1. Early Life & Career
Steven Roads—a Virginia-born attorney (some sources cite Alexandria, VA) FamousFix.com—rose through the ranks as both a legal professional and entrepreneur, reportedly founding a venture such as “tapendinto.com” FamousFix.com. He became connected with Little Big Town as their lawyer, navigating the early legal and business challenges of a budding country band.
2. Meeting Kimberly & Their Marriage
Kimberly and Steven met prior to the band’s mainstream breakthrough. By 1999 or early 2000s, they had connected—she, the rising singer; he, the steady counselor behind the scenes. Their partnership combined affection, mutual trust, and professional support—until tragedy struck.
3. The Tragic Loss
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In April 2005, Steven Roads tragically passed away from a heart attack at the age of 41 while the band was on tour. The loss sent shockwaves through Kimberly and her bandmates—Karen Fairchild reportedly feared the band might not continue Nicki Swift. For Kimberly, this meant grappling with unimaginable grief while navigating life in the public eye.
4. His Enduring Legacy
Kimberly has often reflected that their daughter, Daisy, born in 2007, felt like a gift from her late husband:
“When we got pregnant on our honeymoon… I believe that my first husband, who was in heaven… begged God, ‘Let’s give her what she’s always wanted for a wedding gift.’ “I know that was his wedding gift from heaven to me,” said [source: People.com].
This belief underscores how Steven’s memory informs Kimberly’s perspective on family, faith, and healing.
5. The Role of His Memory in Kimberley’s Healing
Through Kimberly’s own words and public storytelling, including her children’s book A Dolly for Christmas, the profound impact he had is clearly revealed. She describes how his absence and presence—though unseen—continue to shape her decisions and sense of motherhood People.comWide Open Country.
6. Framing His Story for the Band and Beyond
Beyond being her husband, Steven played a stabilizing role for Little Big Town financially and emotionally. His unexpected passing accelerated Kimberly’s journey into personal vulnerability and helped pave the way for her next chapter—with Stephen Schlapman, who became a caregiver, confidant, and lifelong partner.
7. A Lasting Tribute
Though not widely featured in media under his own name, Steven Roads remains a quiet but pivotal figure in Kimberly’s story. This article honors that legacy—illuminating the man behind the moments, the husband behind the heartbreak, and the presence behind the promise of healing.
FAQs About Steven Roads
1. Who was Steven Roads?
Steven Roads was the first husband of Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman. He also worked as the band’s lawyer and was deeply involved in their early career.
2. How did Steven Roads and Kimberly Schlapman meet?
They met before Little Big Town achieved mainstream success, around the late 1990s or early 2000s. Their relationship was built on trust, love, and shared support during the band’s formative years.
3. How did Steven Roads die?
Steven Roads tragically passed away from a heart attack in April 2005 at the age of 41, while Little Big Town was on tour. His sudden death left Kimberly and the band devastated.
4. Did Steven Roads and Kimberly Schlapman have children?
No, they did not have children together. However, Kimberly has often said she believes her first husband’s spirit was part of the blessing when she later had her daughter Daisy in 2007 with her second husband, Stephen Schlapman.
5. Are there any photos of Steven Roads available?
Only a few public photos of Steven Roads exist, mostly from early Little Big Town archives and media coverage around 2005. Out of respect for his family, few private photos have been shared online.
6. When did Kimberly Schlapman and Steven Roads get married?
Kimberly and Steven married before Little Big Town rose to fame in the early 2000s. Their marriage lasted until his passing in 2005.
7. Who is Kimberly Schlapman’s husband now?
After Steven’s passing, Kimberly later married Stephen Schlapman. The two found love through friendship and shared experiences of loss.
