Garth Brooks once referred to the years he spent raising his children out of the spotlight in Oklahoma as “life at its best.” However, this journey wasn't without its fair share of difficulties. In his newly released book, “The Anthology Part IV: Going Home,” Brooks opened up about his experiences and the lessons he learned. Discovering Fatherhood and Overcoming Challenges
Returning to Roots and Learning to Be a Dad
When Brooks decided to announce his retirement from music in 2000 and move back to Oklahoma, it was a significant turning point in his life. As he recounted in his book, he was at a loss, having uprooted his entire life to return to where he was raised. This was a time of great change and self-discovery for him.He and his first wife, Sandy Mahl, had three daughters together - Taylor, August, and Allie. Raising them in Oklahoma was a new chapter for Brooks, one that he was determined to make the best of.
The Rough Road of Divorce
Divorce is never easy, and for Brooks, it was the “roughest time” in his life. The former couple bought a piece of land in Oklahoma and lived separately, with Brooks residing in a 700-square foot former bunkhouse for five years.During this time, they continued to exchange their children every day at six, showing their commitment to their family. Brooks wrote about the pain and the lessons he learned during this difficult period.
Finding Love and a New Family
In 2005, Brooks tied the knot with Trisha Yearwood. This was a significant event in his life, as she became an important part of his family.As he detailed in his book, Yearwood was a source of support and inspiration for him and his daughters. She taught them important life lessons and helped them grow.
Balancing Music and Family
Brooks had always been passionate about music, but he realized that being a parent was even more important. He spoke about how he had to choose between his career and his family and how he ultimately decided to prioritize his children.He admitted that there was no manual for being a dad, but with Yearwood by his side, they were able to create a loving and stable home for their family.
Dealing with Controversy
This year, Brooks and Yearwood have faced controversy. In October, Brooks was accused of sexually assaulting “Jane Roe” during a work trip in 2019. Brooks has denied the allegations and is fighting back.This has been a difficult time for the couple, but they have remained strong and are determined to get through it together.Throughout his book, Brooks shared his honest and heartfelt experiences, providing a unique perspective on fatherhood, divorce, and the importance of family. His story is one of growth, resilience, and the power of love.
