The Tragic Story Of Steven Roads: 5 Things You Didn't Know About Kimberly Schlapman's First Husband

The story of Kimberly Schlapman’s first husband, Steven Roads, is a heartbreaking chapter in the life of the Little Big Town star, a tragedy that reshaped her personal journey and profoundly influenced the band's early success. As of December 2025, nearly two decades have passed since his untimely death, yet the details of his life and the sudden loss remain a poignant and frequently discussed topic among fans curious about the singer's past. Steven Roads was not just her husband; he was an integral, behind-the-scenes force for the Grammy-winning group, whose sudden passing from a heart attack left a void that was felt both personally and professionally. This deep dive explores the man, his role, and the emotional aftermath that led Kimberly to find love and light again.

The profound grief following the death of Steven Roads in 2005 was an unimaginable struggle for Kimberly, who was already dealing with the emotional weight of infertility during their marriage. Her eventual path to healing, supported by her friend and now-husband, Stephen Schlapman, is a testament to resilience, but the memory of Steven remains a critical part of her story, a "road to here" that defines the woman and artist she is today. This is the definitive look at the life and legacy of Steven Roads.

Kimberly Schlapman and Steven Roads: A Shared History and Tragic Timeline

Steven Roads was a foundational figure in Kimberly Schlapman’s life, both personally and professionally, before his tragic death. Their marriage predates the global success of Little Big Town, rooting their relationship in the band's earliest days.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

• Kimberly Schlapman (née Bramlett) Profile:
• Full Name: Kimberly Bramlett Schlapman (formerly Roads)
• Born: October 15, 1969
• Birthplace: Toccoa, Georgia
• Role in Little Big Town: Co-lead vocalist, founding member.
• First Marriage: Steven Wayne Roads (m. 1990; d. 2005)
• Second Marriage: Stephen Schlapman (m. 2006)
• Steven Wayne Roads Profile:
• Full Name: Steven Wayne Roads
• Profession: Entertainment Lawyer, specifically for Little Big Town.
• Marriage Date to Kimberly: 1990
• Date of Death: April 2005
• Age at Death: 41
• Cause of Death: Sudden heart attack.

1. Steven Roads Was Little Big Town’s Lawyer and Business Anchor

Steven Roads was far more than just Kimberly's husband; he was a key professional figure for the entire band. As an entertainment lawyer, he handled the business side of Little Big Town, including negotiating contracts and managing their legal affairs. This meant his relationship with band members Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, and Philip Sweet was both professional and deeply personal. His death in April 2005 occurred during a pivotal time: the band was just breaking through with their Top Ten single, "Boondocks," and their album The Road to Here. The loss of their lawyer and trusted friend added immense professional and personal stress to their burgeoning success.

2. His Death Was Sudden and Unexpected at Age 41

The tragedy was compounded by its sudden nature. Steven Roads died unexpectedly from a heart attack in April 2005 at the age of 41. The shock of losing a young, seemingly healthy spouse so abruptly sent Kimberly into a deep period of grief. The band, Little Big Town, has often spoken about the profound impact of this loss, which occurred right as their career was taking off. The success of "Boondocks" became intertwined with a time of intense personal mourning for Kimberly, making the period a bittersweet memory for the entire group.

3. Kimberly Struggled with Infertility During Their Marriage

A lesser-known, yet critical, detail of their life together was Kimberly's struggle with infertility. She has been open about her inability to become pregnant during her marriage to Steven Roads, a painful experience she shared in her book, Oh Gussie! All My Love at the Table. This long-standing emotional difficulty was part of the backdrop of their life together, making the subsequent loss of Steven an even more devastating blow. The double heartbreak—losing her husband and the dream of a family with him—was a source of immense grief she had to overcome.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

4. Steven's Death Paved the Way for Her Second Love

After Steven's death, Kimberly was, in her own words, "in shreds." It was during this period of deep mourning that she leaned heavily on a longtime friend, Stephen Schlapman. Stephen had also been friends with Steven Roads and was impacted by the loss. Their shared grief and mutual support blossomed into a deeper connection. Kimberly has credited Stephen with "fixing" her broken heart. The two married in 2006, just a year after Steven's passing. This quick transition, while born from tragedy, was a necessary step for Kimberly to find happiness again, a relationship she describes as finding true love while mourning her first. The couple later welcomed their first daughter, Daisy Pearl, in 2007, and adopted their second daughter, Dolly Grace, in 2017, fulfilling the dream of motherhood she had struggled with for so long.

5. The Band's Album, 'The Road to Here,' Has a Poignant Connection

The timing of Steven Roads' death is particularly poignant in the history of Little Big Town. He passed away in April 2005, and later that year, the band released their breakthrough album, The Road to Here. The album title itself is a subtle nod to the journey the band and its members had taken, and the title track, "Boondocks," became their first major hit. The album's success was achieved while Kimberly was navigating her darkest personal moment, with the other band members—Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, and Philip Sweet—rallying around her. The experience cemented the band's bond, transforming them from business partners into a true family that had endured and overcome tragedy together.

The Lasting Legacy of Steven Roads

Though Steven Roads passed away almost two decades ago, his legacy continues to influence Kimberly Schlapman’s life and the history of Little Big Town. He is remembered as a devoted husband and a vital professional asset who helped lay the groundwork for the band’s eventual Grammy-winning success. Kimberly's openness about her grief, her struggle with infertility, and her eventual finding of love again with Stephen Schlapman has made her a source of inspiration for fans who have experienced similar loss. The story of Steven Roads is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit, a foundational element of the emotional depth that defines Kimberly Schlapman and Little Big Town.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa