TRACE ADKINS & RHONDA FORLAW: HOW AN 18-YEAR MARRIAGE FELL SILENTLY APART
Of all the women in Trace Adkins’ life, none shaped him quite like Rhonda Forlaw. Their marriage lasted nearly two decades, and her departure marked a profound turning point in his personal and professional life.
đź’Ť From Label to Love
Rhonda wasn’t a stranger to the music business. She worked in PR at Arista Records, where Trace released some of his earliest work. They met in 1994 and soon became one of country music’s favorite couples.
In 1996, Trace proposed to her at the Grand Ole Opry — a magical moment in front of their fans. A year later, they were married. Rhonda played a pivotal role in Trace’s success, often acting as his behind-the-scenes supporter and unofficial media strategist.
👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 A Seemingly Perfect Life
Together, they had three daughters: Mackenzie (1998), Brianna (2001), and Trinity (2004). To the public eye, they were the epitome of a grounded, loving country family.
Trace often credited Rhonda for keeping him steady, especially during the unpredictable highs and lows of his career. She was present backstage at nearly every performance and red carpet event.
🍷 Behind the Curtain: The Struggles
But behind the smiles and stage lights, trouble was brewing. Trace battled with alcohol dependency for years — a struggle he mostly kept private. In 2014, things came to a head when he entered rehab.
This was the moment everything changed. Rhonda, who had stood by him through so much, made the painful decision to file for divorce. It wasn’t anger that drove her — it was exhaustion.
đź’” A Quiet Ending
Their divorce was finalized in 2015. There were no public fights, no messy court headlines — just silence. Both parties chose dignity over drama.
But fans could tell something had shifted in Trace. His music took a more introspective turn. Songs like “Watered Down” and “Still a Soldier” felt heavier, more personal. The pain of losing Rhonda lingered in every note.