums sold. Nine more singles reached the top ten, solidifying her place as a prominent figure in the genre. Her notable songs include "I Could Not Ask for More," "I Keep Looking," and "Cheatin'." Evans has earned awards from the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association, in addition to multiple nominations.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

July 1997: Release of "Three Chords and the Truth" Album

In July 1997, Sara Evans released her debut album, Three Chords and the Truth, on RCA Records, which received critical acclaim but was not commercially successful.

December 2005: "Meltdown" and Mental Health Struggles

In December 2005, Sara Evans experienced a "meltdown" after realizing her first marriage was ending, leading to severe anxiety and a brief hospitalization.

October 2006: Hollins' Interview and Lawsuit

In October 2006, Craig Schelske sued Sara Evans' Nashville attorney, John Hollins Sr., for slander after Hollins gave an interview about Evans' divorce claims to People magazine.

2006: Dancing with the Stars Appearance and Divorce Filing

In 2006, Sara Evans appeared on Dancing with the Stars but dropped out after filing for divorce. The stress in her personal life caused Evans to suffer from anxiety and panic attacks.

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2006: Divorce Media Attention

In 2006, Sara Evans's divorce received widespread media attention, which continued into 2007, delaying plans for recording a studio album.

2006: Divorce Filing and Allegations

In 2006, after departing from Dancing with the Stars, Sara Evans filed for divorce from Craig Schelske, accusing him of various misconducts. Schelske denied the claims and made counter-allegations.

July 2009: Nanny Lawsuit Settlement

In July 2009, Sara Evans settled a lawsuit filed by her ex-nanny for $500,000, who claimed Evans had smeared her name.

2010: Restraining Order Against Schelske

In 2010, Sara Evans obtained a temporary restraining order against Craig Schelske, restricting him from making derogatory statements about her or their marriage.

2011: Settlement and Apology

In 2011, Craig Schelske's lawsuit against John Hollins resulted in an undisclosed financial settlement and a written apology from Hollins.

2011: Second Restraining Order

In 2011, Sara Evans obtained a second temporary restraining order against Craig Schelske, restricting him from making derogatory statements about her or their marriage.

December 2012: Near-Fatal Plane Crash

In December 2012, Sara Evans was nearly killed in a plane crash in Minnesota after her private plane's gyroscope malfunctioned.

August 2021: Divorce Filing

In August 2021, Sara Evans filed for divorce from Jay Barker, citing "irreconcilable differences and inappropriate marital conduct".

January 15, 2022: Barker's Arrest

On January 15, 2022, Jay Barker was arrested for aggravated assault after allegedly attempting to hit Sara Evans with his car.

March 2022: Barker's Court Appearance

In March 2022, Jay Barker was scheduled for a court appearance following his arrest for aggravated assault.

June 2022: Barker's Plea Deal

In June 2022, Jay Barker entered a plea deal and was sentenced to a year of probation. A divorce between Sara Evans and Barker was "in progress" at that time.