What Happened To Kimberly's Husband From Little Big Town? A Story Of Loss & Love

Prof. Sabina Reichert 21 Jun 2025

For fans of country music, Little Big Town is synonymous with harmonious vocals, captivating storytelling, and a bond that has endured for decades. At the heart of this beloved quartet is Kimberly Schlapman, a vibrant personality known for her warm smile, powerful voice, and genuine spirit. Yet, beneath the surface of her public persona lies a deeply personal narrative of profound loss and remarkable resilience. Many have wondered, "What happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town?" It's a question that delves into a heartbreaking chapter of her life, a period of immense grief that ultimately paved the way for a new, unexpected love story.

Kimberly Schlapman's journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to navigate unimaginable sorrow and emerge with hope. Her story is not just about the music she creates with Little Big Town; it's about the life she has lived, marked by both devastating heartbreak and the quiet strength of finding joy again. Understanding the full scope of her experience requires looking back at the man who was her first love, the sudden tragedy that struck, and the path she bravely forged forward.

Kimberly Schlapman: A Brief Biography
The Genesis of Little Big Town and Kimberly's Early Career
Steven Roads: The Man Before the Heartbreak
The Unforeseen Tragedy: What Happened to Kimberly's Husband from Little Big Town
Navigating Profound Grief: Kimberly's Darkest Hours
A New Chapter: Finding Love with Stephen Schlapman
Beyond Music: Kimberly's Other Passions and Contributions
The Resilience of a Star: Lessons from Kimberly's Journey

Kimberly Schlapman: A Brief Biography

Kimberly Schlapman is undeniably a multi-talented force. Beyond her iconic status as a founding member of the country supergroup Little Big Town, she is also a devoted mother, a celebrated chef, and an author. Born Kimberly Roads on October 15, 1969, in Toccoa, Georgia, USA, she cultivated her passion for music from a young age. Her move to Nashville in late 1995 marked a pivotal moment, as she pursued a professional career in music, a decision that would eventually lead to the formation of one of country music's most enduring acts. Her journey has been one of constant evolution, showcasing her versatility not just as a vocalist but as a creative individual embracing various facets of her life.

Personal Data & Biodata

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Kimberly Roads Schlapman
Date of Birth	October 15, 1969
Age (as of 2024)	54
Birthplace	Toccoa, Georgia, USA
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Chef, Author, Actress
Band	Little Big Town (Founding Member)
First Husband	Steven Roads (Deceased)
Current Husband	Stephen Schlapman
Children	Daisy Pearl Schlapman, Dolly Grace Schlapman (adopted)

The Genesis of Little Big Town and Kimberly's Early Career

The story of Little Big Town began to unfold in the late 1990s, rooted in the shared dreams of four talented individuals. In 1998, Kimberly Schlapman, alongside Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook, officially founded the American country music vocal group. Hailing from Homewood, Alabama, the quartet quickly distinguished themselves with their unique harmonies and blend of voices. The women, Kimberly and Karen, had moved to Nashville together to pursue their singing careers, laying the groundwork for the band's formation. Since its inception, Little Big Town has maintained the same four members, a rarity in the ever-changing music industry, which speaks volumes about their enduring camaraderie and shared vision. Over the years, the band has garnered numerous awards and sold more than 1.5 million records, solidifying their place as a country music powerhouse. Kimberly's role as a founding member has been instrumental in shaping the group's identity and success, making her a widely recognized and celebrated figure among country music enthusiasts.

Steven Roads: The Man Before the Heartbreak

Before the current chapter of her life with Stephen Schlapman, Kimberly's heart belonged to Steven Roads. He was her first husband, and their relationship formed a significant part of her early adult life and burgeoning music career. While the public focus is often on the tragedy that befell them, it's important to remember the love and partnership they shared. The couple had faced challenges, notably their inability to have a baby together, a common and often painful struggle for many couples. Despite this, their bond was strong, and Steven was a supportive presence in Kimberly's life as she navigated the demanding world of country music. Their life together was, by all accounts, a loving and committed one, setting the stage for the profound impact his sudden passing would have on Kimberly and those around her. His memory remains a poignant part of her personal narrative, a foundation upon which her subsequent journey of healing and new beginnings was built.

