Who can forget “Delta Dawn” – the teen star’s debut single in 1972? At just thirteen years of age, Tanya Denise Tucker stepped out onto the world’s stage and became one of the few child entertainers to maintain and build her success into adulthood, while never losing her audience. Despite her success, the now 60-year-old has had a bit of a rough ride with relationships. But it was her short relationship with actor Ben Reed that led to her two children.
However, the pair split up. Fast forward a few years, and Tucker was having an on-again, off-again relationship with Nashville musician, Jerry Laseter. They were engaged twice and were just about to walk down the aisle when she discovered she was pregnant with his child. She called off the wedding because she didn’t want to walk down in her wedding dress while pregnant.
Travis Tritt and Theresa Nelson
Another great love story is that of famous country music bad boy, Travis Tritt. He has won two Grammy Awards, had seven platinum-certified albums and one triple-platinum album. During his early years, Tritt had a rough start to life. In the early 80s, he married his childhood sweetheart, but it wasn’t meant to be. He then married Jodi Barnett, a woman over a decade older than him, but this too, ended in divorce.
They say third time’s a charm – and in 1997, fans were skeptical about how long his third marriage to Theresa Nelson would last. The Nashville-based student and model was certainly swept off her feet by the “rowdy, outlaw, hell-bent-for-leather guy.” It seems that it worked out for him this time around – the pair have three children together and are still happily married!
Charlie and Hazel Daniels
Now, we’re going to dive straight into the love story here – this pair has been together for over 50 years! Charlie met his Hazel pretty early on, and the pair were wed in September 1964. They have one son together, Charlie Daniels, Jr. The American singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist is a testament to what country music should be. He’s best known for his number one hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, as well as for his contributions to country and bluegrass music.
It’s pretty amazing that he’s 82 years old – and just a couple of years ago he was entered into the Country Music Hall of Fame (about time, right?) He’s had a pretty amazing career, collaborating with music legend Bob Dylan, and winning a Grammy Award. Despite some health issues, Hazel has stuck through thick and thin with Daniels, and they’re inseparable.
Glen Campbell and Kimberly Woollen
The much-loved country music artist Glen Campbell had an epic career, spanning 50 years. Sadly, Campbell passed away in August of 2017, losing his battle to Alzheimer’s disease. The Arkansas-born singer is best known for his hits throughout the 60s and 70s, as well as for hosting the music and comedy variety show, The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour. Having sold over 45 million records worldwide, Campbell will forever be remembered as a legend of the industry.
His love life was somewhat more complex, having been married four times. However, his fourth wife, Kimberley Woollen, seemed to stand the test of time, tying the knot in 1982, and remaining married up until his passing. Within the four marriages, Campbell fathered eight children, with his daughter Ashley Campbell going on to follow in his father’s footsteps as a country musician. That’s a nice tribute.
Kacey Musgraves and Ruston Kelly
Kacey Musgraves made a name for herself with a stunning debut album in Golden Hour. The singer-songwriter has won six Grammys, four CMA Awards and three Academy of Country Music Awards. She’s gone on to collaborate with some of the biggest names in the business, like Dierks Bentle. Musgraves is married to fellow singer-songwriter, Ruston Kelly.
They’ve got a pretty cute love story too – the pair met at the Bluebird Café in Nashville, where Kacey heard him play. She introduced herself and the two organized to do some songwriting together. The pair got married in October 2017. “It was just like when Dorothy opens a door in the Wizard of Oz, and the world turns into color from black and white", said Musgraves.