Meet Shanna Underwood Means: Carrie Underwood’s Sister Who Chose a Quiet Life

Carrie Underwood is a world-famous country music star. Millions know her for hits like Before He Cheats and Jesus, Take the Wheel. But did you know she has two older sisters? One of them is Shanna Underwood Means, and her life is very different from Carrie’s.

While Carrie shines on stage, Shanna enjoys a quiet life in Oklahoma. She’s a teacher, a mom, and someone who stays far away from fame and cameras. But that doesn’t mean she’s not important. In fact, Carrie looks up to her big sister in many ways.

In this article, we’ll explore who Shanna Means really is. We’ll talk about her childhood, her family, her teaching career, and the sweet bond she shares with Carrie. Let’s get to know the sister who chose peace over popularity.

Shanna Underwood Means Quick Bio

Who Is Shanna Underwood Means?

Shanna Underwood Means is the older sister of country singer Carrie Underwood. Even though she’s not a celebrity, she’s part of a very special family. Shanna is known for being kind, private, and dedicated to her work as a teacher.

Born in 1970, Shanna is 13 years older than Carrie. She was already in her teenage years when her little sister came into the world. While Carrie became a superstar, Shanna chose a simple life, close to home and full of love.

Even with such different paths, the sisters have stayed close. Shanna supports Carrie from the background, cheering her on while living a peaceful life with her family in Oklahoma.

Her Early Life in Checotah, Oklahoma

Shanna grew up in a small town called Checotah, Oklahoma. It’s the same town where Carrie was born and raised. Checotah is quiet and friendly, the kind of place where everyone knows each other.

Her parents, Stephen and Carole Underwood, worked hard to raise their three daughters. Stephen was a paper mill operator, and Carole was a long-time elementary school teacher. Their home was simple, loving, and full of small-town values.

Shanna spent her early years there with her younger sister Stephanie and later baby Carrie. Even though Carrie was the youngest by many years, the sisters shared some special memories growing up together in their cozy hometown.

Meet the Underwood Family

The Underwood family is close-knit and full of love. Shanna’s parents, Stephen and Carole, have been married for more than 55 years. They taught their daughters to stay grounded, work hard, and care for others.

Shanna is the oldest. Stephanie Shelton is the middle sister. Then came Carrie, the youngest, born in 1983. Because Shanna and Stephanie were so much older, Carrie often felt like an only child.

Even though the age gap was big, their bond remained strong. Carrie has often shared how much she admires her sisters, calling herself the “black-crystal sheep” of the family — a playful way to say she’s the only one who didn’t become a teacher.

Shanna Underwood Means’s Education and College Life

Shanna started her education in Checotah Public School, just like her sisters. After finishing high school, she went on to Connors State College, a local community college in Oklahoma.

Later, she transferred to Arkansas Tech University to continue her studies. She followed in her mother Carole’s footsteps and chose a career in education. Teaching came naturally to her, and she knew it was what she wanted to do.

Shanna’s love for learning and helping kids became her life’s mission. While some chase fame or money, Shanna found joy in the classroom, helping children grow, learn, and dream big.

Shanna Means’ Teaching Career

Shanna began her teaching career in 1995. She started at Checotah Public Schools and worked there for about five years. In 2000, she moved to Liberty Public Schools in Mounds, Oklahoma, and she’s been there ever since.

That means Shanna has been teaching for more than 25 years. That’s a long time to be shaping young minds! She teaches elementary school children and is known for being patient, caring, and truly passionate about her work.

Teaching runs in the family. Her mom was a teacher. Her sister Stephanie is also a teacher in Tennessee. Carrie once said, “Teaching was something that ran in my family,” and she’s always admired her sisters for choosing this path.

Shanna’s Life Away from Fame

While Carrie is always on stage, at award shows, or on TV, Shanna chooses privacy. She doesn’t use social media much and avoids being in the public eye. In fact, after Carrie became famous, Shanna had to change her phone number a few times just to stay private.

She lives in Kellyville, Oklahoma, with her husband and kids. Shanna isn’t interested in flashing lights or red carpets. Instead, she enjoys a peaceful, home-centered life focused on family and her students.

Even though she’s not in the spotlight, Shanna still shows up for her sister in quiet, powerful ways — whether it’s attending a big event or cheering her on from home.

Her Marriage and Children

Shanna Underwood Means is married to Martin Means, a local businessman in Oklahoma. The couple lives in a quiet town called Kellyville, not far from where Shanna grew up.

