Country Music Couples’ Secrets to Long Marriages: ‘The Bigger Picture’

During American Idol’s Season 23 premiere on March 9, new judge Carrie Underwood got unexpectedly emotional. Aspiring contestant Breanna Nix had brought her young son, Emerson, to her audition, and the sleepy child curled up in Carrie’s lap as his mom belted out “Jesus Take the Wheel” — which left the tune’s original singer choked up. “I’m sorry, he’s just adorable, it’s sweet,” Carrie, 42, said after the music stopped. “It got to me.”

No doubt the moment had the country star missing her own family: sons Isaiah, 10, and Jacob, 6, and husband Mike Fisher, 44. But though her new gig on American Idol might keep Carrie away from the Nashville home they all share — auditions were held in NYC and LA, as well as Music City, while live shows film in Hollywood — she and Mike have a plan to stay connected.

“There are challenges, but they are fighters,” an insider exclusively tells Life & Style. “Carrie and Mike have their own set of rules to make it work, like never going more than a week without seeing each other and FaceTiming every night, even if it’s just for a few minutes.”

The couple — who wed in 2010 — also trust each other, notes the insider: “Carrie doesn’t need constant reassurance, and Mike isn’t the jealous type.”

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher ‘Lean on Their Faith’ When ‘Things Get Tough’

When they are together, Carrie and her tribe ensure every minute counts. “They make up for the time away by packing in tons of family activities,” says the insider. “She and Mike have date nights, too, and appreciate every moment.” According to the insider, they aren’t afraid to turn to their church community for guidance, either. “When things get tough,” says the insider, “they always lean on their faith.”

Still, some in their inner circle have doubts. “People are concerned Carrie is putting her career above her marriage and that it will cause problems,” says the insider, noting the grueling American Idol schedule, plus the final shows of her Las Vegas residency, will have Carrie spending longer stretches away from her family’s 400-acre estate than ever before. “Carrie is worth more than $100M; it’s not as if she needs to be pushing herself this hard.”

But with her working-class roots, she has trouble saying no to huge opportunities. “Mike has always praised her work ethic,” says the insider. “As supportive as he is, though, there’s got to be times he wishes she’d slow down.”

For now, they’re rolling with it. Says the insider, “They’ve faced hard times before and come out stronger, this time will be no different.”