Sara Evans turns 50: a look back (16 images)

Sara Evans performs for the delegates at the Republican National Convention in New York City on September 1, 2004. Earlier that year, she was nominated for Top Female Vocalist at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Photo by Greg Whitesell/UPI

Evans performs in concert in Chula Vista, Calif., on May 12, 2006. Later that year, Evans appeared on "Dancing with the Stars." Photo by Roger Williams/UPI

Evans arrives at the Country Music Association Awards in Nashville, on November 7, 2007. Around that time, she started dating Jay Barker, whom she married the following year. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

Evans (L), stands next to President Bush and first lady Laura Bush during the ceremony for the lighting of the National Christmas Tree and the Pageant of Peace on The Ellipse near the White House in Washington, D.C., on December 6, 2007. Photo by Kamenko Pajic/UPI