Each Marriage Is Different’: Sara Evans Opens Up On Jay Barker Reconciliation; Says She Fears People Will ‘Judge’ Her

In a heartfelt conversation, Sara Evans talks about her decision to reconcile with Jay Barker, revealing the challenges they faced. She opens up about feeling worried that others might judge her for their choice.

Despite the tough times, Evans explains how they worked through their problems, seeking help through therapy.

Reflecting on the emotional music video for her new single Pride, Evans reveals the deeply personal inspiration drawn from her own marriage struggles. Tears well in her eyes as she discusses the song’s portrayal of a woman’s strength amidst adversity. It’s her story when her marriage hit a rough patch and the duo separated in 2021.

“He’s watched it with me many, many times. We show it to people when they come over, and my heart always… Oh, I didn’t know I was going to cry,” she says with a nervous laugh as she stops to collect herself. “People are going to judge me. ‘Why do you feel sorry for him?’ But I know what he’s feeling — he’s feeling shame. But he’s also being brave and being like, ‘Yeah, that’s the truth. I did that.’”

Sara Evans says that she fears judgement from people for her decision

During their separation, they faced challenges, especially in January 2022, when Barker, was arrested and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon during a confrontation involving Evans, her daughter, and his car.

However, speaking to PEOPLE for the first time post-arrest, the country star asserts that her husband has transformed through extensive therapy, both individually and in marriage counseling. She knows that her choice to reconcile with Barker may not be universally accepted, but she remains hopeful that others will listen to her perspective.

“My biggest fear is that people are going to judge me or be angry with me for staying with Jay and not understand the whole story and the whole picture,” she says. “I just want, more than anything, for them to understand that each marriage is different, each story is different.” said Evans.

What happened between Sarah Evans and Jay Barker?