Sandy Mahl was important in Garth Brooks’ early life and career. The two had met in a bar near Oklahoma State University, where he was a student on a track scholarship who competed in the javelin. Sandy was also a college student at the time. Their relationship grew, and they married in 1986, long before Brooks was a country music superstar. Together, they made a family that included their three daughters: Taylor Mayne Pearl, August Anna, and Allie Colleen.
Early Life of Sandy Mahl
Sandy Mahl was born to Pat and John Mahl in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she and her sister, Debbie, grew up. Mahl was a cheerleader, played basketball, and ran track in high school. She graduated from Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Sandy is a songwriter who co-wrote Garth’s song “I’ve Got A Good Thing Going” from Garth’s debut album and his 1993 hit “That Summer.”
The Marriage That Faced Tremendous Challenges
As Brooks’ career exploded, the pressures of fame began to pull their relationship apart. Sandy Mahl has said that long periods apart, on tour and at events, put emotional distance between them. In the 2019 documentary Garth Brooks: The Road I’m On, she reflected on moments of isolation and the difficulty of keeping their relationship intact as his career required more of him. Although she tried to support him, even attending soundchecks with their children, the spark faded. Brooks later confessed that this was often lost on him at the time; he came to appreciate her point of view only years after they stopped being together.
A Painful Divorce and an Unbreakable Bond
The couple divorced in 2001 after 15 years of marriage, with Brooks reportedly agreeing to a hefty $125 million settlement. The divorce was amicable if unsurprisingly heart-wrenching, with both sides noting their respect for one another. Brooks called Mahl “phenomenal” and credited her with grace and understanding throughout their separation. A mutual priority was co-parenting their daughters, which they handled well after their split.
Co-Parenting & Starting a New Chapter
After the divorce, Brooks married fellow country music star Trisha Yearwood. In Brooks’ defense, Mahl said she supported the new union and appreciated Yearwood’s impact on their family. She even complimented Yearwood on co-parenting their daughters together, a testament to her generous spirit. Brooks would often say how committed he was to always being there for his children’s milestones, whether in sports or academics.
Sandy was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after Garth remarried in 2005. Sandy never married again.
In July 2013, Brooks and Sandy became grandparents, as August had a daughter, Karalynn, with Chance Michael Russell.
What does Sandy Mahl do now?
After leaving Nashville following her divorce from Garth Brooks, Mahl returned to Oklahoma to focus on wildlife rehabilitation. She co-founded Wild Heart Ranch with Annette King Tucker in Rogers County, Oklahoma. Annette serves as the organization’s president and director of operations, and Mahl serves on the board of directors and currently serves as Wild Heart Ranch’s vice president.
