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More than a decade after their separation, John Schneider and ex-wife Elvira Schneider are still fighting in court.
Now, with millions of dollars at stake, the “Dukes of Hazzard” star is speaking out publicly for the first time, telling Fox News Digital that he doesn’t understand why his ex would expect continued financial support after the divorce.
“It’s a conversation,” John told Fox News Digital. “Everything is negotiable.”
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“The Dukes of Hazzard” and country music star John Schneider talk about his ex-wife’s allegations that she owes him millions in spousal support, including pension and Social Security benefits. (Getty Images)
The beloved television and country music star addressed the controversy while in Washington, DC, where he performed a 45-minute concert at Liberty Station celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
When asked about the ongoing court battle, John did not hide his frustration.
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“I don’t understand why anyone would feel that … someone has abandoned them, right? … If you abandon someone, why would you expect them to continue to be a part of your life in any way, let alone financially? I don’t understand where the integrity is in that.”
Still, he said he hopes the years-long dispute is coming to an end, saying, “We’re working it out.”
He added, “It’s a shame when people who were together turn to this. And it’s been a long time. I mean, this divorce … she filed for divorce in 2014. My God, that’s 12 years. So, I don’t understand it, but you know, cooler heads will prevail, and we’ll get through it.”
John Schneider and ex-wife Elvira Schneider were spotted in 2007. (Getty Images)
John’s comments come weeks after his second ex-wife, Elvira, alleged in court that she owes more than $2,382,548 in unpaid spousal support over the years, including more than $984,000 in interest, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.
In her filing, Elvira asked the court to award her portions of John’s Screen Actors Guild pension and Social Security benefits if she is unable to pay the amount immediately.
John steps back.
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John Schneider spoke about his ongoing divorce dispute with ex-wife Elvira Schneider while performing at America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, DC. (Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Eva Uncontrolled)
According to court documents, the actor’s answer reveals that his ex-wife miscalculated the money he allegedly owed and failed to provide evidence to support his calculations.
The former couple got married in 1993. Elvira filed for divorce in 2014, and the divorce was finalized in 2019.
Even as the legal battle raged, John remained focused on action.
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“Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider and wife Dee Dee Sorvino tied the knot in a surprise wedding in Las Vegas. (Getty Images)
The actor went to Washington to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, calling for an invitation to do honors and reflect on attending the nation’s Bicentennial celebration at a young age.
“Wow, it’s an honor because we’re here in DC. And we were asked by the current administration, so that’s pretty cool. So, I’m surprised about it.”
Schneider recalled visiting Disney World with her high school in 1976 for the country’s 200th birthday.
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“In 1976, I was 16 years old, and I went with my high school to Disney World and celebrated the Bicentennial.”
Now, 50 years later, he said, the return of America’s 250th birthday feels like a full-circle moment.
“So now, to be a part of something 50 years later, I can’t believe that, but it’s true … it’s the 250th birthday. And I’m proud of our country, and I’m proud of everything that’s going on right now. I know it’s a little dicey for some, but you know, I believe in peace with power, and that’s what we’re involved in now.”
Despite the courtroom drama, John said he is focused on the future – and his marriage to wife Dee Dee Sorvino.
Thinking about love and cooperation, he explained that lasting relationships require commitment to each other.
“Partnership is very important. You have to be, what is the biblical standard? Equally yoked.”
He continued, “A relationship is something that has to be … two-sided. There are two people involved, and there are two sets of responsibilities. And your thought, too, like trying to make someone else’s day better, of course the first person you want to make their day better should be your partner.”
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John Schneider, Catherine Bach and Tom Wopat are seen in a promotional photo for “The Dukes of Hazzard,” circa 1980. (Getty Images)
John praised his wife, adding, “I like to think that’s what I do. I know that’s what Dee does. I know she puts me first.”
When Fox News Digital asked what chapter of life he is most excited about, he didn’t hesitate.
“Of course this one.”
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He added, “We are getting better and better every day. We have bigger and bigger aspirations every day because we live in this country, and we can do that. I mean it all my life when I say my best days are ahead of me.”
Other projects the Hollywood actor has worked on in the past include “Smallville” and Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots,” in addition to co-founding the Children’s Miracle Network.
