Alan Jackson has many hit songs, and at the center of many of them, is his wife. An interesting fact is that Jackson actually uses Denise Jackson as the inspiration for his songs.
One of his most popular songs that fans know is Jackson’s “Remember When.” The track is a love story, starting from when the couple was young to when they are tying the knot and navigating different trials and tribulations of life.
Another lesser-known song that Denise inspired Jackson to write is “Once In a Lifetime Love.” The track is on Alan’s critically acclaimed album Drive, which was released in 2002. The record as a whole went on to win the Album of the Year award at the 2003 ACMs.
The lyrics Jackson wrote in “Once In a Lifetime” love is about fighting for that love that’s rarely found.
“Some people have it / And some people don’t / Some people never will / Sometimes it’s hard to know when you got it / Sometimes it’s perfectly clear,” the first verse of the song reads.
Jackson continues to write about a love that many might not realize is right in from of them.
“Once in a lifetime love / Love like we’ve all dreamed of / It may go disguised / Right before your eyes / Once in a lifetime love,” Jackson sings in the chorus.
Alan and Denise Jackson’s Relationship
To the outsider looking in, it may seem like the couple’s relationship is picture-perfect. Alan and Denise were high school sweethearts and met at Dairy Queen in their hometown of Newnan, Georgia. They married in 1979, and have three daughters together: Mattie, Alexandra, and Dani. Denise was always by Alan’s side, from cutting his teeth in the music business to his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
However, the Jackson’s relationship wasn’t without its trials and tribulations. They separated in 1998 for a few months because of Jackson’s demanding career and his reported infidelity, according to Country Rebel. Time tested this once-in-a-lifetime love and the two decided that they couldn’t stay apart. As a result, they resolved their differences and have been together ever since.
“The greatest blessings in my life have come out of my worst shattering,” Denise Jackson tells People. “His betrayal and our separation were what led to this new, passionate love relationship with God and also led to us being able to have the kind of marriage that we both always wanted but just didn’t know how to have.”
Now, the couple tries to spend as much time together as they can.
“We try to get out and go to dinner or hang out and go to the movies or something,” Alan Jackson told the Boot.
“We get up in the morning and drink coffee together and talk, and I can’t go to bed at night if she’s downstairs watching television.” Alan Jackson continues, “We go to bed together, unless I’m out of town. It’s just little things I think that have helped us more than anything. If you can last until you’re 40 years old, hopefully, you’ll be mature enough to figure out the rest of the years.”
