Who Is Martina McBride's Husband? All About John McBride

Mar. 15, 2025

Martina and John McBride at the 2022 CMT Music Awards.Photo:Kevin Mazur/Getty

Martina McBride and John McBride attend the 2022 CMT Music Awards on April 11, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Martina McBrideand her husband, John McBride, have a love story for the ages.

“It was just a feelingI had that he was ‘the one,’ " the singer told PEOPLE in October 2021.

In the same vein, John believes that their relationship happened due to divine intervention.

“I’m not a religious guy, but I always felt God put us together,” he toldThe Bootin 2010. “It’s crazy. I’d never had that feeling before. This girl, she’s incredible, and I love her more [now] than I ever have. I told her, ‘If we could bottle what we have, we could retire, girl.’ We’re so lucky.”

Martina echoed a similar sentiment, telling the outlet, “I married a man who is a great partner. He is thoughtful, kind, considerate, romantic, handsome and really funny. We love each other’s company, our personalities complement each other, and we respect each other.”

So who is Martina McBride’s husband? Here’s everything to know about John McBride and his relationship with the country singer.

Martina and John met through music

Martina and John McBride.Martina McBride/Instagram

Martina McBride and John McBride.

Martina McBride/Instagram

Martina shared that she first met John, a sound engineer, in early 1987 through a friend who referred her to his sound company for a room to rehearse in.

She told PEOPLE in 1998 that her band rented a rehearsal space in a warehouse that John owned and lived in. However, her bandmates “wouldn’t rehearse,” which upset her.

Martina explained, “Here I was, crying on his shoulder about my band not coming together, and I thought, ‘I’m in love with this guy. This is crazy. He lives in a warehouse.’ ”

She later recounted them having a drink and hitting it off. “He’s larger than life — still is,” the vocalist told PEOPLE in October 2021.

They quickly fell in love and got engaged in May 1987.

Martina and John married in 1988

Martina and John McBride in 2007.Jim Spellman/WireImage

Martina McBride and John McBride at the 4th Annual Fashion Rocks at Radio City Music Hall on September 6, 2007 in New York City.

Jim Spellman/WireImage

Martina and John tied the knot on May 15, 1988.

Decades later, she told PEOPLE some of her favorite memories from her wedding day.

“There are so many,” she said in 2012. “Going to breakfast with my mom and sister. Walking down the aisle with my dad. The kiss. Walking back down the aisle as the new Mrs. McBride! It was a magical day.”

In May 2023, McBride shared a sweet wedding anniversary poston Instagramin honor of a milestone anniversary.

“We made it to 35 years! Thirty. Five. Years. Wow. This guy makes me laugh every day and he’s a great dad to our 3 girls,” she wrote. “He is a friend to many. But he’s my best friend. Love you John.”

He encouraged her music career

John and Martina McBride in 2021.Jason Davis/Getty

John McBride and Martina McBride attend the opening of Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice on July 27, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.

Jason Davis/Getty

John is Martina’s No. 1 fan and supported her music career from the beginning. They moved from their home state of Kansas to Tennessee in 1990, and John found work as a production manager forGarth Brooks.

“At the time, I was waiting tables and singing demos, so I asked if I could get a job on the tour to travel with my husband,” Martina told PEOPLE in October 2021.

She explained that she ended up selling merch for Garth, who eventually heard about her singing aspirations from John who mentioned it in passing.

Fast forward, Garth asked Martina to be his opening act and her life changed.

“I don’t even think my first single was out yet!” she added. “I really hadn’t performed on a big stage like that, but I knew that it was a great opportunity, and I needed to take it. To this day Garth is one person in this industry who I can always count on.”

Martina and John share three kids

John and Martina McBride with their daughters.Martina McBride/Instagram

Martina McBride, John McBride, and their daughters.

The couple have three children together: daughters Delaney, Emma and Ava.

Martina shared with PEOPLE in October 2021 how she has tried to raise her kids without spoiling them. “I feel likeit robs them of their satisfactionwhen they do a good job or they earn something,” she said.

The artist added that she has instilled “a really strong work ethic” with them, noting, “My husband John and I grew up the same way, where you work for what you get. So we raised them that way.”

He helps her in the kitchen

Martina and John McBride in 2011.Christopher Polk/ACMA2011/Getty

Martina McBride and John McBride attends the ACM Presents: Girls' Night Out: Superstar Women of Country concert on April 4, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Christopher Polk/ACMA2011/Getty

Not only is Martina a successful country singer, she’s also an accomplished chef, who has published two cookbooks.

John has helped her perfect her recipes, including “simple, foolproof” cheddar and bacon biscuits.

“Adding bacon to the biscuits was actually John’s idea,” she told PEOPLE. “It made them even more delicious!”

Martina and John like to spend time together

John and Martina McBride in 2023.Martina McBride/Instagram

Martina McBride and John McBride.

Martina told PEOPLE in October 2021 that the secret to their long-lasting relationship is that “it really helps if you find someone you like, not just love.”

She went on to explain, “John and I really like hanging out and experiencing new things together. We try to go out once a week, even if it’s just to go grab a beer or a cup of coffee or go for a walk.”

Martina also added, “I’m glad we like each other, because when you’re at your empty nest at the end of the day, it’s important to have somebody who you can just be silent with.”

source: people.com