After meeting in 2008 through a mutual connection, Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher quickly formed a romantic bond, despite the initial challenges of living in different countries and maintaining their respective careers. Their long-distance relationship led to their engagement in 2009, wedding in 2010, and the birth of two sons.
Below, a timeline of the country star and former NHL player’s relationship, from their early days as a couple to their enduring partnership as parents.
2008
Underwood and Fisher’s love story began with an introduction backstage at one of Underwood’s concerts, a moment that she reflected on in her September 2012 appearance on VH1’s Behind the Music. Underwood was introduced to Fisher, then an NHL player for the Ottawa Senators, by her bassist Mark Childers. Although Underwood was hesitant about being set up at first, she agreed to meet him at one of her concert meet-and-greets. “I mean, can I make dating more difficult? Let’s get a hockey guy who lives in another country. Awesome,” she said.
Recalling her first impression, Underwood described Fisher as “hot, hot, hot,” in a message to Childers, while Fisher remarked that Underwood was “even more beautiful in person than on TV.”
After initially meeting, Underwood and Fisher began a long-distance relationship, as Underwood was based in Nashville and Fisher played hockey for the Ottawa Senators in Canada. Despite the distance, the couple maintained their connection through months of phone calls.
The long-distance aspect didn’t diminish Underwood’s trust in Fisher either. “Any guy I’ve ever dated, there would always be that doubt,” said Underwood in her 2012 Glamour cover interview. “I’m not the crazy-girlfriend type, but there was a little voice in the back of my head. I don’t have to worry about Mike. I don’t think twice. He’s going out? I don’t care; it doesn’t bother me. I don’t bat an eye.”
On December 31, the pair finally reunited for their first official date on New Year’s Eve in New York City. That night, as the ball dropped in Times Square, they shared their first kiss. Acknowledging Fisher’s dislike of PDA, Underwood later shared with Glamour, “I made him kiss me in public…because he can’t leave me hanging, right?”
December 2009
Fisher proposed to Underwood during a private moment at his home with a canary yellow diamond ring designed by Jonathan Arndt, per Brides. The center stone on the ring is reportedly five carats, surrounded by smaller diamonds.
Fisher confirmed their engagement to the Toronto Sun, saying, “We’re both obviously excited and very happy,” as reported by People.
“I’m happy to confirm that Carrie Underwood is engaged to Mike Fisher, and the couple couldn’t be happier,” Underwood’s spokesperson told People. “No wedding date has been set at this time.”
January 2010
The couple appeared together for the first time as fiancés at the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards. Underwood wore a white Georges Chakra gown and took home the award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals for “I Told You So.”
June 2010
Underwood and Fisher attended the CMT Awards together, where Underwood was honored with the Video of the Year and Performance of the Year awards. Before stepping on stage to accept her award, she paused to share a kiss with Fisher in her celebratory moment.
July 2010
The couple got married at the Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation in Georgia on July 10, 2010. Underwood wore a custom Monique Lhuillier gown. Monique Lhuillier spoke to People about Underwood’s vision for the dress, saying, “She wanted something grand and magical.” After the ceremony, Underwood changed into another Monique Lhuillier look, a strapless cocktail dress.
“The wedding dress was huge,” Underwood told People. “I wanted to get my boogie on, so I had to change.”
Underwood’s wedding planner, Jayne Bubis, revealed the couple “wanted a laid-back environment where everybody could be together and have a good time. It wasn’t about having celebrities; Carrie and Mike don’t care about that stuff. They wanted the closest people who meant the most to them.”
February 2011
Fisher was traded from the Ottawa Senators to the Nashville Predators, allowing the couple to live in Nashville full-time. “I was praying about [moving teams], and God put me in a place I was comfortable with,” Fisher said, per People.
June 2013
Underwood and Fisher attended the 2013 CMT Awards together, where Underwood took home an award for Video of the Year for her single “Blown Away.”
April 2014
Underwood was featured on Time’s Top 100 Most Influential People list for her talent and impact as a country music artist. She attended the gala in New York City with Fisher, where she also performed.
November 2014
Underwood revealed her first pregnancy while hosting the CMAs. Co-host Brad Paisley told the crowd that Underwood was expecting a son.
She later explained how she and Fisher handled their first child’s gender reveal. They had their doctor write the baby’s sex down, then read it when they were out at a restaurant. “[It was] just the two of us in a nicer setting, but we both knew,” she said, per ABC News. “So, that was just confirming our suspicions. We didn’t really speak of it before, ’cause we were both just like, ‘Whatever. It’s all good.’ But we knew it was a boy.”
February 2015
The couple welcomed their first child, Isaiah Michael Fisher. Underwood shared her excitement on Facebook. “Tiny hands and tiny feet…God has blessed us with an amazing gift! Isaiah Michael Fisher – born February 27.”
One month later, Underwood shared a photo on Instagram of her baby boy clutching a Nashville Predators hockey stick. She captioned it, “The Predators are in the playoffs! Just waiting to get called up! #PutMeInCoach.”
