Carrie Underwood's romantic history features a mix of early college relationships, high-profile public romances, and an enduring marriage. Long before she became a global country music icon, her personal life drew intense public curiosity, tracking her path from a college student in Oklahoma to a superstar navigating the spotlight. Today, she is best known for her long-term marriage to former professional ice hockey player Mike Fisher, but her path to finding stability involved several well-known figures in entertainment and sports.
Understanding her relationship timeline reveals how she transitioned from navigating high-pressure public breakups to building a grounded family life in Nashville.
Early Years and College Romance: Drake Clark
Before achieving fame on American Idol, Underwood lived a relatively quiet life in Checotah, Oklahoma, eventually attending Northeastern State University. During her college years, she dated Drake Clark.
The relationship lasted from roughly 2002 to 2005, spanning the period right before her life changed forever on national television. Because this relationship took place before her ascent to stardom, it remained largely out of the intense media glare that defined her later romances. The pair eventually parted ways amicably as her career ambitions and music pursuits pulled her toward a completely different trajectory.
The High-Profile Romance: Chace Crawford
In late 2007, Underwood began dating actor Chace Crawford, who was then starring as Nate Archibald on the hit television series Gossip Girl. As two rising stars in their respective fields, their pairing immediately drew heavy media attention.
- The Relationship Duration: They dated for roughly six months, making frequent red-carpet appearances and generating considerable tabloid interest.
- The Breakup: The relationship came to an end in the spring of 2008. Underwood later candidly shared that the split happened via text message, describing it casually during media interviews.
- Clearing the Air: Despite speculation from fans trying to connect her breakup to her revenge anthem "Before He Cheats," Underwood made it clear that no malice was involved. She noted that nobody cheated and things simply didn't work out.
Brief Flings: Tony Romo and Travis Stork
Following her split from Crawford, Underwood's name was linked to a couple of other notable bachelors during 2008.
She was briefly linked to NFL quarterback Tony Romo, though that connection was short-lived as Romo's career and high-profile status kept both individuals under intense scrutiny. Around the same time, she had a brief dating stint with Dr. Travis Stork, an emergency physician known for his appearances on The Bachelor and the daytime talk show The Doctors. Both connections were brief, serving as transitional periods before she met her future husband later that year.
Finding Forever: Mike Fisher
The defining chapter of Underwood's romantic life began in late 2008, when her bassist, Mark Childers, arranged a backstage introduction with Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher. Though Underwood initially joked backstage that he looked "hot," the pair faced a significant logistical hurdle: she lived in Nashville while he played hockey in Canada.
They spent months maintaining a long-distance relationship through phone calls before sharing their first official date on New Year's Eve in 2008.
- Engagement: Fisher proposed in December 2009 at home, leading to widespread celebrations among fans and family.
- Marriage: The couple tied the knot on July 10, 2010, during a ceremony at the Ritz-Carlton Lodge on Lake Oconee in Georgia.
- Relocation: In 2011, Fisher was traded to the Nashville Predators, allowing the couple to finally live in the same city full-time and put down permanent roots in Tennessee.
Building a Family
Over the years, Underwood and Fisher expanded their family while balancing demanding careers in music and professional sports. They welcomed their first son, Isaiah Michael, in February 2015. Following a challenging period marked by three miscarriages over a two-year span, they welcomed their second son, Jacob Bryan, in January 2019.
Fisher retired from the NHL to focus heavily on family life, and the couple frequently shares glimpses of their rural life, faith, and parenting journey on social media. You can read more about country music milestones via Billboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Carrie Underwood's first boyfriend?
Her first serious relationship prior to fame was with Drake Clark, whom she dated for three years while attending college in Oklahoma between 2002 and 2005.
How long did Carrie Underwood and Chace Crawford date?
They dated for approximately six months before breaking up in the spring of 2008. Underwood later confirmed that they parted ways via text message without any infidelity involved.
How did Carrie Underwood meet Mike Fisher?
They were introduced backstage at one of her concerts in late 2008 by her bass player, Mark Childers. After months of long-distance communication, they began dating officially and married in July 2010.
How many children do Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher have?
They share two sons, Isaiah Michael Fisher and Jacob Bryan Fisher. Additional details on country artists can be found through the Country Music Association.
