What Is Sandy Mahl's Net Worth?
Sandy Mahl is an American businesswoman who is probably most famous for being the ex-wife of country music star Garth Brooks. Sandy Mahl has a net worth of $100 million.
Early Life
Sandy Mahl was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Pat and John Mahl. She and her sister, Debbie, were raised in Tulsa. In high school, Mahl was a cheerleader, ran track, and played basketball. Sandy attended Oklahoma State University in Stillwater.
Career
Sandy penned the song "I've Got a Good Thing Going," which appeared on her husband Garth Brooks' 1989 debut self-titled album. She also wrote the song "That Summer" in 1993. She played a huge role in developing Brooks' career. After their divorce, she moved back to Oklahoma and dedicated her time to wildlife rehabilitation. This led her to co-found the Wild Heart Ranch, for which she currently serves as Vice-President.
(Photo by Ron Galella/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images)
Relationship with Garth Brooks
Sandy Mahl met Garth Brooks in an unconventional manner while they were both students at Oklahoma State University. He was a senior and working as a part-time bouncer. One night, he was called to break up a brawl in a women's bathroom at a local bar called The Tumbleweed Ballroom in Stillwater. Sandy turned out to be one of the brawlers and ended up getting her fist stuck in the bathroom wall's wood paneling after she took a swing. Garth broke up the fight, drove Sandy home, and they subsequently began dating. They married in May 1986 and then moved to Nashville, where Brooks intended to pursue a career in music. Garth struggled initially, but Sandy told him to keep pursuing his musical dreams.
Garth's self-titled debut album was released in April 1989. It was an enormous hit, eventually being certified Diamond for sales of more than 10 million. Unfortunately, Garth's relentless touring schedule (sometimes he was gone for 8-10 weeks at a time, multiple times a year) and repeated infidelity eventually led to the pair filing for divorce in 2000. Sandy appeared in the 2019 documentary about Brooks' life called "Garth: The Road I'm On."
Allie Colleen Brooks and Sandy Brooks (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Garth Brooks Divorce Settlement
The couple split amicably, but they would go on to have one of the most expensive divorces of all time. Garth paid Sandy $125 million. They continued to co-parent their three children, all daughters. Garth Brooks is now married to fellow country star Tricia Yearwood.
Personal Life
Sandy has yet to remarry. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. That same year, she was kidnapped by a man who worked at her property in Oklahoma and was trying to evade a bail bondsman. She was forced to drive but finally stopped the car and managed to escape unharmed. The man was arrested shortly after.
Mahl remains supportive of Brooks' career and marriage to Yearwood. Sandy and Garth became grandparents in 2013 and again in 2016.