August 2017
After 17 years in the NHL and seven seasons with the Predators, Fisher announced his retirement. He shared his desire to spend more time with his family. “Things change when you have kids and a family,” he wrote in a letter per The Tennessean, adding that it was time to give his family something in return for their unwavering support. “They’ve supported me without question, and now it’s my turn to return the favor,” Fisher said.
November 2017
Underwood suffered a fall outside her home, resulting in a broken wrist and stitches on her face.
In an April 2018 interview with Sirius XM’s The Highway, Underwood revealed that Fisher has helped her in her recovery from her injury.
“You’ve been Mike’s nursemaid many times when he’s been injured. How’s his bedside manner?” the host asked Underwood.
She replied, “He’s all right. I mean, I’m really terrible at letting anybody help me with anything, to be honest. I’m probably not a very good patient because I’m like, ‘I can do it. I’m not completely broken. I can do this.’ I’d say the hardest part was my wrist. Like, I can’t use my appendage, and I’m trying to pick my kid up and make food and do mom stuff.”
She later credited Fisher with being a pillar of support during her recovery in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. She wrote, “Thanks so much for all the well wishes everybody…I’ll be alright…might just take some time…glad I’ve got the best hubby in the world to take care of me.”
February 2018
Five months after announcing his retirement from the NHL career, Fisher decided to return to the ice.
According to Us Weekly, Fisher began to rethink his decision. “You go from years of playing every day and being on the road with the same group of guys to a normal life. It’s hard to adjust,” an insider told Us Weekly.
Underwood fully supported his choice to come out of retirement, encouraging him to follow his passion. “She wants him to be happy and knew he should go for it,” a source close to the couple said. “He asked for her blessing and totally got it. She’s behind him with whatever he chooses to do.”
June 2018
Underwood and Fisher stepped out on the red carpet together for the first time since Underwood’s accident at the 2018 CMT Music Awards.
The evening marked a significant milestone for Underwood, who took home the Female Video of the Year award for her song “The Champion,” featuring Ludacris.
The win cemented her as the most-awarded artist in CMT history with 18 wins, Entertainment Tonight reported.
August 2018
Underwood revealed she was expecting the couple’s second child through an Instagram video with the caption, “Oh baby do we have a bundle of info to share with you!”
“Mike and Isaiah and I are absolutely over the moon and excited to be adding another little fish to our pond,” Underwood announced.
September 2018
Underwood celebrated a major milestone in her career when she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 20, 2018. At the ceremony in Los Angeles, the pregnant country star was joined by her husband and their 3-and-a-half-year-old son, Isaiah Michael, along with American Idol judge Simon Cowell and country singer Brad Paisley.
Underwood gave a heartfelt speech, reflecting on her journey from Oklahoma to becoming one of country music’s biggest stars. She credited her success to the many people who believed in her along the way, including her husband.
“I met an incredible man, Mike, who thinks I’m so much better than I actually am,” she said during her speech. “Thank you for believing in me as a human, as a wife, as a mom, and supporting me through all of this.” She also addressed their son, saying, “Isaiah Michael, I love you so much. You’re the best thing we ever did. I love you.”
Following the event, Underwood expressed her gratitude in an Instagram post, writing, “What an amazing day! I am overwhelmed and overjoyed at the love I felt at my Hollywood #WalkOfFame Ceremony! Thank you @simoncowell and @bradpaisley for the kind words. It was an honor to have you there! Thanks to all the amazing fans that came out! This is a day I will never forget!”
In a second Instagram post thanking Fisher and their son, she wrote, “…And my life wouldn’t be what it is without my boys, my family, and my friends! Thanks to all who could come today! I don’t deserve all of this! But I am so grateful, and my heart is so full!”
October 2018
Underwood attended the 2018 American Music Awards in a fitted Steven Khalil gown with a high leg slit and gold accent detailing.
January 2019
The couple’s second son, Jacob Bryan Fisher, was born in the early hours of January 21, 2019, per Underwood’s Instagram post.
She shared a carousel of photos featuring Fisher, Underwood, and their son Isaiah holding the newborn. She captioned it, “Jacob Bryan Fisher entered the world in the wee hours of the morning on Monday…his mom, dad and big brother couldn’t be happier for God to trust them with taking care of this little miracle! Our hearts are full, our eyes are tired, and our lives are forever changed. Life is good…”
February 2020
Underwood launched her fitness app, Fit52. The app, created in partnership with Creative Labs and Creative Artists Agency, features workouts inspired by Underwood’s routine. “Fitness is a true passion for me,” Underwood shared, explaining that the app was designed in collaboration with her trainer Eve Overland to meet users “wherever they are” on their fitness journeys.
