LeAnn Rimes is a globally recognized, multi-platinum selling singer and an ASCAP award-winning songwriter. She has sold over 48 million records worldwide. Rimes is a two-time Grammy Award winner, and has also won twelve Billboard Music Awards, two World Music Awards, three Academy of Country Music Awards, two Country Music Association Awards, and one Dove Award. At the age of 14, she made history as the youngest person to win a Grammy Award, taking home the “Best New Artist” honor. Her career extends beyond music, as she is also an actress, author, and podcast host.
LeAnn Rimes Overview
| Name | Margaret LeAnn Rimes Cibrian |
| Date of Birth | August 28, 1982 |
| Age | 42 (as of July 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Family | Wilbur Rimes (father), Belinda Butler (mother) |
| Spouse(s) | Dean Sheremet (m. 2002; div. 2010), Eddie Cibrian (m. 2011) |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Author |
| Net Worth | $10 million (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education of LeAnn Rimes
Margaret LeAnn Rimes was born on August 28, 1982, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Wilbur Rimes and Belinda Butler. She is their only child. The family relocated to Garland, Texas, when she was six years old. Rimes began displaying her vocal talents at a very young age, singing in pitch at just 18 months old. Her parents enrolled her in vocal and dance classes, and by the age of five, she was already performing at local talent shows.
Her early career also included musical theater; she performed in a Dallas, Texas, production of “A Christmas Carol” and was close to securing the lead role in the Broadway production of “Annie”. Rimes gained national attention after appearing on the television show “Star Search,” where she was a champion for two weeks at the age of eight. Following this, she decided to focus on a career in country music. For her education, Rimes was homeschooled and had a tutor.
LeAnn Rimes’s Career
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
LeAnn Rimes’s career began at a remarkably young age. By the age of nine, she was already a seasoned performer, touring the country with her father and singing the national anthem at Dallas Cowboys games. She recorded her first album, “Everybody’s Sweetheart,” on an independent label at the age of eleven. Her big break came after signing with Curb Records in 1996. At the age of 13, she released the single “Blue,” a song originally intended for Patsy Cline. The song became a top-10 hit on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Her debut major-label album, also titled “Blue,” was a massive success, selling over six million copies and establishing her as a major force in country music.
Crossover Success and Acting
In 1997, Rimes crossed over into pop music with the hit single “How Do I Live,” which became one of the best-selling singles of the 1990s. This was followed by a string of successful albums that blended country and pop, including “You Light Up My Life: Inspirational Songs” (1997), “Sittin’ on Top of the World” (1998), and “LeAnn Rimes” (1999). She further solidified her pop stardom with the song “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” from the 2000 film “Coyote Ugly,” in which she also had a singing voice role. The song was a major international hit.
Rimes also ventured into acting, starring in the 1997 television movie “Holiday in Your Heart,” which was based on her semi-autobiographical novel. She has since appeared in several other films and television shows, including “Northern Lights,” “Good Intentions,” “Anger Management,” and “Country Comfort.”
Later Career and Recent Work
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Rimes continued to release albums that explored various genres, including pop, Christian, and back to her country roots with “This Woman” (2005). More recent albums include “Spitfire” (2013), “Remnants” (2016), “Chant: The Human & the Holy” (2020), and “God’s Work” (2022). In 2020, she won the fourth season of the popular reality singing competition “The Masked Singer.” Rimes also hosts a podcast called “Wholly Human” where she discusses wellness and life lessons.
LeAnn Rimes Personal Life & Family
LeAnn Rimes’s personal life has often been in the public eye. In 2001, she met dancer Dean Sheremet at the Academy of Country Music Awards, and they married in 2002 when Rimes was 19. The couple divorced in 2010.
In 2009, while working on the movie “Northern Lights,” Rimes began a relationship with her co-star, actor Eddie Cibrian. At the time, both were married to other people. Their affair became public, leading to both of their divorces. Rimes and Cibrian became engaged in December 2010 and married in April 2011. Rimes is a stepmother to Cibrian’s two sons from his previous marriage, Mason and Jake.
Awards and Achievements of LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes has received numerous awards throughout her career. Her first major accolades came in 1996 from the Academy of Country Music for her debut single “Blue.” In 1997, at the age of 14, she made history as the youngest person to win a Grammy Award, taking home Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance. She has won a total of two Grammy Awards and has been nominated for five.
Her collection of awards also includes:
- 3 Academy of Country Music Awards
- 12 Billboard Music Awards
- 2 Country Music Association Awards
- 1 American Music Award
- 2 World Music Awards
- 1 Dove Award
In addition to her music awards, Rimes has been recognized for her humanitarian work, receiving the ACM Humanitarian Award in 2009 and the Ally of Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign.
LeAnn Rimes Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, LeAnn Rimes’s net worth is estimated to be around $10 million. This figure is often reported as a combined net worth with her husband, Eddie Cibrian. Her wealth has been primarily accumulated through her successful music career, including album sales, concert tours, and royalties from her extensive catalog of hits. She has sold over 48 million records worldwide. Rimes has also earned income from her acting roles in films and television shows, as well as from book sales and other ventures.
Legacy and Influence
LeAnn Rimes made a significant impact on the music industry from a very young age. Her powerful voice and early success drew comparisons to country music legend Patsy Cline. She is credited with being a key figure in the evolution of country-pop music, successfully blending traditional country sounds with contemporary pop influences. Rimes’s ability to cross genres has paved the way for many other artists. Her career, marked by both tremendous success and public challenges, has demonstrated her resilience and authenticity, inspiring aspiring musicians.
Interesting Facts about LeAnn Rimes
- She began singing at 18 months old and won her first talent contest at the age of five.
- At eight years old, she was a two-week champion on “Star Search.”
- She has cited Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, and Barbra Streisand as musical influences.
- Rimes is an author, having written a semi-autobiographical novel and children’s books.
- She is a supporter of various charitable organizations, including the Human Rights Campaign and Stand Up for Kids.
- Rimes won the fourth season of the reality singing competition “The Masked Singer” in 2020.
- Her hobbies include riding cutting horses, tennis, and swimming.
Controversies
LeAnn Rimes’s career has not been without controversy. In her late teens, she filed a lawsuit against her father, Wilbur Rimes, and her former co-manager, alleging they had taken over $7 million of her earnings. The lawsuit was later settled on undisclosed terms.
The most significant public controversy surrounded the beginning of her relationship with Eddie Cibrian. Both were married when their affair began in 2009, leading to highly publicized divorces. Rimes faced considerable public backlash for her role in the affair. In the years since, she has spoken openly about the experience and the emotional toll it took.
Social Media Presence
LeAnn Rimes maintains an active presence on social media, where she connects with her fans and shares insights into her personal and professional life. As of mid-2024, her follower counts on major platforms are substantial, reflecting her enduring popularity.
Final Words about LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes’s journey from a child prodigy to a seasoned and versatile artist is a testament to her immense talent and perseverance. Having achieved incredible success at a young age, she has navigated the complexities of fame and public scrutiny to emerge as a respected and resilient figure in the entertainment industry. Her willingness to explore different musical genres and her openness about her personal struggles have endeared her to a loyal fanbase. Today, LeAnn Rimes continues to create music, perform, and use her platform to advocate for causes she believes in, solidifying her legacy as a significant and influential artist.