Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis: Her Life before & after She Became Randy Travis' Ex-wife
Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis was knocking on 40 when she met her ex-husband, Randy Travis, who was still a teenager. However, despite their significant age difference, Randy Travis said meeting his ex-wife was a pivotal point in his life.
When Randy Travis won a country nightclub musical contest in the 1980s, it not only kickstarted his career but led to him meeting his wife and business partner of three decades, Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis.
Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis guided the legendary country singer's career, and the former couple collaborated on musical projects. However, after growing incompatible, Randy Travis filed for divorce, leading to a messy legal battle between the exes.
Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis and Randy Travis at the ceremony honoring the singer with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his achievements in music on September 29, 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis Had Been Married for Ten Years When She Met Randy Travis
In the 1980s, Elizabeth managed a country nightclub with her ex-husband, Frank, when she hosted a singing contest. In his book, Randy revealed that his future wife was doing paperwork when she "literally stopped what she was doing" the moment she heard Randy sing. He added:
"I don't know what she dropped if anything. All I know is that I felt Lib take an interest in me."
Elizabeth and her Frank had been married for a decade when he told her to pick between him and Randy. She picked Randy, and they officially tied the knot in 1991, over a decade after meeting.
Randy Travis and Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis at the 43rd Annual CMA Awards on November 11, 2009, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis and Her Ex-husband Were Not Only Romantically Involved, but They Went into Business Together
Elizabeth and Randy married in 1991 in Hawaii after 12 years of dating. During that time, she promoted his music after many record labels refused to work with the young artist.
Eventually, Randy's career took off, and his ex-wife guided his career at every step. She oversaw 52 employees, picked Randy's clothes and cooked his meals, and helped him make music. Randy said:
"Of course, to start with, the music brought us together. And just being around each other, working with each other—it just grew from that, I guess. She is energetic, witty, intelligent—and very kindhearted."
Elizabeth's career as a fellow artist included producing several of Randy's songs, singing the backup vocals, and writing a few tracks. Over the years, Elizabeth has also executively produced films and Tv shows, including "Mom's Night Out" starring Sarah Drew, Patricia Heaton, and Sean Astin.
Randy Travis and Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis at the premiere of "Twister" on on May 13, 1996, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
A 'State of Incompatibility' Led to Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis and Randy Travis Divorcing
Elizabeth and her ex-husband's divorce was finalized in 2010 after Randy filed a petition for dissolution of marriage. According to reports, the former couple had "parted ways," and "a state of incompatibility" between the parties led to their separation.
Elizabeth was meant to remain Randy's manager following their parting of ways, and no further details about their divorce were revealed other than Randy's petition entailed an equal split of assets.
Randy Travis and Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis at the 38th Annual Country Music Awards on November 9, 2004, in Nashville, Tennessee. | Source: Getty Images
Elizabeth Hatcher-Travis and Her Ex-husband Faced a Messy Legal Battle Following Their Divorce
Two years after parting ways, Elizabeth and the "Forever and Ever, Amen" singer made headlines after he claimed Elizabeth sabotaged his career.
Randy filed a counter-lawsuit against his ex-wife and alleged she breached her contract by disclosing "personal details" about him and she tried to squeeze more money out of her ex-husband with inflated financial requests.
Elizabeth responded to Randy's allegations and stated that the tainting of his career had been his work. According to Elizabeth, Randy Travis was the one in breach of his contract, and she denied ever speaking ill of him.