5 Surprising Facts About Stephen Schlapman: Unmasking The Private Husband Of Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman

Despite being married to one of country music's most recognizable voices, Little Big Town's Kimberly Schlapman, Stephen Schlapman has successfully maintained a deeply private life, largely staying out of the spotlight for nearly two decades. However, behind the scenes, his life is marked by profound personal tragedy, secret romance, and a powerful act of public forgiveness that few fans of the Grammy-winning band truly know about.

As of December 2025, Stephen Schlapman continues to be Kimberly's steadfast rock, attending major industry events like the 2024 CMA Awards and raising their two daughters in Nashville. This article pulls back the curtain on the man who prefers the shadows, revealing the surprising details of his career, his family's heartwarming adoption story, and the unimaginable loss that led to his most inspiring public moment.

Stephen Schlapman: Biography and Profile

Stephen Schlapman is best known as the supportive husband of country music star Kimberly Schlapman, one of the four members of the award-winning group Little Big Town. His life is a testament to resilience, finding love after loss, and a commitment to family over fame.

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• Full Name: Stephen Schlapman
• Best Known For: Husband of Kimberly Schlapman (Little Big Town)
• Estimated Age: Mid-50s (Based on public records and timeline of marriage)
• Spouse: Kimberly Schlapman (née Roads)
• Marriage Date: November 28, 2006 (Secretly eloped months prior)
• Children: Daisy Pearl Schlapman (Daughter, born 2007) and Dolly Grace Schlapman (Daughter, adopted 2017)
• Former Job: Stage Manager for Little Big Town
• Current Residence: Nashville, Tennessee
• Notable Public Act: Forgiving the drunken driver who killed his brother, Thomas Allen Schlapman.

The Shocking Secret: How Stephen Schlapman Went From Crew Member to Husband

Stephen Schlapman's love story with Kimberly Schlapman is one of profound healing and a twist that was kept secret from the public—and even family—for months. The couple's relationship began in the shadow of unimaginable grief following the death of Kimberly's first husband, Steven Roads, in 2005.

A Friendship Forged in Loss

Prior to their romance, Stephen was a mutual friend and a key member of the Little Big Town crew, often working as the band's stage manager. He and Kimberly bonded deeply over shared experiences of loss; Stephen had also experienced the death of a close friend. This shared understanding provided a unique foundation for their relationship to grow from friendship to romance.

The Secret Elopement That Fooled Everyone

While the world knows the couple married in a formal ceremony on November 28, 2006, Kimberly later revealed a surprising secret: they had eloped months earlier. The decision was a spontaneous, intimate choice that allowed them to cement their commitment privately before the public ceremony. This secret was so well-kept that Kimberly admitted she didn't even tell her own mother until years later, a revelation she made publicly during a co-hosting appearance on the *Today* show.

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Their quick, quiet marriage was a clear sign that Stephen, despite his connection to the music industry, was committed to keeping his personal life, and their relationship, as private as possible. This desire for privacy has been a defining characteristic of his life, leading to much speculation about his professional career outside of his past role as Little Big Town's stage manager.

The Ultimate Act of Forgiveness: Stephen's Personal Tragedy

The most compelling and least-known chapter of Stephen Schlapman’s life involves a profound family tragedy and an extraordinary act of grace. This event highlights the deep moral and spiritual strength that defines the man behind the celebrity marriage.

The Loss of Thomas Allen Schlapman

On November 21, 2012, tragedy struck the Schlapman family when Stephen's brother, Thomas Allen Schlapman, was killed by a drunken driver. Allen, who was 45, was visiting Stephen and Kimberly in Nashville when his motorcycle was struck. The driver, identified as Gregory Powers, was out on bond from a previous DUI charge.

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A Public Statement of Forgiveness

In a move that stunned many, Stephen and Kimberly publicly announced their forgiveness for the man who killed their brother and brother-in-law. They stated that this act of forgiveness was not for the driver, but for themselves—to release the burden of anger and bitterness.

This powerful decision was made even more poignant by a personal detail Stephen revealed: he himself had been involved in a past incident of driving under the influence. This painful memory gave him a unique perspective and fueled his commitment to forgiveness and advocacy for safe driving. The Schlapmans have since used the tragedy to partner with organizations like the Tennessee Highway Safety Office, displaying Allen’s crashed motorcycle as a stark reminder of the consequences of drunk driving.

Family Life and the Heartwarming Adoption of Dolly Grace

Stephen and Kimberly's journey to a complete family was one filled with hope, patience, and a miracle that arrived in the form of their second daughter, Dolly Grace.

The Arrival of Daisy Pearl

The couple welcomed their first daughter, Daisy Pearl, in 2007, a year after their marriage. Daisy’s arrival was a source of immense joy and healing for Kimberly following the loss of her first husband. However, the couple struggled to conceive a second child, leading them to explore the path of adoption.

The Miracle of Dolly Grace

In January 2017, the Schlapmans announced the arrival of their second daughter, Dolly Grace Schlapman, through adoption. The name "Dolly" is a tribute to the legendary Dolly Parton, who is a close friend and inspiration to the family. Dolly Grace's adoption was a dream come true for their older daughter, Daisy Pearl, who had never stopped praying for a sibling.

Stephen and Kimberly have been open about their adoption story, emphasizing that Dolly Grace was a "gift" and a true blessing to their family. The couple’s decision to share their journey highlights their commitment to raising awareness and celebrating the beauty of adoption, further cementing their status as a loving and grounded family unit in the often-turbulent world of country music.

What is Stephen Schlapman's Current Job and Net Worth?

Stephen Schlapman’s professional life is the most elusive aspect of his public profile. While his wife, Kimberly, has a reported net worth in the multi-millions due to Little Big Town's success, Stephen’s own career path remains largely private.

From Stage Manager to Private Life

It is widely reported that Stephen’s initial connection to Little Big Town was as the band's stage manager. This role placed him directly in the orbit of the group, which is how he met Kimberly. However, since their marriage, he has stepped away from the constant touring life.

Some sources speculate that Stephen may now be a stay-at-home dad, prioritizing family life in Nashville while Kimberly is on the road. This role would certainly align with the family-first narrative that the Schlapmans project. Other recent public records from 2024 hint at him being involved in building or pool projects in the Oconee County area, suggesting he may be involved in a private, non-music-related business venture.

Given his private nature, a specific, verifiable net worth for Stephen Schlapman is not publicly available. However, his life is clearly comfortable, supported by his wife's considerable success. His true value, according to the couple's public statements, lies not in his financial portfolio, but in his unwavering support for his family and his quiet strength in overcoming personal adversity.