Exploring the Relationship Journey of Sara Evans and Jay Barker

Sara Evans and her husband, Harry “Jay” Barker, have experienced both good times and challenges in their marriage.

The country singer tied the knot with Barker, a former football player, in 2008. This happened a year after her divorce from Craig Schelske, with whom she has three children.

During her divorce, Evans met Barker through their marital counselor. They both were going through separations at the time. Evans shared with Birmingham magazine that their counselor thought they were very similar and could be supportive friends. They started spending time together with their kids as just friends, but eventually, they realized they should start dating.

Barker and Amy DiGiovanna have four kids together. They moved to Alabama after getting married. However, nearly 14 years later, Barker was arrested in Alabama and charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This incident took place in Nashville in January 2022 when Barker allegedly tried to hit Evans with his vehicle.

The arrest brought focus to Evans' divorce petition from August 2021, which was later withdrawn.

Scroll through for a timeline of their relationship:

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

Credit: Jim Ruymen/UPI/Shutterstock

Sara Evans and Husband Jay Barker's Relationship Timeline

Sara Evans and her husband, Harry “Jay” Barker, have experienced both good and bad times in their marriage.

The country singer tied the knot with Barker, a retired football player, in 2008. This was just a year after her divorce from Craig Schelske, with whom she has three children.

During her divorce, Evans met Barker through their marital counselor. “He said we were so similar,” Evans shared with Birmingham magazine in 2015. They started off as supportive friends, getting together with their kids. Eventually, they realized they should start dating.

Barker, who has four children with his ex-wife Amy DiGiovanna, relocated to Alabama following their marriage. Almost 14 years later, Barker found himself in trouble when he was arrested and charged with felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. This incident occurred in Nashville in January 2022, where he was accused of attempting to hit Evans with his vehicle.

The arrest brought focus to Evans' divorce petition from August 2021, which was later withdrawn.

Scroll through for a timeline of their relationship:

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

Credit: Courtesy of Sara Evans/Instagram

2006

Evans and Barker were introduced as they navigated their respective divorces.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

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2008

They wed in Nashville on June 14, 2008.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

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2011

During a joint interview in 2011, the couple shared that they had discussed the idea of having a baby, which would be their eighth child in total.

"He mentioned that having a child together would not only bring us closer but also create a stronger bond for our children," he said at the time.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

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2015

Evans shared with Birmingham magazine in 2015 about her move from Tennessee to Alabama. She expressed her fondness for the state, mentioning how she enjoyed driving through Alabama on her way to the beach from Nashville. Living in a small town atmosphere, Evans appreciated the friendly people she encountered. She highlighted the close friendships she had developed with four or five girlfriends, bonding over their children's sports activities and family gatherings. Despite her busy touring schedule, Evans revealed that she spent most of her time in Alabama, no longer able to bring her children along on tours now that they are older.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

Credit: Courtesy of Sara Evans/Instagram

2018

Evans used to share sweet snaps with Barker via Instagram often.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

Credit: Courtesy of Sara Evans/Instagram

February 2021

The last trace of Barker on Evans’ social media page is from a February 2021 Instagram Live. The twosome joked around in the 59-minute video shared on her profile.

Sara Evans Jay Barkers Relationship Divorce Timeline

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April 2021

The couple separated on April 14, as revealed in court documents obtained by Us. They had been living apart, with Evans mentioning in the filing that her estranged husband had moved to Alabama for "approximately three months" following the separation.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

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August 2021

Evans officially filed for divorce on August 24, 2021, due to irreconcilable differences, as confirmed by Us. The singer's complaint mentioned "inappropriate marital conduct" from Barker and also noted that they had signed an antenuptual agreement post-wedding to decide on the distribution of their assets.

Sara Evans and Jay Barker relationship timeline

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Arrest in January 2022

In the affidavit detailing the domestic violence incident on January 15, it was mentioned that Evans was sitting in the passenger seat of her friend's car. She claimed to have seen Barker trying to hit them by backing up his vehicle at a high speed, but fortunately, he missed.

After being held for 12 hours, Barker was released on a $10,000 bond. He took to his radio show's Instagram page to express his gratitude.

In his statement, he thanked his friends, supporters, and the Alabama community for their overwhelming support. Barker acknowledged the challenges he and his family are currently facing, emphasizing the importance of privacy during this difficult time. He mentioned that media headlines often fail to capture the true complexities of their situation.

Barker concluded his message by expressing his love for his family and asking for understanding and respect for their privacy, especially for the sake of their children. He signed off with a note of gratitude and a reference to a Bible verse.

Sara Evans’ Estranged Husband Jay Barker Put on Probation After Allegedly Trying to Hit Her With Car

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June 2022

On June 10, it was confirmed that Barker accepted a plea deal in his best interest following an arrest related to alleged domestic violence. He agreed to a misdemeanor charge of reckless endangerment and was given a one-year probation sentence. As part of his probation, he must surrender all weapons and successfully finish a 26-week program for intervention in batterers.

Sara Evans Addresses Husband Jay Barker s Arrest After Their Reconciliation

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March 2024

After Barker’s arrest, he and Evans “tiptoed back to each other” and reconciled.

"I want to make it clear that even though I am happy now, I am not promoting staying in a relationship where deep down you know you should leave," she shared on her podcast "Diving Deep." "It is important for every woman to trust her instincts and make the decision that is best for her. I have followed my gut in the past, and I believe I have made the right choices."

Editor's P/S:

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