The Unforeseen Tragedy: What Happened to Kimberly's Husband from Little Big Town

The question of "what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town" centers on a devastating event that irrevocably altered her life's trajectory. In 2005, Steven Roads, Kimberly's first husband, died suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack. He was only 41 years old. The shock of his passing was immense, not only for Kimberly but for the entire Little Big Town family. At the time of this tragic event, the band was actively touring, a testament to the demanding nature of their career. The suddenness of Steven's death left Kimberly reeling, plunging her into a period of unimaginable grief. A heart attack at such a young age is a rare and particularly cruel twist of fate, leaving no time for goodbyes or preparation. This unforeseen tragedy became a defining moment in Kimberly Schlapman's life, marking a before and after that would shape her personal journey and, in many ways, her artistic expression for years to come. The loss was not just personal; it cast a shadow over the band, who had witnessed their beloved bandmate endure such profound sorrow.

Navigating Profound Grief: Kimberly's Darkest Hours

The immediate aftermath of Steven Roads' death was a period of intense and terrible grief for Kimberly Schlapman. The suddenness of the loss, coupled with the public nature of her career, made her mourning particularly challenging. Her bandmates, who were also her closest friends, witnessed firsthand the depth of her sorrow. Karen Fairchild, a fellow founding member of Little Big Town and a dear friend, vividly recalled the impact on Kimberly. Fairchild shared with CBS News, "I didn't know she would sing again after Steve died." Kimberly herself interjected, admitting, "I didn't want to." Fairchild continued, observing the raw pain in her friend's eyes: "There was so much sorrow in her eyes." This period was characterized by a profound sense of loss, and Kimberly herself admitted that she "didn't expect to find that kind of love ever again" after Steven died. The thought of continuing her music career, let alone finding happiness, seemed distant and almost impossible amidst the overwhelming sadness. Her journey through grief was a testament to her inner strength, a slow and arduous process of healing.

The Support System: Bandmates and Family

During her darkest hours, Kimberly was not alone. The tight-knit bond within Little Big Town proved to be an invaluable source of support. Karen Fairchild, in particular, stood by her side, offering comfort and understanding. As one of the four people who truly understood the depth of Kimberly's pain, Karen's presence was crucial. The provided data indicates that "Among the four people who did know were her sister and her Little Big Town bandmate, Karen Fairchild." This highlights the intimate circle of trust and care that surrounded Kimberly as she navigated her grief. The band, while booking hotels and continuing their professional commitments, also provided a silent, unwavering support system, allowing Kimberly the space to mourn while still being a part of their collective journey. This unwavering support from her closest friends and family was instrumental in helping Kimberly take the first tentative steps towards healing and eventually, finding hope again.

A New Chapter: Finding Love with Stephen Schlapman

In the midst of her profound grief, a new and unexpected chapter began to unfold in Kimberly Schlapman's life. While mourning the loss of her first husband, Steven Roads, she reconnected with a longtime friend, Stephen Schlapman. Their connection deepened, and Kimberly found herself falling in love with Stephen. Theirs was far from a typical love story, emerging from the shadow of tragedy. Despite the pain she carried, Kimberly admits she found true love again. Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman has now been happily married to her husband, Stephen, for more than 12 years. This enduring marriage is a powerful testament to her resilience and capacity for love after such immense heartbreak. Stephen became her anchor, helping her navigate the complexities of moving forward while honoring the past. Their relationship blossomed into a beautiful partnership, demonstrating that even after the deepest sorrow, the heart can open again to new possibilities and profound happiness.

