Sandy Mahl Brooks gained recognition as the first wife of Garth Brooks. She is also the mother of their three children, Taylor, August, and Allie. However, she is more than just a famous former spouse, she is a woman with her own unique identity.
Sandy Mahl Bio Summary
Full name: Sandy Mahl
Gender: Female
Date of birth: 16th January 1965
Age: 57 years (as of 2024)
Zodiac sign: Capricorn
Place of birth: Tusla, Oklahoma
Nationality: American
Hair color: Blondish-brown
Eye color: Brown
Alma mater: Oklahoma State University
Marital status: Divorced
Ex-spouse: Garth Brooks
Children: 3 (Taylor, August, and Allie)
Occupation: Businesswoman
Early Life
Sandy Mahl was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma by her parents, Pat and John Mahl. Along with her sister Debbie, she grew up in the city. During her high school years, Mahl participated in various activities such as cheerleading, track, and basketball. She later attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Career
Sandy composed the track “I’ve Got a Good Thing Going” for her husband Garth Brooks’ first album, released in 1989 under his own name. In 1993, she also penned “That Summer.” She played a significant part in shaping Brooks’ success.
Following their separation, she returned to Oklahoma and focused on her work in wildlife rehabilitation. This ultimately inspired her to establish the Wild Heart Ranch, where she now holds the position of Vice-President.
Ex-Husband & Kids
Sandy Mahl and Garth Brooks unconventionally crossed paths during their time as students at Oklahoma State University. At the time, Garth was a senior and worked as a part-time bouncer.
On a particular evening, he was summoned to intervene in a fight that had broken out in the women’s restroom at a nearby establishment known as The Tumbleweed Ballroom in Stillwater.
Sandy was revealed to be one of the instigators and ended up getting her hand lodged in the wooden paneling of the bathroom wall after she threw a punch. Garth intervened and stopped the altercation, drove Sandy back to her place, and the two started dating afterward.
They tied the knot in May 1986 and relocated to Nashville, where Brooks planned to pursue his passion for music. Although Garth faced challenges at first, Sandy encouraged him to continue chasing his musical aspirations.
In April 1989, Garth’s first album, named after himself, was released to great acclaim. It eventually achieved Diamond certification for selling over 10 million copies.
However, Garth’s constant touring, which often kept him away for 8-10 weeks multiple times a year, and repeated acts of unfaithfulness ultimately led to their divorce in 2000. Sandy Mahl was featured in the 2019 documentary “Garth: The Road I’m On,” which chronicles Brooks’ life.
Despite ending their relationship on good terms, the couple’s divorce ended up being one of the costliest in history. Sandy received a whopping $125 million from Garth. However, they remained committed to raising their three daughters together. Currently, Garth Brooks is happily married to fellow country singer Tricia Yearwood.
Sandy Mahl Now
Sandy Mahl has not remarried, even though she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. During that year, she was abducted by an employee of her Oklahoma property who was trying to avoid being arrested by a bail bondsman.
She was compelled to drive, but eventually stopped the car and was able to flee uninjured. The man was apprehended soon after. Mahl continues to be a strong supporter of Brooks’ professional endeavors and his relationship with Yearwood. Sandy and Garth welcomed their first grandchild in 2013 and their second in 2016.
Sandy Mahl, an American entrepreneur, is widely known as the former spouse of country music sensation Garth Brooks. She boasts an estimated net worth of $100 million.