Personal Life
In 2004, Messina was engaged to road manager Don Muzquiz, but then broke off the engagement. However, the two remained in a business relationship.
Messina became involved with the Special Olympics after stumbling across an event while jogging. She has become an ambassador and performs at Special Olympics events in order to increase attendance.
In April 2004 Messina entered a rehabilitation facility in Utah for treatment of alcoholism. Messina says her manager, Stuart Dill, confronted her in Houston following a rough performance after the 2004 Super Bowl. She says she wasn't "stumbling drunk," but she acknowledges that she doesn't recall much about the performance either. "I forgot the words to Stand Beside Me. That's what I can remember," Messina said. After Dill's confrontation, Messina was on a plane to Utah the next day. She entered a detox center for a few days before checking into rehab. Messina doesn't blame Muzquiz or Curb Records for her drinking problem; she points to her workaholic tendencies. She said rehab gave her the time to focus on herself and her issues, and she was able to turn to songwriting again for the first time in a long time. After finishing rehabilitation, Messina rented a cabin at Sundance Ski Resort in Utah. She resumed touring on May 30, 2004, in Marksville, Louisiana. On June 22, 2007, Messina announced her engagement to businessman Chris Deffenbaugh from Albuquerque, New Mexico. They were married in Nashville in late 2007. A son, Noah Roger Deffenbaugh was born on January 12, 2009. On January 11, 2012, they welcomed son Jonah Christopher Deffenbaugh.
Messina endorsed Republican Mitt Romney for the 2012 Presidential Election
Read more about this topic: Jo Dee Messina
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