Kaynette Williams: The Untold Story of Blake Shelton’s First Wife

Before Gwen Stefani came into Blake Shelton’s life, there was someone else—Kaynette Williams. Not many people know about her, but she played a very important role in Blake’s early life and career. She wasn’t just his wife. She was also his high school friend, his first love, and even his road manager when he was just starting out in country music.

Today, Kaynette lives a quiet and peaceful life, far away from the bright lights of fame. But her story is worth telling. In this article, we’ll explore who Kaynette Williams really is, how her journey with Blake Shelton began, why they divorced, and how she found happiness again.

Kaynette Williams Quick Bio

Kaynette Williams’ Early Life in Oklahoma

Kaynette Williams was born on February 20, 1973, in Ada, Oklahoma. Her full name is Kaynette Francis Gern. She grew up in a small town with strong family values. