Bart Millard’s mother, Adele, faced a difficult life, including an abusive marriage and the eventual abandonment of her family. She left when Bart was just three years old, and he was raised by his father, Arthur Millard.
Adele’s marriage to Arthur was tumultuous and marked by domestic violence. The strain of the relationship and the abuse led to her decision to leave the family. This departure deeply affected Bart and his two brothers. The absence of their mother and the harsh treatment from their father created a challenging environment for the boys to grow up in.
Bart’s father, Arthur, was left to raise the children on his own. He struggled with anger and was physically abusive, particularly towards Bart, which is reflected in the themes of forgiveness and redemption in Bart’s later work as a musician. Despite the difficult childhood, Bart eventually reconciled with his father, who transformed his life after being diagnosed with cancer and turning to faith.
The story of Bart’s relationship with his father and the absence of his mother is poignantly told in the song “I Can Only Imagine,” which became a hit for his band, MercyMe. The song’s success led to the creation of a movie by the same name, which further explores Bart’s life story, his journey to forgiveness, and his father’s redemption. Adele’s departure had a lasting impact on Bart, but it also set the stage for a powerful narrative of healing and hope that has resonated with many.
