Sage Steele Ties the Knot: From ESPN Controversy to Nashville Bliss
SAGE STEELE TIES THE KNOT! Polarizing Ex-ESPN Host Marries Businessman Dave Barbuto in Blissful Nashville Celebration
The scandalous world of sports media just got a little more interesting, folks! Former ESPN host Sage Steele has traded her microphone for a wedding band, marrying businessman and CEO of uBreakiFix, Dave Barbuto, in an intimate ceremony surrounded by friends and family at the picturesque Diamond Creek Farm in Nashville, Tennessee.
Steele, 52, who was once embroiled in controversy after making comments about former President Barack Obama and the COVID-19 vaccine that landed her a suspension from ESPN in October 2021, took to Instagram on Monday to share breathtaking photos of her special day with her new husband, Barbuto, 49.
The newlyweds beamed with happiness as they posed for multiple snaps together, with Steele looking stunning in a strapless wedding gown designed by YSA Makino. The full-skirted masterpiece featured intricate lace florals and a corset-style top that accentuated her curves. Adding a touch of whimsy to the overall look were sheer panels at her sides and a delicate white flower nestled in her hair, perfectly matching the floral detailing on her dress.
But it wasn't just Steele's wedding attire that stole the show – her love for Barbuto was palpable as she shared sweet photos of the two kissing as they walked down the aisle, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking mountain views. Other snaps captured the newlyweds hugging and holding hands near horse stables, while still others showcased their beaming smiles as they laughed together.
Barbuto, dashing in a black tuxedo with a red rose corsage, looked smitten with his bride-to-be. As for Steele's attire, it was clear she spared no expense – her designer gown was a true showstopper!
In the caption of her Instagram post, Steele gushed about her new husband: "SNEAK PEEK of the day I got to marry the love of my life with the best, most wonderful family and friends in the world by our side. God is so good. I love you Dave Barbuto."
And the congratulations were flowing in – Steele's post was inundated with well-wishes from celebrities including Meghan McCain, Donnie Wahlberg, and Amber Rose.
But this union marks a significant chapter in Steele's life, marking her second marriage after 27 years of marriage to college sweetheart Jonathan Bailey. The two share two children together.
Steele's decision to marry Barbuto comes just a few years after she sued ESPN in April 2022 over the network's suspension of her contract, claiming that they had violated her First Amendment rights and Connecticut free-speech laws. The two parties reportedly settled in 2023, with terms of the agreement remaining under wraps – but Front Office Sports previously revealed that Steele was offered a whopping $501,000 by ESPN to drop her lawsuit.
And it seems Steele's high-profile marriage is just the beginning – whispers are circulating that she may be on President Donald Trump's radar as a potential Press Secretary pick for 2024. In recent months, Steele has been a vocal supporter of the former president, and was spotted campaigning alongside racing driver Danica Patrick in Georgia last October.
Patrick and Steele were seen sporting matching "Women for Trump" shirts during their political stops, while also snapping photos with Lara Trump and Tulsi Gabbard at a local donut shop. And if that weren't enough, Steele even moderated an event for the President himself in Lancaster last October – although things got a little awkward when Trump called her by the wrong name, saying "Let's have a little fun, Paige" just as his live town hall was about to begin.
We're not sure what the future holds for this power couple, but one thing is certain – Sage Steele and Dave Barbuto are ready to take on the world together!
