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More than a decade after their split, John Schneider and ex-wife Elvira Schneider are still battling it out in court.
Now, with millions of dollars at stake, the “Dukes of Hazzard” star is speaking publicly for the first time, telling Digital he doesn’t understand why an ex-spouse would expect continued financial support after ending a marriage.
“It’s a negotiation,” John told Digital. “Everything’s a negotiation.”
‘DUKES OF HAZZARD’ STAR JOHN SCHNEIDER CHERISHES LATE WIFE IN BLISSFUL DANCING VIDEO: ‘A BEAUTIFUL MOMENT’
“The Dukes of Hazzard” and country music star John Schneider speaks out on his ex-wife’s claims he owes millions in spousal support, including pension and Social Security benefits. (Getty Images)
The beloved television and country music star addressed the dispute while in Washington, D.C., where he performed a 45-minute concert on the Freedom Stage celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
When asked about the ongoing court battle, John didn’t hide his frustration.
WATCH: ‘DUKES OF HAZZARD’ STAR JOHN SCHNEIDER HOPES EX-WIFE ESTATE DISPUTE ENDS ‘REALLY SOON’
“I don’t understand why someone would feel that … someone that they threw away, right? … If you throw somebody away, why would you expect them to continue to be part of your life in any regard, let alone financially? I don’t understand where the integrity is in that.”
Still, he said he’s hopeful the yearslong dispute is nearing an end, saying, “We’re working it out.”
He added, “It’s a shame when people who were together then turn into this. And it’s been a long time. I mean, this divorce … she filed for divorce in 2014. My God, that’s been 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 are seen in 2007. (Getty Images)
John’s comments come weeks after his second ex-wife, Elvira, alleged in court that he owes over $2,382,548 in unpaid spousal support dating back years, including more than $984,000 in accrued interest, according to court documents obtained by Digital.
In her filing, Elvira asked the court to award her portions of John’s Screen Actors Guild pension and Social Security benefits if he cannot pay the amount outright.
John is pushing back.
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John Schneider addressed his ongoing divorce dispute with ex-wife Elvira Schneider while performing at America’s 250th anniversary celebration in Washington, D.C. (Daniel Boczarski / Getty Images For Unbridled Eve)
According to the court documents, the actor’s legal response argues that his former wife miscalculated the amount allegedly owed and failed to provide evidence supporting her figures.
The former couple married in 1993. Elvira filed for divorce in 2014, and the divorce was finalized in 2019.
Even as the legal battle continues, John has kept his focus on performing.
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“Dukes of Hazzard” star John Schneider and wife Dee Dee Sorvino married during a surprise wedding in Las Vegas. (Getty Images)
The actor traveled to Washington to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, calling the invitation to perform an honor and reflecting on attending the nation’s Bicentennial celebration as a teenager.
“Wow, it’s an honor because we’re here in D.C. And we were asked by the present administration, so that’s really terrific. So, I’m jazzed about it.”
Schneider recalled visiting Disney World with his high school in 1976 for the country’s 200th birthday.
WATCH: ‘DUKES OF HAZZARD’ STAR JOHN SCHNEIDER PRAISES AMERICA DURING NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
“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, returning for America’s 250th birthday feels like a full-circle moment.
“So now, to be part of something else 50 years later, I can’t believe that, but it’s true … 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 through strength, and that’s what we’re involved in right now.”
Despite the courtroom drama, John said he’s focused on the future — and on his marriage to wife Dee Dee Sorvino.
Reflecting on love and partnership, he explained that lasting relationships require mutual commitment.
“Partnership is so important. You have to be, what’s the biblical standard? Equally yoked.”
He continued, “A relationship is something that has to … it’s two-sided. There are two people involved, and there are two sets of responsibilities. And your thought, again, like trying to make somebody else’s day better, certainly the first person that 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 portrait 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 Dee does. I know she puts me first.”
When Digital asked what chapter of life excites him most, he didn’t hesitate.
“Absolutely this one.”
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He added, “We get better and better every day. We have greater and greater aspirations every day because we live in this country, and we can do that. I mean it with every fiber of my being when I say that my best days are ahead of me.”
Other projects the Hollywood actor has previously worked on include “Smallville” and Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots,” in addition to co-founding Children’s Miracle Network.
