Did you know that country singer Trace Adkins was once shot by his own wife — and survived?
Yes, it really happened. And the woman behind that shocking moment was Julie Lauren Curtis, his second wife. The two were only married for a short time, but their story is one of the most dramatic in country music history. One argument between them turned dangerous, and Julie pulled the trigger.
So, who is Julie Lauren Curtis? What happened between her and Trace Adkins? And where is she now?
In this article, we’ll explore everything — how they met, their life together, the night of the shooting, and what happened after. It’s a story full of love, pain, and mystery.
Julie Lauren Curtis Quick Bio
| Full Name | Julie Lauren Curtis |
| Known As | Trace Adkins’ ex-wife |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Profession | Former insurance salesperson |
| Married To | Trace Adkins (1991–1994) |
| Children | None |
| Famous Incident | Shot Trace Adkins in 1994 |
| Arrested | No |
| Remarried | Yes (reported) |
| Life Today | Private, location unknown |
| Status | Believed to be alive |
Who Is Julie Lauren Curtis?
Julie Lauren Curtis is mostly known as Trace Adkins’ ex-wife — the woman who once shot him during an argument. But there’s more to her story than just that one moment.
Before she met Trace, Julie lived a private and quiet life. She worked as an insurance salesperson in the early 1990s. She wasn’t famous, and she didn’t seem to want the spotlight. Most people didn’t know her name — until the day her story made headlines.
Even though her marriage to Trace Adkins was short, it became one of the most talked-about parts of his life. And Julie, who once stayed in the background, became someone fans still ask about today.
How Julie Met Trace Adkins
Julie met Trace Adkins in 1989 in a small town called Springhill, Louisiana. At that time, Trace wasn’t a star yet. He was working on an oil rig and thinking about chasing his dream of becoming a country singer.
They were both coming out of past relationships, so they understood each other’s struggles. They started dating and got along well. Julie was kind, supportive, and calm — and she even got along with Trace’s two daughters, Tarah and Sarah, from his first marriage.
It didn’t take long for their relationship to get serious. After two years of dating, they decided to get married and start a life together.
Julie Lauren Curtis and Trace Adkins’ Marriage
Julie and Trace got married on February 3, 1991. They had a quiet wedding in Lake Tahoe, away from big crowds or media. It was just a simple ceremony, full of hope for a fresh start.
After the wedding, Trace asked Julie to move with him to Nashville, Tennessee. He wanted to give country music another try. Julie agreed and supported his dream. They packed up, took his two daughters, and started their new life in Music City.
In Nashville, things were tough at first. Trace worked in construction during the day and played music at night. Julie took care of the home and helped with the kids. She was there for him when things were hard — cheering him on from the sidelines.
Life Before the Fame
Before Trace Adkins became famous, life was simple but stressful. Money was tight, and success felt far away. Trace had big dreams, but the path was slow and full of challenges.
Julie continued working and supported the family as much as she could. She never looked for attention. She wasn’t part of the music world — she just wanted a normal, peaceful life with her husband and stepdaughters.
Even with all the struggles, there were still good moments. The couple shared small joys, family dinners, and quiet evenings. But under the surface, pressure was building.
What Went Wrong in Their Marriage?
At first, their marriage seemed strong. But over time, things started to fall apart. One of the biggest problems was Trace Adkins’ drinking. Julie had hoped he would stop, but he didn’t.
They argued more often. The fights got louder and more painful. Julie wanted peace and stability. Trace was chasing fame and dealing with personal struggles. Their lives were heading in different directions.
Julie was tired of broken promises. Trace felt the pressure of trying to “make it” in music. Slowly, love turned into frustration — and frustration turned into anger.
The Night Julie Lauren Curtis Shot Trace Adkins
Then came the night that changed everything — February 1994.
Trace had been outside, drinking beer while working in the yard. When Julie came home, she noticed the smell and knew he had broken his promise again. That night, their argument turned into something much worse.
Julie tried to call her mom, but Trace ripped the phone off the wall. Feeling scared and angry, Julie grabbed a .38 pistol they kept in the fridge for safety. She pointed it at him — hoping he would back off.
But Trace didn’t. He later said in an interview that he tried to scare her into handing over the gun. He told her, “Give me the gun, or I’ll take it and beat your brains out.” He admitted he didn’t mean it — he just wanted to get the gun away.
