Early Life and Education of Sara Evans: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Sara Evans. A timeline of key moments.

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

February 5, 1971: Sara Evans's Birth

On February 5, 1971, Sara Lynn Evans, an American country music singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, and author, was born.

1983: Parents' Divorce

In 1983, Sara Evans's parents divorced.

1985: Mother's Remarriage and Family Move

In 1985, Sara Evans's mother remarried, and the family moved to a tobacco farm in New Franklin.

1989: High School Graduation

In 1989, Sara Evans graduated from high school and accepted a scholarship to Central Methodist University.

1991: Moved to Nashville

In 1991, Sara Evans and her brother Matt moved to Nashville to pursue a country music career.

1992: Moved to Aumsville, Oregon

In 1992, Sara Evans and her first husband temporarily moved to Aumsville, Oregon, where she performed as Sara Evans & North Santiam.

1993: Marriage to Craig Schelske

In 1993, Sara Evans married Craig Schelske, who was an aspiring musician at the time.

1999: Birth of First Son

In 1999, Sara Evans gave birth to her first son, Avery Jack.

2002: Schelske's Congressional Run

In 2002, Craig Schelske ran unsuccessfully in the Republican primary for Oregon's 5th congressional district.

2003: Birth of Daughter Olivia

In 2003, Sara Evans had a daughter named Olivia Margaret.

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.

September 28, 2007: Divorce Finalization

On September 28, 2007, the divorce between Sara Evans and Craig Schelske was finalized, establishing a joint custody plan, asset split, and alimony agreement.

2007: Meeting Jay Barker

In 2007, Sara Evans met her second husband, Jay Barker, through her marriage counselor and they began exchanging emails.

June 14, 2008: Marriage to Jay Barker

On June 14, 2008, Sara Evans married Jay Barker in Franklin, with their children as attendants.

September 2, 2008: Performance at Ron Paul's Rally

On September 2, 2008, Sara Evans headlined Ron Paul's Rally for the Republic in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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: Barker's Perspective on Family

In 2011, Jay Barker shared his perspective on their blended family, emphasizing that they don't think of it as 'blended' but simply as 'our kids'.

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.

2019: Return to Nashville

In 2019, Sara Evans and her family returned to Nashville so that she could live closer to the country music business.

September 2020: Release of Memoir

In September 2020, Sara Evans released a memoir that discussed highlights from her life and career. The book was published by Howard Books.

August 2021: Divorce Filing

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

2021: Daughter's Musical Debut

In 2021, Sara Evans' daughter, Olivia, debuted in her touring band as a vocalist.

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.