Building a Family: Daisy and Dolly

Beyond finding a loving partner in Stephen, Kimberly's journey also led her to the joys of motherhood, fulfilling a long-held desire. She became a mother to her eldest daughter, Daisy Pearl. The longing for a sibling for Daisy was so strong that Daisy herself reportedly wrote to Santa, wishing for one. This personal experience inspired Kimberly to turn her attention to a new genre: children's books. Her debut children's book, "A Dolly for Christmas," released on October 6, 2020, beautifully illustrates this desire. The book's title character, Dolly, was always meant to be a part of their family, as Kimberly shared with People magazine. This dream became a reality when they adopted their baby girl, Dolly Grace Schlapman. Kimberly's journey to motherhood, both biological and through adoption, adds another layer to her incredible story of resilience and finding joy after loss. It underscores her multifaceted identity as a singer, chef, author, and, most importantly, a loving mother, proving that life can bring unexpected blessings even after immense pain.

Beyond Music: Kimberly's Other Passions and Contributions

While her powerful vocals and stage presence with Little Big Town have made her a household name, Kimberly Schlapman is truly one busy woman with a diverse range of passions. Her creativity extends far beyond the realm of music. As a celebrated chef, she has shared her love for cooking through various platforms, including her own television show, "Kimberly's Simply Southern," and cookbooks. Her culinary endeavors showcase her warm, inviting personality and her desire to connect with people through food, much like she does through music. Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, she has ventured into authorship with her children's book, "A Dolly for Christmas," a project deeply rooted in her personal experience of building her family. This expansion into different creative fields highlights Kimberly's dynamic spirit and her commitment to sharing her authentic self with the world. She's not just a singer; she's a storyteller in multiple mediums, constantly evolving and exploring new avenues for expression.

The Enduring Legacy of Little Big Town

Amidst Kimberly's personal journey and individual pursuits, the foundation of Little Big Town remains incredibly strong. Since their founding in 1998, the group has maintained its original four members, a testament to their unwavering bond and shared artistic vision. They have consistently produced hit songs, won numerous awards, and captivated audiences worldwide with their distinctive harmonies and heartfelt lyrics. The band's ability to navigate personal triumphs and tragedies, including the profound loss Kimberly experienced, while continuing to create impactful music, speaks to their collective resilience. Little Big Town is more than just a band; it's a family that has supported each other through thick and thin. Their enduring success and the consistent quality of their music solidify their legacy as one of country music's most beloved and respected groups, with Kimberly Schlapman's unique voice and spirit at its core.

The Resilience of a Star: Lessons from Kimberly's Journey

The story of what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town is a powerful narrative of human resilience. Kimberly Schlapman's journey through profound loss, intense grief, and the eventual rediscovery of love and joy offers invaluable lessons. Her ability to navigate the sudden death of Steven Roads, a tragedy that could have easily derailed her life and career, and then find the courage to open her heart again to Stephen Schlapman, is truly inspiring. It speaks to the strength of the human spirit to heal, adapt, and embrace new beginnings, even when they emerge from the deepest sorrow. Her story reminds us that grief is a process, not a destination, and that finding happiness again does not diminish the love that was lost. Instead, it honors it by choosing to live fully. Kimberly's openness about her experiences, from her heartbreak to her struggles with infertility and her path to adoption, has made her a relatable and authentic figure. She embodies the message that even in the face of unimaginable pain, hope can be found, and life can be rebuilt, often in ways more beautiful and fulfilling than one could have ever imagined.

Conclusion

The question of "what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town" uncovers a poignant chapter in the life of a beloved country music star. Kimberly Schlapman endured the sudden and tragic loss of her first husband, Steven Roads, to a heart attack in 2005. This devastating event plunged her into deep grief, a period bravely navigated with the unwavering support of her bandmates and family. Yet, her story is not solely defined by this heartbreak. It is equally a testament to her incredible resilience, as she found love again with Stephen Schlapman, built a beautiful family through birth and adoption, and continued to thrive in her multifaceted career as a singer, chef, and author. Kimberly's journey reminds us that while life can deliver unforeseen blows, the capacity for healing, love, and joy remains. Her story serves as a powerful inspiration, demonstrating that even after profound loss, it is possible to forge a new path filled with purpose and happiness.

What are your thoughts on Kimberly Schlapman's remarkable journey of resilience? Share your comments below, and feel free to share this article with others who might find inspiration in her story. For more insights into the lives and careers of your favorite country music stars, explore other articles on our site.

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