Kimberly Schlapman's Heartbreak & New Beginning: What Happened To Her First Husband?

Coy Hills 20 Jun 2025

The story of Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman is one of immense talent, enduring love, and profound resilience. While many fans are familiar with her radiant smile and powerful vocals, fewer know the deeply personal journey that shaped her life and led her to find love again after an unimaginable loss. This article delves into the poignant history of Kimberly Schlapman's first marriage and answers the question: what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town?

Her path to happiness with her current husband, Stephen Schlapman, was not a straightforward one, but rather a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and hope. We will explore the details surrounding the tragedy that touched her life, the period of mourning, and the unexpected way love found its way back into her heart.

Kimberly Schlapman: A Brief Biography
The Early Days and First Love
What Happened to Kimberly Schlapman's First Husband, Steven Roads?
The Shock and Grief: A Band in Mourning
Finding Love Amidst Loss: Kimberly and Stephen
A Unique Love Story Built on Support
- The Secret Elopement
- Building a Family and a Legacy
Daisy: A Gift From Above
Little Big Town and the Journey Onward

Kimberly Schlapman: A Brief Biography

Kimberly Schlapman, born Kimberly Roads, is a celebrated American country music singer, best known as a member of the Grammy Award-winning vocal group Little Big Town. Alongside bandmates Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet, Schlapman has captivated audiences worldwide with her distinctive harmonies and vibrant stage presence. Beyond her musical career, Kimberly is also an author and a television personality, sharing her passion for cooking and family life.

Her journey in music began long before Little Big Town's mainstream success, rooted in a deep love for storytelling through song. Her life, however, has been marked by both incredible professional achievements and profound personal challenges, making her story particularly resonant with fans. Understanding her personal history, especially the answer to what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town, provides a deeper appreciation for her resilience and the joy she now shares.

Personal Data and Biodata: Kimberly Schlapman

Full Name:	Kimberly Michelle Roads Schlapman
Date of Birth:	October 15, 1969
Place of Birth:	Cornelia, Georgia, USA
Occupation:	Singer (Little Big Town), Author, TV Personality
Spouse(s):	Steven Roads (m. ? - d. 2005) Stephen Schlapman (m. 2006 - present)
Children:	Daisy Pearl Schlapman, Dolly Grace Schlapman
Band:	Little Big Town

The Early Days and First Love

Before the fame and the accolades with Little Big Town, Kimberly Roads was building her life and career. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Steven Roads. Steven was not just her husband; he was also deeply connected to her professional life. He served as the lawyer for her musical band, Little Big Town, prior to his untimely demise. This connection meant that Steven was not just a partner in her personal life but also an integral part of her burgeoning musical journey.

Their relationship was a foundation for Kimberly as she navigated the demanding world of country music. They shared dreams, supported each other, and built a life together. Steven's presence provided stability and love, making his sudden absence all the more devastating when tragedy struck. The bond they shared was clearly strong, and his role as the band's lawyer meant he was invested in her passion and success on multiple levels.

What Happened to Kimberly Schlapman's First Husband, Steven Roads?

The question of what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town is central to understanding a pivotal moment in her life. The answer is heartbreaking: Kimberly's first husband, Steven Roads, died suddenly of a heart attack in April 2005. He was just 41 years old at the time of his passing. Specifically, Steven Roads died of a heart attack on April 6, 2005.

This tragic event occurred while Little Big Town was out on tour, amplifying the shock and difficulty for Kimberly and the entire band. His death was unexpected and sudden, leaving a profound void. For Kimberly, it meant losing her husband, her rock, and a significant part of her world in an instant. The suddenness of his death left an indelible mark, forcing her to confront immense grief while simultaneously navigating the demands of her career.

The Shock and Grief: A Band in Mourning

Steven Roads' sudden passing was a shock not only for Kimberly but for the entire Little Big Town family. As the band's lawyer, he was a familiar and trusted figure, and his death reverberated through their close-knit group. The loss was especially profound for Kimberly, who found herself grappling with an unimaginable sorrow. The grief was immense, and the period immediately following his death was undoubtedly one of the most challenging times of her life.

Mourning the loss of a spouse is an incredibly personal and arduous journey. For Kimberly, this journey was complicated by her public life as a touring musician. The world continued to turn, and the band's commitments remained, even as her personal world had been shattered. This period of intense grief tested her strength and resilience in ways she could never have anticipated. It was a time of deep sorrow, reflection, and learning to navigate life without the partner she had loved and relied upon.

Finding Love Amidst Loss: Kimberly and Stephen

In what many would describe as one of the most unexpected times in her life, while she was mourning the loss of her first husband, Steven Roads, Kimberly Schlapman found love again. This new chapter began with Stephen Schlapman. Kimberly had known Stephen for years before their relationship turned romantic. In fact, it was a tragedy that helped bring them closer together.

