Meet Alan Jackson’s Wife, Denise
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Alan Jackson, one of country music’s most beloved stars, has been married to his high school sweetheart, Denise, for over forty years.
Keep reading to learn more about Denise and her sweet love story with Alan!
Alan and Denise Jackson’s romance began in their hometown of Newnan, Georgia, where they met as teenagers. Denise, a cheerleader, tennis player, and top student, caught Alan’s eye when she was just 16 and he was 18. Their young love blossomed, leading them to tie the knot in 1979 when Denise was only 19 years old. Funny enough, Denise kept the same last name when they got married, as her family name was already Jackson.
The Early Years
As newlyweds, the couple faced the typical challenges of starting a life together. Denise pursued her education, earning a college degree, and later worked as a flight attendant. Meanwhile, Alan chased his dreams of becoming a country music star.
In 1985, the Jacksons took a leap of faith and moved to Nashville. Alan worked in a mailroom by day and performed in clubs at night, waiting for his big break.
Denise actually played a crucial role in launching Alan’s career. During her time as a flight attendant, she spotted Glen Campbell at the airport and boldly approached him about her husband’s musical aspirations. Campbell pulled out a business card for his music publishing company in Nashville and handed it to Denise.
“We were still living in Newnan, so I was commuting out of the Atlanta airport, and I saw Glen in the boarding area,” Denise once revealed. “I just am not the type to approach people, but I just thought, ‘This may be our only chance. I have to do it.'”
This chance encounter led to Alan’s first songwriting deal and helped him establish valuable connections within the industry.
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Family Life
As Alan’s career took off, the couple started their family. They welcomed three daughters: Mattie Denise (born 1990), Alexandra Jane “Ali” (born 1993), and Dani Grace (born 1997). The Jacksons seemed to be living a fairytale life, complete with a massive 19,000-square-foot mansion.
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However, the pressures of fame and success took their toll on the marriage. In 1997, the couple separated for several months. Denise revealed in her 2007 book, It’s All About Him, that Alan had been unfaithful during this period.
The separation became a turning point for both Alan and Denise.
“Alan has such a strong personality, and the more his career grew, the more insecure I felt, and the more I absorbed myself into his world. My dreams became his dreams, and it was all about him and his goals, and I kind of lost myself, Denise told TODAY.
Through counseling and a renewed commitment to their faith, they were able to reconcile and rebuild their relationship.
“What I found in the long run is that forgiveness was the real key to freedom in my life. It wasn’t the natural response,” Denise shared. “I can really take no credit for it. I am not really any stronger than any other woman who has gone through that. But I just drew my strength from God. I called out to Him and said, ‘Please, help me to be the forgiving wife that I need to be. Help me to be that.'”
This difficult period inspired one of Alan’s most beloved songs, “Remember When,” which celebrates their enduring love.
RELATED: Alan Jackson Details How His Love For Wife Denise Inspired “Remember When”
In 2010, the couple faced another trial when Denise was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. She and Alan were enjoying their anniversary trip in Florida when the phone rang with the news. For the next two months, Alan stood by Denise as she battled cancer. He was there through all her radiation and chemo treatments. Finally, doctors told Denise she was cancer-free.
Alan said of the difficult time, “It made me realize how important it is to have someone there to walk with you through something like this. It was the first time I felt like I was living out the phrase in our wedding vows ‘for better or for worse.'”
Their Relationship Today
Now grandparents to two sweet grandbabies and married for over 40 years, Alan and Denise Jackson are stronger than ever. Alan recently shared with iHeartCountry:
“We got a lot of history together now, and we’re happier than we’ve ever been. So, she’s still beautiful, and she’s always inspired songs…I mean, there’s been a zillion songs that have pieces of our good days and bad days inspired, and they continue to.”
From his early hit “I’d Love You All Over Again,” written for their 10th anniversary, to countless other songs, Denise continues to be a source of inspiration for Alan’s music.
