Tim McGraw Fans Find Love on Message Board
Of all the friends you've made in real life, how many share your passion for country music? They may like it, sure. But do they love it the way you love it? Do they want to go on concert road trips with you and share stories about the way the music has touched their life? Probably not. That may be why so many country fans turn to the message boards on artists' Web sites to make fan friends.
Tammy and Mark McGraw (no relation to Tim McGraw) are a great example. Back in 2003, Tammy started posting on Tim McGraw's m-board. "One name kept catching my eye. (Mark) made an impression as quite a friendly gentleman. I started chatting with him on the board and we decided we would like to take it a step further," she remembers. Long story short, they were married in 2006 -- with four other m-boarders in the wedding party -- and are still blissfully happy. While theirs is an extreme example, sharing a passion for a star is a good foundation for any relationship. That common bond is just a springboard for other conversations. The Off-Topic or General Discussion forums are usually the most active on a board. You can only talk so long about how hot Dierks Bentley is before you decide to share recipes, ask for prayers and recommend good books. As Tammy said, "We share our families and our life with one another as though we all lived in the same little neighborhood."
See for yourself how these little neighborhoods have evolved. Go lurk on the boards. (Some are free, some are only open to fan club members.) You may be surprised at what these folks share with each other, and how many people are willing to road trip with complete strangers. Then again, how strange can someone really be if they love country music that much?
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
Renee Brunson says:
I have been one of the lucky ones that have watched their friendship develop into true love! I was also the Matron of Honor in their wedding, and let me say, what a honor it was! I am so thankful for the day in which I discovered Tim Mcgraw’s message board, I couldn’t have asked for better friends! THANK YOU TIM!
Alesha Walker says:
I am a “boarder” as well and I was lucky enough to attend Mark and Tammy’s special day. I consider myself lucky to have made the friends I have through Tim McGraw’s music.
Love you guys!
Becca Maljak says:
I am also a “boarder” and I am lucky enough to also call Mark and Tammy my friends. They are both amazing people and I think they make a great couple. I loved reading this wonderful story about their love.
I have made some lifelong friendships through Tim McGraw and his music and I am forever changed because of it. Kudos to CMT for writing this nice article.
Cathy Hetmansperger says:
I am also one of the lucky ones to have watched this Love unfold. Through Tim McGraw’s message board, I became the Best of Friends with so many, two of those special people are Mark and Tammy. I was honored to be one of the bridesmaids.
God Bless this wonderful union.
Eileen Novick says:
What a great article. I have come to know the happy couple too! I have to say that they are two really sweet people. Congrats to both of you for finding love and making it on CMT.com.
Paige says:
A winning couple and a great blog subject! Having known Mark since 2003, the friendship-turned-wedding was fun to watch.
I wonder how many fans can say they have a friend in all 50 states? Through Tim Mcgraw, “I’ve Got Friends That Do”.
Dawn says:
I am also one of Tim’s “boarders” and have know Mark and Tammy for quite a while. I wasn’t lucky enough to attend their wedding but I was there in spirit. I have met so many wonderful people because of Tim McGraw’s music and blessed to have some of them as my life long friends.
Thanks for writing this article and much love to Mark and Tammy!
Erin (cheeseheadforever) says:
I have come to know Mark & Tammy and they are great people! Love them! Thanks to Tim! What an amazing family I have!
Sara Evans Engaged To Alabama Talk Show Host — The 9513 says:
[...] need you like my uncle Joe in Oklahoma needs the rain: a couple of Tim McGraw fans met via the singer’s message boards, fell in love, and were married back in [...]
Melanie says:
These 2 are so special. I’m so happy to have been a part of their love story! We have a huge group of friends through Tim’s message board - friends that you don’t find everyday. Mark and Tammy are a great couple and I hope for them a long and happy life.
Daynette Kenrick says:
I was also lucky enough to be around when these 2 incredible people were finding each other. I have met and traveled with so many wonderful people thanks to Tim’s message board. I feel blessed to call these 2 friends and feel so lucky to have met all the wonderful people I have all because of “The man and his music”. Thanks to CMT for sharing their wonderful story!
Anonymous says: