Shanna Underwood Means: The Inspiring Life of Carrie Underwood’s Older Sister

When you think of Carrie Underwood, you probably picture the country music superstar who has taken the world by storm. But behind the fame and the bright lights, there is a close-knit family that has always been her safe place. At the heart of that family is Shanna Underwood Means, Carrie’s oldest sister.

Shanna is not a singer, but her life is just as inspiring. She is a dedicated teacher, a loving mother, and someone who values privacy and family over fame. While Carrie performs in front of thousands, Shanna lives a quiet life in Oklahoma, shaping young minds in her classroom.

This article dives into the story of Shanna Underwood Means — her life, her family, her career, and her special bond with her famous sister.

Who Is Shanna Underwood Means?

Shanna Underwood Means is best known as the oldest sister of country music star Carrie Underwood. While Carrie shines on stage, Shanna shines in her own way by teaching and caring for her family.

Shanna was born on September 5, 1970, in Checotah, Oklahoma. She grew up in a simple, loving household alongside her siblings, Stephanie and Carrie. Being the oldest, Shanna naturally became the one her younger sisters looked up to. Carrie has often shared how much she admires Shanna for her kindness and strength.

Unlike Carrie, Shanna has always preferred a private life. She doesn’t have social media accounts, and she rarely attends public events. Yet, whenever Carrie has a big moment, Shanna is there cheering her on, whether it was during American Idol or Carrie’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony.

Early Life and Family Background

Shanna Underwood Means grew up in Checotah, a small town in Oklahoma where everyone knows each other. Her parents, Stephen and Carole Underwood, raised their three daughters with love, hard work, and strong values. Stephen worked as a paper mill operator, while Carole spent over 25 years as an elementary school teacher.

Being the oldest, Shanna saw her younger sisters grow up with a different rhythm. When Carrie was born on March 10, 1983, Shanna was already a teenager. By the time Carrie was big enough to have her own interests, Shanna had already moved out of the house. Because of this, Carrie has often said she felt like an only child while growing up.

Still, Shanna and Stephanie played a big role in Carrie’s childhood. From music to makeup, they introduced her to things that would later shape her personality and career. Their home was full of music, laughter, and fun experiments with ’80s style.

Shanna’s Close Bond with Carrie Underwood

The age gap between Shanna and Carrie is 13 years, but it has never stopped them from being close. In fact, Carrie often says her sisters influenced her taste in music and style.

When Carrie was just 3 years old, Shanna and Stephanie would play rock songs on the radio and have Carrie sing along. Carrie still remembers singing “Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room” by Mötley Crüe as a toddler because her sisters found it funny. Those moments sparked Carrie’s love for music.

Shanna also played a role in Carrie’s love for makeup and fashion. Carrie once joked that her sisters treated her like a “human Barbie doll,” dressing her up and experimenting with makeup. These fun memories are still special to Carrie today, and they show just how strong the bond between the sisters has always been.

The Influence of Sisters on Carrie’s Music and Style

Carrie’s love for rock and country music wasn’t random. It was Shanna and Stephanie who filled the house with music when they were teens. They were always in charge of the radio, and Carrie learned all kinds of songs because of them.

Carrie has often said that her love for makeup also started with her sisters. In interviews, she talks about how cool she thought they were with their big ‘80s hairstyles and bold makeup. Watching Shanna get ready was like watching a star, and little Carrie wanted to copy everything.

Even now, Carrie credits her sisters for helping her develop the confidence and style that fans see on stage today.

Education and Career as a Teacher

While Carrie went on to become one of the most famous country singers in the world, Shanna chose a different but equally meaningful path — teaching.

Shanna Underwood Means started her career as a teacher in 1995. She first taught at Checotah Public Schools before moving to Liberty Public Schools in Mounds, Oklahoma. She has been teaching there for over 20 years, shaping the lives of countless students.

Teaching is something that runs in the Underwood family. Their mother, Carole, was a teacher for more than two decades, and Shanna’s younger sister, Stephanie Shelton, is also a teacher. Carrie has often praised her mom and sisters for their hard work, even calling them her heroes during a 2009 campaign for Teachers Count.

