In 1994, Tim McGraw was immediately captured by Faith Hill, though it wasn’t until two years later that their romance truly began. Their first encounter occurred at the Country Radio Seminar in Nashville during the spring of 1994, while both were in committed relationships—McGraw with Kristine Donahue and Hill engaged to Scott Hendricks.
It wasn’t until 1996, when Hill joined McGraw on his Spontaneous Combustion tour, that sparks flew, and they fell in love. “We were young, silly, and head-over-heels in love,” McGraw shared with PEOPLE about their relationship at the time.
The couple has proudly raised three daughters—Gracie, Maggie, and Audrey—who continue to inspire their parents with their ambitions
In less than a year, they were not only married but also expecting their first child. Now, after more than 25 years together, McGraw and Hill have built a life that includes their three daughters: Gracie, Maggie, and Audrey.
Throughout their relationship, McGraw has credited Hill with being his support system, particularly in his journey toward sobriety after grappling with alcohol issues.
“My wife always tells me, ‘You’re not afraid of anything,’ but I tell her, ‘Actually, I am, and it’s standing right in front of me,’” McGraw revealed to Esquire in 2021, adding that love has become something more meaningful than he ever imagined. Curious about how their love story began? Here’s an in-depth look at how McGraw and Hill met and how their romance evolved.
McGraw and Hill’s first meeting took place at a Nashville event
The two stars initially met backstage at the “New Faces” show during a Country Radio Seminar showcase in Nashville. McGraw later commemorated the moment in a tribute on their 27th wedding anniversary in October 2023, where he shared a photo from that day.
In an interview on the Bobby Bones Show, McGraw revealed that his then-girlfriend noticed the connection between him and Hill immediately, admitting she wasn’t sure if she wanted him to say hello to her anymore.
McGraw’s unique way of asking Hill out involved dumplings
Although it took several attempts for McGraw to convince Hill to go out with him, the first time he “officially” asked her out remains unforgettable. During an appearance on the Bobby Bones Show, Hill shared how McGraw showed up at her house unexpectedly with homemade chicken and dumplings.
“He knocked on my door with a bowl of chicken and dumplings, saying, ‘I made these from scratch,’” Hill recalled. He even brought both a spoon and a fork, unsure of which utensil she preferred for eating dumplings.
McGraw humorously added, “You make up for your shortcomings any way you can.”
Their relationship blossomed during the Spontaneous Combustion tour
The pair reconnected in 1996 when Hill joined McGraw’s Spontaneous Combustion tour. At the time, Hill was still engaged, but the two eventually ended their relationships and started dating.
In a 1998 PEOPLE interview, Hill addressed critics of her decision to leave her fiancé, saying, “I couldn’t let Tim slip away, no matter what others thought.”
The couple later shared on the Bobby Bones Show that their first official date was at a concert.
Hill initially hesitated before accepting McGraw’s proposal
On their 25th wedding anniversary in 2021, McGraw reminisced about proposing to Hill on June 26, 1996, calling it one of the best days of his life. While she finally said yes, Hill was initially cautious about marrying a fellow country singer.
Reflecting on their courtship, McGraw revealed, “I asked her to marry me multiple times, and she kept saying no, worried about getting involved with another country singer.”
However, McGraw’s persistence paid off when he proposed backstage at a country music festival, and Hill left him a message on the mirror, written in lipstick, saying, “Yes! I’m going to be your wife.”
The couple tied the knot in 1996
Just four months after their engagement, Hill and McGraw surprised their loved ones with a wedding disguised as a softball game and concert. The ceremony took place on October 6, 1996, under a locust tree in McGraw’s hometown of Rayville, Louisiana.
In a 2011 appearance on LIVE! with Regis and Kelly, McGraw shared how they had to change their wedding plans multiple times to maintain secrecy, finally opting for a surprise event that left their family and friends in awe.
Although some of McGraw’s sisters were slightly upset they didn’t have a chance to “dress up,” everyone else was thrilled with the wedding.
They have three daughters together
Over 25 years of marriage, McGraw and Hill have raised three daughters: Gracie, born May 5, 1997, Maggie, born August 12, 1998, and Audrey, born December 6, 2001.
The girls have accompanied their parents to numerous red carpet events and continue to make their parents proud. McGraw told PEOPLE in 2021, “It’s inspiring to watch our daughters pursue their own dreams.
We’ve raised strong, independent young women, and I’m most grateful for how grounded and respectful they are. I think we’ve done a pretty good job, especially thanks to their mom.”
