Matthew Dudney: Faith, Family, and Career Path

Updated on July 5th, 2025

Personal Profile & Career

Matthew “Matt” Dudney, who was born in 1970, is the oldest child of country music star Barbara Mandrell and Ken Dudney. Matt’s early upbringing was anything but normal. He grew up in a fancy Nashville home with people from the entertainment world all around him. He had a hard time with depression, alcohol, and drugs during his early years, especially in college. When he almost started a fire in a residence, these problems reached their peak and he went to treatment.

When Matt accepted Jesus as his Saviour at the age of 15, it was a big change in his life. After treatment, he worked as a professional chef and also spent time on church work. He eventually discovered his purpose as a gospel performer and as the manager for his wife, Christy Sutherland, who is a gospel and country singer-songwriter.

Key Dates:

• Born: 1970
• Turning Point: Embraced Christian faith at age 15
• Marriage: Married Christy Sutherland in 2006
• Son’s Birth: March 27, 2018

Personal Life & Family

Matt Dudney came from a family with a long history in the entertainment business. Barbara Mandrell, his mother, is a famous country music singer who has since retired. Ken Dudney, his father, used to be a drummer and is now a producer. He is also a Navy veteran with a long career of his own. Matt has a sister named Jaime Nicole Dudney, who used to be Miss Tennessee Teen USA and now works in addiction treatment. He also has a brother named Nathaniel Mandrell Dudney, who is a business professional and is married to Dr. Hannah Dudney.

Christy Sutherland, a gospel singer-songwriter who is well-known in her own right, is Matt’s wife. They have a son named Kenneth John Matthew Dudney, who was born in 2018 after a long battle with infertility.

Key Family Dates:

• Parents: Barbara Mandrell & Ken Dudney
• Siblings: Jaime (sister), Nathaniel (brother)
• Wife: Christy Sutherland, married in 2006
• Child: Kenneth John Matthew Dudney, born March 27, 2018

Net Worth Insights

There aren’t any public records of Matt Dudney’s net worth, although it’s probably not very high because he has worked as a chef, a gospel music manager, and in ministry. His family, on the other hand, is quite rich. His mother, Barbara Mandrell, is thought to be worth between $45 and $55 million. Ken Dudney, his father, is thought to be valued between $1 million and $5 million. Nathaniel, his brother, is thought to be worth roughly $250,000.

Key Net Worth Details:

• Matthew Dudney: Modest, no precise public data
• Barbara Mandrell: $45–55 million
• Ken Dudney: $1–5 million
• Nathaniel Dudney: $250,000

Recent News & Developments

Recently, Matt Dudney talked about his recovery and spiritual journey on CBN’s “For God’s Glory.” In this piece, he talked about how faith and treatment helped him get better. Matt and his wife Christy have been involved in gospel ministry in addition to Matt’s personal experience. They are still focussing on their spiritual work together. After a decade of trying to have a baby, the couple also publicly celebrated the birth of their son, Kenneth John Matthew Dudney, in March 2018.

Key Events:

• Faith Testimony: Featured on CBN’s “For God’s Glory”
• Child’s Birth: Kenneth John Matthew Dudney, born in 2018
• Ministry Focus: Continued involvement in gospel singing and artist management

Summary Table

FAQ

Who are Matthew Dudney’s parents?

Matthew Dudney is the eldest son of Barbara Mandrell, a famous country music icon, and Ken Dudney, a former drummer, producer, and Navy veteran.

What is Matthew Dudney’s career?

Matt Dudney is a professional chef, gospel music manager, and ministry worker. He is also involved in managing his wife’s career as a gospel singer-songwriter.

When was Matthew Dudney’s son born?

Matthew Dudney’s son, Kenneth John Matthew Dudney, was born on March 27, 2018, after the couple faced a decade-long fertility struggle.

What is Matthew Dudney’s net worth?

There is no precise public data on Matt Dudney’s net worth, but it is likely modest, considering his career in food, music, and ministry. His family, however, has significant wealth.