.c The Associated Press

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Country superstar Garth Brooks and his wife have agreed to a divorce, a spokeswoman at his record company confirmed Saturday.

The acknowledgment came after Brooks told Billboard magazine that he regrets his failed marriage but believes he is closer than ever to his children. The Capitol Records spokeswoman, Karen Byrd, declined further comment.

Garth and Sandy Brooks have been married for 14 years and have three children, ages 8, 6 and 4.

``Sandy and I both agree that we need to get divorced,'' he said. ``Right now, we're focused on the impact it will have on the children and how to handle that best, to remain parents even if we don't remain husband and wife.''

He said recent difficulties, including his mother's death and his first break from touring in 11 years, have taken a toll.

``But the trade that I made (is that) I am an infinite number of times closer to my children than I've been the entire seven years of their lives before (this year off). And I can't help but think when I lie down at night and say my prayers that that, in itself, ... is worth the trade I've made to get here.''

Brooks has sold 97 million albums in his 10-year career, making him the best-selling artist in country music history. He announced in December 1999 that he might retire because he wanted to spend more time with his family.

------------------
CJC

[This message was edited by Joe Casey on 09 October 2000 at 04:27 AM.]

I like GB but he should have been a man and said no (if he had affairs), anyone can give into temptation but it takes character, strength, integrity and more to say no to temptation. Are we not responsible for our choices, actions and words?

Read the 5 Chapter of Galations and if you still think he can't be blamed remember no one was holding a gun,knife or bat to his head or anyone else for that matter.

I realize that I may get some flack on this, but I won't be the first one to get it for standing up for what is right. I am tired of seeing children caught in the middle and the pain and suffering it causes them becaue someone could not say no to temptation. The research is showing the damage that divorce does to children.

Mario
visit our web site www.firstassembly.alpena.net

[This message was edited by Mario Cuppetelli on 08 October 2000 at 03:36 PM.]

------------------
CJC

------------------
CJC

------------------
CJC

quote:

---

If you want to have empathy look at the divorce rate in this country and hope that more people will think before taking that drastic step.

---

Hard to argue with that, Pete. It seems that many enter into marriage with the thought that "if it doesn't work out, we can just get a divorce". I think people give up far too easily. Nobody ever said marriage was easy. And people seem to ignore the "til death do us part" part of the wedding vows. They might as well replace that with "til divorce do us part" today.

------------------
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons

Reminds me of a quote from from the Raiders Quarterback Kenny Stabler. He went thru a pretty nasty divorce in the 70's when he was playing, lots of bad stuff in the press, very ugly. When it was over, some writer asked him if he thought he'd ever get married again. He said "Nah, I think I'll just find someone I already hate and give 'em my house."

John

------------------
Fulawka D-10 9&5
Better Late than Never!
www.johnbarnold.com/pedalsteel

------------------
Carter D10 8p/10k
Richard Sinkler BS, www.sinkler.com

But he did hold the door open for me at McDonalds a month or so ago.

Nice enough guy. I liked his early music.

Too bad about the divorce.

------------------
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons

But I can put up with that. What irritates me most is when a "musician" destroys an instrument on-stage, in the name of putting on a "show". I just don't see how a true musician could ever do that. To me, it's almost the equivalent of a Christian who would stomp on a Bible. (end of rant)

------------------
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons

------------------
Carter D10 8p/10k
Richard Sinkler BS, www.sinkler.com

------------------
Ron Plichta, former headbanger and PSG player in training.

MSA Classic S-10
Fender '62 Reissue Stratocaster
Fender Telecaster
Paul Reed Smith CE24 Maple Top
Rivera R100

------------------
CJC

I guess I should come to Garth's defense here. He received quite a bit of angry mail about that incident. And one guy even suggested (quite appropriately) that instead of destroying a guitar, he should give said guitar to somebody who could then learn to play.

He got with Takamine (I believe) and arranged for guitars to be given out.

Sorry for so few details. I tend to forget them. But a friend of mine dug up this info somewhere on the net (an interview, I think) for me a few weeks ago. I had (surprise!) been expressing my disgust at musicians who smash guitars on stage.

Just goes to show you, I guess: instead of ranting/raving about it (like I tend to do), send out a letter with reasonable alternatives. (I had had the same idea that this gentleman suggested). Even the stars are often willing to listen to us if we can get past our anger and express positive suggestions.

------------------
The Unofficial Photographer of The Wilkinsons