Quick Facts About Hillaree Burns
- Full Name: Hillaree Burns Stapp
- Known For: Ex-wife of Creed frontman Scott Stapp
- Children: Jagger Stapp
- Nationality: American
Hillaree Burns isn’t a name most people would recognize on its own. But mention Scott Stapp — the voice behind Creed’s massive rock hits like “With Arms Wide Open” and “Higher” — and the connection clicks. Hillaree was Scott’s first wife and the mother of his eldest son, Jagger Stapp. Despite being linked to one of the biggest rock frontmen of the late 1990s and early 2000s, she’s managed to stay almost entirely out of the spotlight. That kind of privacy in the age of celebrity gossip takes real effort, and it says a lot about who she is.
Who Is Hillaree Burns?
Hillaree Burns, sometimes referred to by her married name Hillaree Burns Stapp, is an American woman believed to have been born around 1978. Very little has been confirmed about her early life, her family background, or where exactly she grew up. What we do know is that she crossed paths with Scott Stapp during the period when Creed was rising to mainstream fame.
Unlike many people who find themselves connected to rock stars, Hillaree didn’t chase attention. There are no interviews, no tell-all books, and no social media accounts tied to her name. She’s one of those rare figures in celebrity-adjacent life who genuinely seems to prefer staying anonymous. For anyone trying to piece together her story, the information is thin — and that appears to be exactly how she wants it.
Hillaree Burns and Scott Stapp’s Relationship
Hillaree’s connection to public life centers almost entirely around her marriage to Scott Stapp. Their relationship played out during a turbulent time in the singer’s career, when Creed was selling tens of millions of records but internal tensions within the band were growing.
When Were Hillaree Burns and Scott Stapp Married?
Hillaree and Scott married in the early 2000s, during what should have been the peak of his professional success. Creed had released three studio albums by that point, including Human Clay, which went 11x platinum in the United States alone. But behind the scenes, things weren’t as polished as the album sales suggested.
Scott has spoken publicly over the years about his struggles with substance abuse and mental health during that era. Those issues put enormous strain on his personal relationships, and his marriage to Hillaree was no exception. The couple eventually divorced before 2006, which is when Scott married his second wife, Jaclyn Nesheiwat. The exact timeline of their split hasn’t been confirmed publicly, and neither Hillaree nor Scott has shared detailed accounts of what led to the end of their marriage.
Do They Have Children Together?
Yes. Hillaree and Scott have one son together — Jagger Stapp. Jagger was born during their marriage and is Scott’s eldest child. Scott went on to have more children with his second wife Jaclyn, including a son named Daniel and a daughter named Milan.
Scott has referenced Jagger in interviews over the years. The song “With Arms Wide Open,” which won a Grammy Award in 2001, was actually written about the experience of becoming a father for the first time. That song was inspired by the news that Hillaree was pregnant with Jagger. It became one of Creed’s most iconic tracks and reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
It’s worth noting that while Scott has discussed fatherhood publicly, Hillaree has never spoken about her role as Jagger’s mother in any media setting. She’s let her privacy speak for itself.
Where Is Hillaree Burns Now?
This is the question that comes up most often — and it’s also the hardest to answer. Hillaree Burns has effectively disappeared from public view. There are no verified social media profiles, no public records that have surfaced in media reports, and no indication that she’s sought any kind of attention since her divorce from Scott.
She’s believed to still be living somewhere in the United States, but her current city, occupation, and personal life remain entirely private. Whether she remarried, what career she pursued, or how she spends her time today — none of that information is publicly available.
What we can say is that her decision to remain private has been consistent for over two decades. In a world where former spouses of celebrities often end up on reality shows or in tabloid headlines, Hillaree’s silence is notable. She hasn’t used her connection to Scott Stapp for publicity, and she hasn’t engaged with the media in any documented way.
For fans of Creed or people curious about Scott Stapp’s personal history, Hillaree Burns represents a chapter that’s mostly closed to the public. And based on everything we can observe, that’s a deliberate choice she’s made — one that deserves respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hillaree Burns?
Hillaree Burns is the first wife of Scott Stapp, the lead singer of the rock band Creed. She was married to Scott during the height of the band’s commercial success in the early 2000s. She’s known for being an extremely private person who has avoided media attention throughout her life.
Does Hillaree Burns have children with Scott Stapp?
Yes, Hillaree and Scott have one son together named Jagger Stapp. Jagger is Scott’s eldest child. The Grammy-winning Creed song “With Arms Wide Open” was written about the news of Jagger’s upcoming birth.
Where is Hillaree Burns now?
Hillaree Burns’s current whereabouts and activities are not publicly known. She has maintained a very private life since her divorce from Scott Stapp, with no verified social media presence or public appearances. She’s believed to still reside in the United States.
