Kimberly Schlapman Playfully Claims She’s the Key to Her Bandmates’ Marital Bliss (Exclusive)

Little Big Town has been thriving for over 25 years, and Kimberly Schlapman believes she’s discovered the secret to their lasting success — as well as the strength of her bandmates’ relationships.

“I joke that I’m the secret to [Karen and Jimi’s] marriage because I’m often in the middle of them,” Schlapman, 56, shared exclusively with Us Weekly while discussing her collaboration with AbbVie’s Changing the Tune on Parkinson’s Disease campaign. “They have a wonderful relationship and a beautiful family. We’ve all been fortunate.”

Schlapman’s bandmates Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook have been married since 2006, while Schlapman and fellow Little Big Town member Phillip Sweet are both married to individuals outside the group. Jokes aside, Schlapman believes one of the keys to Little Big Town’s longevity is their close bond.

“We’ve experienced the lowest lows and the highest highs together, and we still enjoy the music we create,” she explained. “We continue to love being on stage together, sharing those moments when we think, ‘Wow, this is still happening. I can’t believe it.’”

Even after more than two decades, Schlapman emphasizes that she and her colleagues always “try to look out for one another,” both on and off stage.

“We listen to one another. We’re four entirely different individuals, but we have a deep understanding of each other,” the Grammy winner added. “Over the years, this has become something quite special. We really know what each other needs and when someone requires space or support. … We truly care for each other.”

This strong sense of camaraderie is one reason the band has no plans to retire anytime soon. When asked if Little Big Town has ever discussed retirement, Schlapman is clear.

“Those conversations have never occurred,” she told Us. “I can’t predict if one day someone might say, ‘Alright, I’m done.’ But we don’t have a plan. We’re still eager to do this.”

They also have a few bucket list items left to cross off, including appearing on Saturday Night Live.

“We haven’t done that yet,” Schlapman said. “Thank the Lord, we’ve achieved many of our goals and had a lot of fun experiences, but that’s still one we would love to check off.”

When not touring with Little Big Town, Schlapman stays busy caring for her family. She shares daughters Daisy and Dolly with her husband, Stephen, and also looks after her mother, Barbara, who has been living with Parkinson’s disease for over 20 years. This personal connection is why she collaborated with AbbVie on the Changing the Tune of Parkinson’s Disease campaign.

“This initiative aims to empower those living with Parkinson’s, as well as their caregivers, to advocate for optimal care and treatment, and to ask their doctors questions,” she explained. “Because treatment is available, and we need our loved ones to receive the best care possible.”

Schlapman hopes to inspire other patients and caregivers to be proactive in asking questions, recognizing that many are unaware of the disease until it affects them personally.

“It’s not just about the tremors, which is all we knew when my mother was diagnosed,” she recalled. “Over the years, we’ve learned so much more by engaging with her doctor and asking the right questions. When I’m with my mother, I’m always asking, ‘What has changed? Is anything different? Is there anything new?’ My siblings and I communicate with her doctor to ensure she receives the best treatment.”

She concluded, “With Changing the Tune of Parkinson’s, we encourage families like ours to ask questions and connect with doctors. Because living with Parkinson’s is challenging, and if we can secure the best support for our loved ones, their lives will undoubtedly improve.”