Underwood featured Fisher participating in Fit52’s workouts in an Instagram post, writing, “Kicked the hubby’s booty this morning with the @fit52 app!!! Helloooo #HinduPushUps and #BroadJumpsBackpedal !!! #Sweaty #HesStillHotThough 💪👊💪👊”
May 2020
Underwood and Fisher candidly shared the ups and downs of their relationship in a four-part documentary series, Mike and Carrie: God & Country. In the series, the couple discussed challenges, including balancing differing views and parenting.
“You get to hear Carrie and Mike look right into the lens and share meaningful moments of their life,” Jonah Ingram, one of the show’s producers, told Entertainment Tonight.
The series aired on the I Am Second website on May 27, 2020.
June 2020
Underwood shared a heartfelt Father’s Day Instagram post, featuring photos of her father and husband. To Fisher, she wrote, “And to the father of my sweet boys: thanks for loving on all of us so well. Isaiah and Jake want to be just like you, and I can think of no better example of what a father’s love should look like. We love you!”
July 2020
For their milestone 10th anniversary, Underwood shared a side-by-side Instagram photo of her and Fisher as kids, then a more recent photo.
In the caption, she wrote, “Hey you two crazy kids. Believe it or not, some day you both will become (slightly) less awkward, you’ll grow up to have pretty cool jobs, you’ll meet backstage at some girl’s concert, fall in love, get married, have two amazing boys, and live happily ever after!
These past 10 years have been pretty incredible with you, @mfisher1212 ! Here’s to many many more…without the bowl cuts! I love you and I thank the good Lord that He brought those two kids together! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!!!!!!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️”
October 2020
In an October 2020 interview with Yahoo! Entertainment, Carrie revealed some details about the family’s life during COVID-19 quarantine. “We were a couple months in and had been very much in quarantine just with each other for a while,” she said. “He [Fisher] said: ‘You know what? I like you.’ I was like: ‘What does that mean? You like me?’ He was like: ‘I know I love you—we’ve been married 10 years this year and have two kids together. But this experience has shown me I like you, too.”
“We’re not meant to be all together, all day, every day. At no other time in history has it been like this,” Underwood added. “There’s always been somebody working, somebody taking care of the kids, the kids going to school… No time in our humanness have we just all been together all day, every day. But it has been nice and refreshing knowing: OK, we’re solid. We like each other. We love each other. We can do this. We can work together even through the craziest of times.”
February 2021
On Valentine’s Day, Underwood shared a winter selfie of her and Fisher on Instagram.
Although she said Valentine’s Day is her “least favorite holiday,” Underwood wrote, “I can’t put my finger on exactly why that is but it may be because I want my true love to love me ‘extra special’ for 365 days out of the year…not just on the one day that he’s ‘supposed’ to. That said, everyone else has been posting the sweetest pics of them and their loves, so here’s mine. My Valentine… Every. Single. Day. Hope you all are being sweet to each other out there. ❤️”
April 2022
Underwood and Fisher had a date night at the 2022 Grammy Award.
Underwood wore a gold ball gown by Dolce & Gabbana. Fisher kissed her cheek as cameras captured their affectionate moment.
November 2022
The couple attended the 56th annual CMA Awards together. Underwood wore a pale-blue gown from La Metamorphose’s fall 2022 couture collection, and Fisher wore a navy suit with black leather boots.
February 2023
Underwood revealed in an Instagram post that their family adopted a rescue dog named Charlotte, which they called Charlie. Charlie joined their other two dogs, Penny and Zero.
In the caption, she wrote, “Meet Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Nilla Fisher…newest member of the family! I met her in Charlotte when the lovely people at @pincdogrescue brought some puppies to the venue to make us all smile.
“We had been looking for the right pup for our family for a while and she seemed just too good to be true! She is happy at home playing with her boys…and Penny and Zero have responded well and are getting to know their new sister…Thank you, Pawsitive Impact NC Dog Rescue for all the incredible work you do, and thanks for bringing this sweet girl into our lives!”
April 2023
Underwood attended the 2023 CMA Awards alone. She shared that Fisher was at home with their two sons. “My husband’s got the kiddos. He’s always holding down the fort while I’m out doing stuff like this,” Underwood said.
Underwood stepped out in a silver ensemble, featuring a Swarovski-embellished Dolce & Gabbana jacket and shorts, along with a silver clutch and metallic pumps.
July 2023
Underwood celebrated Fisher’s induction into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. She praised her husband’s accomplishments in a post on X, saying, “I can think of no one more deserving.”
Underwood attended the ceremony with their two sons.
June 2024
Underwood shared a rare glimpse of her family life, posting pics of Fisher and their sons at Hershey Park with her. “Had a day off with the fam in PA today, so we popped down to @hersheypark for some rides, fun and food!” she wrote. “The boys had SUCH a BLAST!!! They took such great care of us…and after the park, we went over to #ChocolateWorld to make our own #Hershey bars, learn about making chocolate and drink some milkshakes. I cannot be more impressed with the staff of both places!!! This will DEFINITELY be on our list of places to come back to! Thanks #HersheyPark and @hersheyschocolateworld for making our family time special!”