Denise Jackson knew she was on the brink of losing her marriage when Alan moved out of their Tennesse home. However, things changed when she acknowledged her fault and turned to God.
One of the most intriguing and common stories about couples is how they met in the first place. While some of these stories are mere coincidences, others are often novel-worthy tales.
Alan Jackson's effort to woo his wife, Denise, when they first met is one of the most awkward things a man can do to get a woman's attention. The first time Alan met Denise, the former threw a penny down her shirt and asked if he could get it. Sadly for him, that move was not effective in getting Denise.
Alan Jackson and Denise Jackson on October 22, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images
As if his first attempt was not bad enough, Alan decided his next move would be to hide in the backseat of Denise's car while it was parked at a Dairy Queen. He then jumped out and scared her when she drove away.
Pulling that move on anyone would have resulted in jail time for Alan, but thankfully, it proved to be what got things going for them. Alan, then 18, and Denise, then 16, started dating soon afterward.
Denise Jackson Taping of "Giants" Honoring Alan Jackson at The Ryman Auditorium on October 30, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Alan and Denise's relationship improved over time, blossoming into a full romance. While the former became a superstar musician, Denise got a college degree before working as a teacher and then a flight attendant.
Everything became even better when the couple welcomed their daughters Marie in 1990, Alexandra in 1993, and Dani in 1997. Soon after, they built and moved into their dream house, a 19,000-square-foot mansion in Tennessee. Their life looked so perfect until an incident shook the foundations of their marriage.
SEPARATION AND FORGIVENESS
Alan and Denise's perfect marriage took a massive hit in 1997 when the former informed his wife he would move out of their 19,000-square-foot dream house.
According to multiple reports, the singer had been unfaithful and accused Denise of being too controlling. Alan's decision left Denise sad and heartbroken.
Denise Jackson and Alan Jackson on April 15, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images
Afterward, the couple separated for more than three months. During this period, Denise tried her best to manipulate and control Alan so they could get back together.
Those efforts and attempts left her drained and exhausted. Finally, however, when Denise was driving her daughters home from dance practice one day, everything turned on its head.
The mother of three broke down at the wheel and surrendered to God. Denise realized she was partly to blame for how her marriage had turned out.
She pleaded with God to save her family because she believed he did not want them to be apart. However, if everything that happened were somehow God's plan, she would give it all away because she knew God would take care of her.
Although nothing happened immediately, Denise felt a strong sense of peace. She also realized how controlling she had been and what led to it. She explained:
"Alan has such a strong personality, and the more his career grew, the more insecure I felt, and the more I absorbed myself into his world. My dreams became his dreams, and it was all about him and his goals, and I kind of lost myself."
Her mindset changed, and she realized her aim should not be about getting her husband back any way she could. Instead, she recognized the first step was forgiveness. According to Denise:
"What I found in the long run is that forgiveness was the real key to freedom in my life."
After realizing where she had gone wrong, Denise spent more time by herself learning how to make decisions and become independent. She and Alan also started working on their relationship. They first started dating again and then went for counseling together.
THE GREATEST BLESSINGS
After Denise and Alan reconciled and started working on their relationship again, she informed the musician she wanted to write a book about their marital struggles.
Although he was a bit nervous about it, Alan understood why Denise wanted to write the book and the importance of her admitting she knew he cheated.
One of the goals of the books was to talk about forgiveness and how healing can come when we resolve our issues. Also, the mother of three noted:
"The greatest blessings in my life have come out of my worst shattering – his betrayal and our separation were what led to this new, passionate love relationship with God."
Alan Jackson and his wife Denise attend the 50th Academy Of Country Music Awards at AT&T Stadium on April 19, 2015 in Arlington, Texas. | Source: Getty Images
Their separation and reconciliation have also led them to have the kind of marriage they both wanted. Although most people viewed their marriage as a fairytale, it was far from the truth. Denise reiterated:
"But the reality is our marriage isn't perfect. Even now, every day is a work in progress."
Also, the mother of three divulged why she decided to work on her marriage although Alan cheated. She said, "I had no choice. If I wanted my marriage to be restored, I had to forgive. I had to draw my strength from God."
ALAN AND DENISE'S MARRIAGE NOW
Alan and Denise's marriage has waxed stronger over two decades after their brief separation. According to Denise, the pair have been lifting each other whenever either is feeling down.
On the NBC morning show where host Jenna Bush Hager was interviewing them, Alan disclosed he was diagnosed with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, which he inherited from his father.
The genetic neurological disease has no cure, and although it has been affecting Alan for years, the singer explained the support of his wife and loved ones had kept him optimistic.
The couple also tries to enjoy the simple things in life, like some of their favorite date night activities, including going out for dinner or the movies. Sometimes they hang out or build a fire and drink some wine.
Alan also declared they had developed a routine of waking and drinking coffee together. Also, he would not go to bed at night if Denise was watching TV since they go to bed together.
The couple who share three kids explained that the little things had helped them the most in their marriage, and if they could last till they were 40 years old, they would hopefully spend the rest of their lives together.
The couple's kids are also doing very well. Their eldest daughter Mattie Denise Jackson is married to her husband, Samuel "Ben" Selecman, and their second child Alexandra "Ali" Jane Jackson, also got hooked by Sam Bradshaw in July 2018.
Youngest child Dani Grace Jackson lives her life away from the public eye but has appeared on sister Mattie's Instagram multiple times.
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