Together, they have three children: Cody, Breanna, and Max Means. Shanna is a proud mom who always puts her family first. Even though her sister is a music star, Shanna has chosen to raise her children away from fame and media.

Her kids live private lives too. There isn’t much online about them, and that’s exactly how Shanna likes it. She wants them to grow up in peace, with a normal life full of love and learning.

Shanna and Carrie’s Sister Bond

Even though there’s a big age gap between them, Carrie and Shanna are very close. Carrie was only a toddler when Shanna was already in her teens, but their bond stayed strong as the years passed.

Carrie has called herself the “black-crystal sheep” of the family — a fun way to say she’s the only one who didn’t become a teacher. But she’s always said how much she looks up to her sisters.

They may live different lives, but they always support each other. Whether it’s a concert, a family event, or just cheering from afar, the sister bond between Shanna Underwood Means and Carrie Underwood is full of love.

Carrie often says her sisters helped shape who she is today. When she was little, Shanna and Stephanie would dress her up just for fun. Carrie called herself their “human Barbie doll.”

They would put makeup on her, style her hair, and laugh together. Carrie loved it — and that’s where her love for makeup and fashion really began. She even said she looked up to her sisters with their cool ’80s hair and style.

And let’s not forget the music. Carrie says her older sisters “controlled the radio,” which means she listened to whatever they played. That’s how she fell in love with rock music, singing songs like Smokin’ in the Boys’ Room at age three!

Shanna Underwood Means’ Role in Carrie’s Big Moments

Shanna may not be in the spotlight, but she’s been there for all of Carrie’s major moments. When Carrie won American Idol in 2005, Shanna and the whole family were right there, watching with pride.

Years later, when Carrie received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018, Shanna was front and center again. She flew to Los Angeles with the family to celebrate that huge achievement.

Even though she doesn’t often show up in public, she’s always standing behind her little sister — quietly, lovingly, and proudly.

Matching Tattoos with Mom and Sisters

One of the sweetest moments in recent years was when Shanna, her sisters, and their mom got matching tattoos. It happened in Las Vegas in 2023, while celebrating Carrie’s music residency show.

Their mom, Carole, surprised everyone by asking them to get small heart tattoos together. Carrie shared this story on Instagram, saying she never thought she’d see her mom getting inked!

Shanna, Stephanie, and Carole got their tattoos on the inside of their wrists. Carrie chose to get hers on the top of her foot. It was a beautiful way to show their bond — simple, loving, and forever.

Carrie’s Love and Respect for Shanna

Carrie Underwood has never been shy about sharing how much she respects her sister, Shanna Underwood Means. She even honored her and Stephanie during a Teachers Count campaign back in 2009.

Carrie said, “Teaching was something that ran in my family. I have always admired my mother and sisters for making a difference in the lives of so many.”

She has often spoken up in support of teachers, especially during tough times, like the Oklahoma teacher strike in 2018. Carrie used her platform to stand with Shanna and other educators fighting for better pay and school funding.

Even though they live different lives, the respect between the sisters goes both ways.

Final Thoughts

Shanna Underwood Means may not be a household name like her sister Carrie, but she’s made a strong impact in her own way. She’s a loving mom, a lifelong teacher, and a quiet role model who leads with heart and kindness.

While Carrie sings on stage and travels the world, Shanna builds futures in the classroom. She chooses peace, privacy, and purpose, and that makes her story just as special.

In a world full of fame and fast lives, Shanna reminds us that success also means loving your family, doing your job well, and staying true to who you are.

(FAQs)

How many sisters does Carrie Underwood have?

Carrie Underwood has two older sisters. Their names are Shanna Underwood Means and Stephanie Shelton. Both of them are teachers, not as famous as Carrie.

When was Shanna Underwood Means born?

Shanna was born on September 5, 1970. She is 54 years old in 2025. She is 13 years older than Carrie.

What does Shanna Underwood Means do for work, and how much money does she have?

Shanna is a school teacher in Oklahoma. She has been teaching for over 25 years. Her money or net worth is around $450,000.

Is Shanna Underwood Means married? Does she have kids?

Yes, Shanna is married to Martin Means. They have three children — Cody, Breanna, and Max. They all live together in Kellyville, Oklahoma.

Is Shanna Underwood Means on Instagram?

No, Shanna is not on Instagram or any other social media. Even though her sister is famous, she likes to stay private and away from the internet.

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