Where Is Garth Brooks' Ex-Wife Sandy Mahl?

Garth Brooks may be one of country music’s biggest legends today, but long before the spotlight and superstardom, there was Sandy Mahl, his first wife, who stood beside him during his rise.

But as Garth rose to fame, their relationship started to weaken. They parted ways in 2001, leaving fans wondering what was the reason behind Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl’s divorce.

Many years later, Sandy opened up about their split in the documentary Garth Brooks: The Road I’m On, saying that Garth’s fame was the reason behind their separation.

What Happened to Garth Brooks' Wife, Sandy?

Sandy stepped away from the spotlight after her divorce from Garth Brooks. She chose a private life with their children.

She was once recognized as Garth Brooks’ wife, but now she is known as Garth Brooks’ ex-wife or Garth Brooks’ first wife.

While Garth’s fans remember her as his former wife and the mother of his children, her private life made people wonder what Sandy Mahl is doing now.

Sandy was an emerging songwriter when she met Garth for the first time.

Now, Sandy is active as a Wildlife Rehabilitator and Co-Founder of Wild Heart Ranch, a state and federally licensed rehabilitation facility provider for all wildlife species.

Sandy is now known as Sandy Mahl Brooks Lynch, one of the Board of Directors of Wild Heart Ranch.

Sandy was also seen in public many years later in the documentary released documentary Garth Brooks: The Road I'm On, where she revealed the exact reason behind their divorce.

Why Did Garth Brooks Leave His Wife, Sandy?

In the documentary, Sandy openly discussed that her husband’s fame led to their split. She explained that he used to go eight to 10 weeks at a time, and then there would be “No. 1 parties, or shows, or CMAs, or ACMs, American Music Awards,” so he was frequently away.

Garth’s rising success and the distance between them changed their lives because of which they ultimately agreed to get divorced.

Garth also reacted to his ex-wife’s comment in his documentary, saying that he was surprised by her appearance. He said,

“[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 announced their separation in October 2000 after 14 years of marriage. He opened up about their divorce to Billboard magazine, saying that he and Sandy both agree that they need to get divorced.

He added,

Right now, we're focusing on the impact it will have on the children and how to handle that best, to remain parents even if we don't remain husband and wife."

Earlier that year, in January, he gave insight into his married life while appearing on Good Morning America, saying that he and his wife’s relationship was not in a good place.

Garth and Sandy got married in May 1986 after meeting in a bar near Oklahoma State University. Both Garth and his ex-wife attended the same university, where Garth studied on a track scholarship and competed in the javelin.

Garth reportedly was a bouncer at the bar where they met. Sandy had a fight with a woman in the bathroom, and Garth was the one to break up the fight between them.

Garth Brooks and Sandy Mahl's Children

Garth and his wife, Sandy, have three daughters named Taylor Mayne Pearl, August Anna, and Allie Colleen Brooks.

Their eldest daughter, Taylor, was born on July 8, 1992, and two years later, on May 3, 1994, their daughter August was born.

Their youngest daughter, Allie, was born in 1996.

Garth got married to Trisha Yearwood in 2005, and she became stepmom to their daughters.

Garth even left the music business to raise his three daughters. He felt that he was living with three strange women after he divorced and paused his music career to raise his daughters.

However, three parents worked really well in their context. His three daughters, who were all tomboys, got along with their stepmother.

Trisha has also opened up about how her life changed being a bonus mom to Garth’s three children.

Their daughter, Taylor, was seen on Garth’s 2019 documentary, Garth Brooks: The Road I’m On. She was attending Vanderbilt University, focusing on theological studies for her master’s degree at that time.

Their second daughter, August, is now married to Chance Michael Russell. August has two children, two daughters named Karalynn (born 2013) and Gwendolyn (born December 2016).

Their youngest daughter, Allie, has followed in her father’s footsteps. She began her career in music after earning a degree in songwriting and music business from Belmont University in 2018.

Allie is also married. Her husband’s name is Jonathan Roberts.