Stephen played a crucial role in Kimberly's healing process. He helped support her during that difficult time, offering comfort and understanding as she navigated her grief. Their connection deepened as Stephen became a pillar of support, demonstrating immense compassion and patience. This foundation of friendship and unwavering support laid the groundwork for a love story that was anything but typical. It was a testament to finding light in the darkest of times and the human capacity to heal and open one's heart again.

A Unique Love Story Built on Support

Kimberly Schlapman's marriage to Stephen Schlapman is a beautiful example of love blossoming from adversity. Their relationship wasn't a whirlwind romance but rather a gradual unfolding, built on shared history, profound empathy, and Stephen's steadfast support during Kimberly's period of mourning. Kimberly fell in love with Stephen while she was still processing the immense grief of losing Steven. This unique circumstance meant their bond was forged in vulnerability and deep understanding.

Stephen became her "rock" during a time when she desperately needed one, and that mutual support continues to define their relationship today. Their story highlights that love can find you when you least expect it, and sometimes, the most profound connections are formed through shared trials. Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman has been happily married to her husband, Stephen, for more than 12 years, a testament to the strength and depth of their bond.

The Secret Elopement

Adding another unique layer to their love story, Kimberly Schlapman kept a secret about her marriage for 19 years. The Little Big Town singer revealed that she and her husband, Stephen Schlapman, secretly eloped six months before their official wedding in November 2006. This quiet, intimate ceremony was a private moment between them, perhaps a reflection of the deeply personal and somewhat unconventional path their love had taken.

Although she expressed a bit of hesitation towards sharing the story, Schlapman finally revealed that he and her husband, Stephen Schlapman, secretly eloped before tying the knot in a more public ceremony. This revelation further underscores the personal and deeply felt nature of their bond, choosing to celebrate their commitment in a way that felt right for them, even if it meant keeping it under wraps for nearly two decades.

Building a Family and a Legacy

After losing her first husband, Steven Roads, in 2005, Schlapman found love again with Stephen Schlapman, and together they created a beautiful family. The year 2006 was full of big moments for Little Big Town, but for Kimberly, it also marked the beginning of her new family life. Stephen and Kimberly are parents to two daughters, Daisy Pearl and Dolly Grace. Their family life is a cornerstone of Kimberly's happiness and a testament to her ability to rebuild and find joy after profound loss.

Their journey to parenthood, particularly with their first daughter, Daisy, holds a special significance for Kimberly, connecting back to her past in a deeply spiritual way. This new chapter of family life with Stephen has provided Kimberly with immense comfort and fulfillment, demonstrating that even after enduring the deepest sorrow, it is possible to cultivate a life filled with love, laughter, and new beginnings.

Daisy: A Gift From Above

In a deeply touching interview about her children's book, "A Dolly for Christmas," Kimberly Schlapman shared a profound belief that connects her past and present. The singer explains that she believes her daughter Daisy was a gift from her deceased husband, Steven Roads. This perspective offers a beautiful and comforting way for Kimberly to honor Steven's memory while embracing the joy of her current family.

It speaks to the enduring nature of love and the idea that connections can transcend life and death. For Kimberly, Daisy's arrival was not just a new beginning but a continuation of love, a blessing that brought light and purpose back into her life after a period of immense darkness. This belief underscores the depth of her emotional journey and her capacity to find meaning and hope even in the face of tragedy.

Little Big Town and the Journey Onward

Kimberly Schlapman's personal journey, marked by both profound loss and the discovery of new love, has undoubtedly shaped her as an artist and as a person. While the question of what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town is a somber one, her story ultimately speaks to resilience, hope, and the power of human connection. The band, Little Big Town, has continued to achieve immense success, and Kimberly's strength and authenticity shine through in their music.

Her ability to navigate personal tragedy while maintaining a thriving career and building a loving family is truly inspiring. Her story is a reminder that life's most challenging moments can also pave the way for unexpected joys and deeper understanding. Kimberly, alongside Stephen, continues to be each other's rock, a testament to a love story that began amidst sorrow but has blossomed into a beautiful and enduring partnership.

Conclusion

The journey of Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman is a powerful narrative of love, loss, and resilience. We've explored the tragic passing of her first husband, Steven Roads, in 2005 due to a sudden heart attack, a devastating event that profoundly impacted her life and the band. Yet, from this deep sorrow, a new chapter unfolded as she found love again with Stephen Schlapman, a man who supported her through her darkest hours.

Their unique love story, marked by a secret elopement and the building of a beautiful family, stands as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for healing and finding joy after immense pain. Kimberly's belief that her daughter Daisy is a gift from Steven further illustrates the enduring nature of love and memory. Her story is not just about what happened to Kimberly's husband from Little Big Town, but about the strength to move forward, embrace new beginnings, and build a life filled with love and purpose.

We hope this deep dive into Kimberly Schlapman's personal journey has offered you valuable insight and a greater appreciation for her remarkable strength. If you found this article insightful, please consider sharing it with others who might be interested in her story. What aspects of Kimberly's journey resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and explore other articles on our site for more inspiring stories and insights into the lives of your favorite artists.

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