Shanna Underwood Means’ Husband and Children

Outside of work, Shanna is a proud wife and mom. She is married to Martin Means, a local businessman, and they live in Kellyville, Oklahoma. The couple has three children: Cody, Breanna, and Max Means.

Despite being Carrie’s sister, Shanna keeps her family life very private. She has no interest in the spotlight, and her children have grown up away from public attention. However, Carrie often speaks warmly about her family, showing how close they all remain.

Life Away from the Spotlight

While Carrie Underwood is known all over the world, Shanna Underwood Means prefers a quiet life. She has never been interested in fame or being in the public eye. Instead, she spends her time teaching, caring for her family, and enjoying life in Oklahoma.

Shanna’s private nature is one of the reasons fans rarely see her at big events. Even though she avoids the spotlight, she is always there for Carrie when it matters most. Whether it’s a big award show or a family celebration, Shanna shows up with love and support.

Living away from fame also helps Shanna keep her family life normal. She can focus on raising her children without the pressure that often comes with being related to a celebrity.

Carrie’s Love and Support for Her Sisters

Carrie Underwood has always been proud of her sisters. She often talks about how much she admires them for their hard work as teachers. In 2009, Carrie even joined a campaign called Teachers Count to honor Shanna, Stephanie, and their mother.

During interviews, Carrie calls teaching one of the hardest but most rewarding jobs. She believes her sisters have touched hundreds of young lives through their work. This respect goes both ways — Shanna and Stephanie have been some of Carrie’s biggest supporters since the day she started singing.

In 2018, Carrie showed her love for educators again when she spoke out in support of an Oklahoma teachers’ strike. It was her way of standing by her sisters and all the teachers fighting for better schools.

Special Family Moments and Traditions

Even though their lives are very different, Shanna, Carrie, and Stephanie remain close. They always make time to celebrate special occasions together. When Carrie won American Idol in 2005, her sisters were there cheering her on.

One of their most memorable family moments came in 2018 when Carrie received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Shanna and Stephanie joined her parents in Los Angeles to celebrate. Carrie, who was pregnant with her second son at the time, was touched to have her whole family by her side.

In 2023, the sisters and their mom did something fun and unexpected — they got matching tattoos in Las Vegas. Their mother, Carole, surprised everyone by suggesting the idea. Carrie chose to get her small heart tattoo on her foot, while Shanna, Stephanie, and Carole had theirs on their wrists. It was a special memory they will never forget.

Stephanie Shelton, The Middle Sister

Stephanie Shelton is the middle sister between Shanna and Carrie. Like Shanna, she is a dedicated elementary school teacher, but she lives in Tennessee with her family.

Carrie often says Stephanie also played a big role in her childhood. The two older sisters were always finding ways to keep young Carrie entertained, from playing music to doing her hair and makeup.

Even today, Stephanie and Shanna remain two of Carrie’s closest friends. They share a strong family bond that has only grown stronger as they all became mothers themselves.

Net Worth and Personal Life Facts

While Shanna Underwood Means is not a celebrity, she has built a comfortable life through her long career in education. Her estimated net worth is around $450,000, mostly from teaching for nearly three decades.

Shanna is known for her warm personality, her dedication to her students, and her love for her family. At 5’7’’ with blonde hair and blue eyes, she has a natural, friendly presence that makes her well-liked by everyone around her.

She continues to live quietly in Kellyville, Oklahoma, with her husband, Martin Means, and their children. Unlike her famous sister, Shanna’s greatest joy comes from the simple things — family dinners, school events, and spending time outdoors.

Final Thoughts

The story of Shanna Underwood Means shows that you don’t have to be in the spotlight to make a big impact. While Carrie Underwood sings on stage and wins awards, Shanna changes lives in the classroom and creates a loving home for her family.

Carrie has often said that her sisters are her role models, and it’s easy to see why. Shanna is hardworking, kind, and full of love for the people around her. She proves that success comes in many forms, and being a great teacher and mother is just as powerful as being a star.

Even though Shanna lives away from fame, she will always be an important part of Carrie’s story. Their bond as sisters is strong and unbreakable, built on years of shared memories and family values.

• Glynn Daly
• Brandy Quaid
• Carl Ellan Kelley