Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan is currently single and has not remarried. Her only marriage was to musician and drummer Ashwin Sood, whom she wed in 1997 before divorcing in 2008.
While decades have passed since their split, fans frequently search for updates regarding her marital status, her ex-husband's current whereabouts, and how her family life has evolved. This comprehensive breakdown cuts through the rumor mill to examine her past marriage, post-divorce relationships, and where things stand today.
Who Was Sarah McLachlan's Husband?
Sarah McLachlan's sole husband was Ashwin Sood, an English-born Canadian professional drummer and percussionist. Born in Birmingham, England, and raised in Calgary, Canada, Sood established himself as a prominent fixture in the Canadian music scene.
The pair crossed paths in the early 1990s when Sood toured with the band Lava Hay, which shared management with McLachlan. McLachlan invited Sood to contribute percussion tracks to her 1991 sophomore album, Solace. That professional collaboration quickly blossomed into a romantic relationship and a long-term musical partnership. Sood became the core touring and studio drummer for McLachlan's band, performing on her breakthrough multi-platinum albums Fumbling Towards Ecstasy and Surfacing. BBC has analyzed this critical subject in extensive detail.
On February 7, 1997, the couple married during an intimate ceremony in Negril, Jamaica. During their eleven-year marriage, they welcomed two daughters: India Ann Sushil Sood, born in 2002, and Taja Summer Sood, born in 2007.
The 2008 Separation and Divorce
In September 2008, McLachlan publicly announced that she and Sood were separating after eleven years of marriage. The divorce was finalized shortly afterward, marking a painful and disruptive chapter in the singer's life.
McLachlan has openly discussed the emotional toll of the breakup in media interviews, describing the end of her marriage as devastating and professionally paralyzing. The upheaval temporarily dried up her creative songwriting spark, as she navigated the complex realities of single motherhood and co-parenting in Vancouver, British Columbia. Despite the difficulties, both parents remained committed to raising their daughters away from excessive media intrusion.
Where Is Ashwin Sood Now?
Following his divorce from McLachlan, Ashwin Sood maintained a robust career within the music industry. Operating primarily out of Canada, Sood continues to work as a professional session musician, producer, and composer.
He has lent his percussion talents to various recording artists and live acts over the years, balancing studio work with production projects. While he largely stays out of the mainstream tabloid spotlight, he remains respected among Canadian musicians for his technical precision and extensive touring history.
Relationships After the Divorce
Following her divorce, McLachlan experienced a few high-profile relationships, though none resulted in marriage:
- W. Brett Wilson: In 2009, McLachlan began a relationship with prominent Canadian entrepreneur and former Dragons' Den panelist W. Brett Wilson. The romance lasted until roughly 2010, after which McLachlan indicated she was taking a step back from dating to focus entirely on her children and career.
- Geoff Courtnall: In 2014, she was publicly linked to former NHL ice hockey star Geoff Courtnall. The couple attended various public events and arts galas together before eventually parting ways.
In subsequent interviews, McLachlan expressed contentment with her independence, noting that balancing a demanding touring schedule with raising a family left little room for permanent romantic entanglements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has Sarah McLachlan ever remarried?
No. Sarah McLachlan has only been married once, to Ashwin Sood, and has remained unmarried since their 2008 divorce.
Do Sarah McLachlan and Ashwin Sood share children?
Yes. They share two daughters, India Ann and Taja Summer, born in 2002 and 2007 respectively.
What is Sarah McLachlan's primary musical connection to her ex-husband?
Ashwin Sood served as McLachlan's primary studio and touring drummer for nearly two decades, playing on iconic records like Surfacing and Fumbling Towards Ecstasy.
Where does Sarah McLachlan live now?
McLachlan continues to reside in the Greater Vancouver area in British Columbia, balancing her recording career, live performances, and philanthropic work with the Sarah McLachlan School of Music.
