American country music icon Garth Brooks grew up in a blended family in Yukon, Oklahoma. He has five siblings: Jim, Jerome, Betsy, Michael, and Kelly Brooks. His mother, Colleen Carroll, was a country singer who performed on the 1950s show Ozark Jubilee. His father, Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr., worked as a draftsman for an oil company.
Key Takeaways
- Garth Brooks is the youngest of six children.
- His mother, Colleen Carroll, was a country singer.
- Betsy Smittle played bass in Garth Brooks' band from 1990 to 1995.
Meet Garth Brooks' Siblings
The Brooks household was filled with music during weekly family talent nights. In an interview with Playboy, Garth recalled: "Friday and Saturday nights at the house, Jerry played guitar, Jim played the harmonica, Mike played guitar, Betsy played guitar, and, of course, Dad played guitar. Mom sang, Dad sang, Betsy sang, Jerry sang, Jim sang, and Mike sang. Kelly and I played the wax comb."
Jim Smittle
Full name: Jim Smittle. Year of birth: 1949. Place of birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Profession: Teacher and football coach. Jim worked as a teacher and football coach at East Central High School in Tulsa. He and his wife Terri have four children: Kara, Jimmy, Matt, and Heather Wilson. Terri Smittle was head of the English Department at Rogers High School and now works for Owasso Public Schools.
Jerry Smittle
Full name: Jerome 'Jerry' Paul Smittle. Born: 2 January 1950. Died: 25 August 2006. Profession: Law enforcement officer and National Guard member. Jerry worked as a special investigator in the Tulsa Public Defenders' office and later for the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. He served in the U.S. Air National Guard and had two sons: Jerome Paul II and Grant Webster Smittle.
Michael Brooks
Full name: Michael 'Mike' Shaun Brooks. Year of birth: 1951. Place of birth: Tulsa, Oklahoma. Profession: Principal and teacher. Michael worked as a principal and teacher in the Newburg School District. He and his wife Mary Margaret have four children: Sarah, Shauna, Michael, and Patrick.
Betsy Smittle
Full name: Harriett Elizabeth 'Betsy' Smittle. Born: 3 February 1953. Died: 2 November 2013. Profession: Musician, bassist, vocalist, songwriter, and gay rights advocate. Betsy was Garth's only sister and a talented musician. She started singing in talent shows in ninth grade and later played in a female band in Oklahoma City. In 1990, she joined Garth's band as a bass player, touring until 1996. She released a solo album, Rough Around the Edges, in 1994. An openly lesbian country singer, she advocated for LGBTQ+ rights and collaborated with Garth on We Shall Be Free. Betsy died after a two-year battle with cancer at age 60.
Kelly Brooks
Full name: Kelly Brooks. Year of birth: 1961. Profession: Banker and talent manager. Kelly is Garth's only biological brother. He worked at the First National Bank of Bethany and later co-managed GB Management with Bob Doyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Garth Brooks' parents?
His parents are Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr. and Colleen McElroy Carroll.
How many siblings does Garth Brooks have?
He has five siblings: Jim, Jerome, Michael, Betsy, and Kelly.
How many brothers does Garth Brooks have?
He has three half-brothers (Jim, Jerome, Michael) and one biological brother (Kelly).
Does Garth Brooks have a twin brother?
No, he does not have a twin.
Who is Betsy, Garth Brooks' sister?
Betsy Smittle was a country singer and bassist who performed with Garth and advocated for LGBTQ+ rights.
What happened to Garth Brooks' sister Betsy?
She died on 2 November 2013 after a two-year battle with cancer.
What happened to Garth Brooks' mom?
Colleen Carroll passed away from throat cancer in 1999.
What did Garth Brooks' dad do?
Troyal Raymond Brooks Jr. worked as a draftsman for an oil company.
