Country music star Brad Paisley’s wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, experienced a two-year period where she lost her voice due to a partially paralyzed vocal cord. Paisley admits his initial attempts to be supportive weren’t always helpful. He reflects, “I stepped in it so much,” recalling how he underestimated the severity of the situation.
When Williams-Paisley first lost her voice at an Alzheimer’s Association event in November 2022, Paisley attributed it to overuse. He initially believed her voice would return after a few days of rest. “Man, she’s overdone it,” he thought at the time, drawing from his own experiences with vocal strain. He offered advice like “Let me hear you project” and “Learn to power through it,” believing she simply needed to clear her throat. In hindsight, he acknowledges his advice was “so stupid and naive.”
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Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Brad Paisley at an event. Photo by Brian Doben.
Months passed, and Williams-Paisley could only whisper. The diagnosis of a partially paralyzed vocal cord eventually led to surgery to correct the issue. However, during the intervening period, she struggled to communicate effectively, both in public and at home.
The impact on family life was significant. Paisley recounts how their sons, Huck, 17, and Jasper, 15, couldn’t hear their mother calling them down for dinner. In a gesture of both kindness and humor, Paisley gifted his wife a bright pink megaphone for Christmas, enabling her to communicate with their sons. Williams-Paisley found the gift both hilarious and necessary, using it immediately. “He is so good at keeping me laughing,” she shares.
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Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Brad Paisley with their sons Huck and Jasper. Photo by Mandy Johnson Photography.
Williams-Paisley recalls feeling isolated and embarrassed, often volunteering to clean up after her sons’ school play rather than attempting to engage in conversations with other parents. She confided in her sister, actress Ashley Williams, during a tearful phone call, expressing her frustration and desire to participate but feeling unable to do so. She credits her sister, Paisley, and their sons for being her support system throughout the ordeal.
Her sons also stepped up, often speaking on the phone for their mother when she found it too tiring. They acted as her “cheerleaders” and advocates, helping her connect with people she wanted to speak to at events. Williams-Paisley expresses gratitude for their assistance, noting their willingness to help her.
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Kimberly Williams-Paisley shares her story on the cover of PEOPLE Magazine. Photo by Brian Doben.
Paisley describes the inability to discern his wife’s tone as “eerie.” He explains that because she could only whisper, it was difficult to know if she was truly okay or just trying to reassure them. Williams-Paisley adds that her inability to communicate effectively caused concern among those around her, wondering if they had inadvertently offended her or if she was hiding something.
Paisley found it “heartbreaking” to witness his wife’s struggle, particularly because she is naturally sociable. However, he also found her determination to overcome the challenge inspiring. Following successful surgery in August, Williams-Paisley’s voice has been restored. She expresses profound gratitude for the unwavering support of her husband and sons, emphasizing that they saw her at her most vulnerable and made her feel less alone.
