Introduction:
A Timeless Country Love Story: Jeff and Lisa Cook at the Heart of Alabama’s Legacy
Country music fans descended on Fort Payne, Alabama with excitement, anticipation, and heartfelt nostalgia as the iconic band Alabama brought back its beloved June Jam concert after a long hiatus. Beyond the music and the marquee names, however, one story stood out among the festivities — a true Southern love story between Alabama co-founder Jeff Cook and his wife, Lisa. Their journey was celebrated not only in song, but also in life and community impact.
For fans of Alabama, the band’s legacy extends far beyond the chart-topping hits and Grammy-winning performances. It’s deeply rooted in the personal lives of its members and the connections they forged with each other and their fans. Jeff Cook, who helped mold the band’s sound and success, met Lisa around 1990 when she was working for an airline. Although their worlds seemed unlikely to intersect — a traveling flight attendant and a country superstar — their paths crossed in a way that changed both their lives forever.
After five years of dating, Jeff knew exactly when they should tie the knot. With his busy touring schedule in mind, he proposed that their wedding take place during June Jam weekend — the one time in the year he knew he would be home. On the eve of June Jam in 1995, in the cozy warmth of their home known as Cook Castle, Jeff and Lisa said “I do.” That moment kicked off a tradition: attending every subsequent June Jam together as husband and wife, night after night, year after year.
Their life together wasn’t just filled with music; it was filled with laughter, togetherness, and community. Jeff was happiest when surrounded by fans and friends — he lived by the principle of “never let the music stop or the party end.” That philosophy shaped everything he did, from his performances with Alabama to his personal interactions with fans and loved ones.
But life’s happiest chapters often include their share of challenges. In 2012, Jeff was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease — a heartbreaking turn for a man known for his energetic stage presence and unending zest for life. Although he continued touring until 2017, his health eventually forced him to slow down. As the need for care grew, Lisa discovered firsthand how difficult it could be to find qualified caretakers. Their shared experience inspired them to launch the Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation, with a mission to train, support, and encourage care professionals for those in need.
Sadly, Jeff passed away, but his legacy lives on — not only through Alabama’s music catalog and the annual June Jam celebration, but also through the foundation that supports others facing similar challenges. Lisa, described by many as a woman of immense strength and compassion, carries forward their story of love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. The emotional tribute brunch at Cook Castle, held each year to benefit the foundation, reminds attendees that Jeff’s spirit is still felt in every note sung and in every life touched by his music and generosity.
In Alabama’s hometown of Fort Payne — where fans sing along to classics at the VFW Fairgrounds and celebrate life each June — Jeff and Lisa’s love story remains one of the most cherished chapters in country music history.