Then, the gun went off.
The bullet hit Trace Adkins in the chest, tearing through his lungs and heart.
Trace Adkins’ Injuries and Hospital Recovery
The shooting could have been deadly. The bullet from Julie’s gun went through both of Trace Adkins’ lungs and both ventricles of his heart. He was rushed to the hospital by helicopter.
Doctors acted fast. They took him into emergency surgery. He spent several days in the ICU, fighting for his life. The pain was intense, and the recovery was slow.
Trace later said that the physical pain didn’t bother him the most. It was the emotional damage that stayed with him — the hurt of being shot by someone he once loved. That night left scars he would carry for years.
Why Trace Adkins Didn’t Press Charges
After the shooting, many people thought Julie Lauren Curtis would go to jail. But that didn’t happen. Trace chose not to press charges.
In interviews, Trace admitted that he threatened Julie during their fight. He told her he would hurt her if she didn’t hand over the gun. He said he only said it to scare her — not to actually harm her. But things got out of control.
Because of Trace’s statement, police decided it was an accident. They did not arrest Julie. There was no court case. The story ended quietly — at least in the eyes of the law.
Divorce and the End of Their Marriage
Soon after the shooting, Julie and Trace ended their marriage. They got divorced in 1994, the same year the incident happened.
There was no big court fight or media drama. They quietly went their separate ways. Trace later wrote in his book that he had no hate for Julie. In fact, he said he hoped she found peace and happiness.
The marriage was over. But the story would stay with both of them forever.
Did Julie Lauren Curtis Remarry?
Years later, Trace Adkins shared in his book that Julie Lauren Curtis had remarried. He didn’t say who she married or where she lived. But he said he was happy for her and wished her the best.
There are no public records about her new marriage. She never spoke to the media or gave interviews. Some websites confused her with an actress by the same name, but that’s a different person.
Julie chose to stay private. And she kept her new life far away from cameras and questions.
Where Is Trace Adkins’ Ex-Wife Julie Lauren Curtis Now?
So… where is Julie Lauren Curtis now?
The honest answer is: no one really knows.
Since her divorce from Trace, she has stayed completely out of the spotlight. No social media. No photos. No interviews. No public updates. She simply disappeared from the public world.
Some people think she might be living a quiet life somewhere in the U.S. Others believe she changed her name or moved away. But the truth is, Julie Lauren Curtis has never tried to explain her side of the story — and maybe she never will.
Julie Lauren Curtis, A Private Life After the Headlines
After everything that happened — the marriage, the shooting, the recovery, the divorce — Julie made one big choice: to walk away from the spotlight.
She never used her moment of fame. She didn’t become a speaker or writer. She didn’t go on TV. She didn’t chase attention or sympathy. Instead, she kept quiet.
And maybe that was the right thing for her. Some people don’t want the world to know their pain. Some just want to live in peace. And that’s what Trace Adkins’ ex-wife Julie Lauren Curtis seems to have done.
Even in 2026, fans still ask about her. But her story remains a mystery — a dramatic, emotional, unforgettable part of country music history.
Final Thoughts
Julie Lauren Curtis will always be remembered for that one moment — the night she shot her husband, country star Trace Adkins. But her story is more than just one incident.
She was once a loving wife, a stepmother, and a quiet supporter of a man chasing his dreams. Things went terribly wrong, but after the storm, she chose to disappear and start fresh.
Today, her life is still a mystery. And maybe that’s exactly how she wants it.
(FAQs)
How old is Julie Lauren Curtis? When is her birthday?
Julie Lauren Curtis has never shared her age or birthday publicly. Most reports say she was likely born in the late 1960s or early 1970s.
Did Julie Lauren Curtis have any children?
Julie Lauren Curtis did not have any children with Trace Adkins. There is also no public record of her having kids later.
Did Julie Lauren Curtis really shoot Trace Adkins?
In 1994, during a serious argument, Julie Lauren Curtis shot Trace Adkins. He was badly hurt but survived after emergency surgery.
Is there an obituary for Julie Lauren Curtis?
There is no obituary or death report for Julie Lauren Curtis. This means she is not confirmed dead.
Is Julie Lauren Curtis still alive? Where is she now?
she is believed to be alive. But she lives a very private life. No one knows exactly where she lives today.
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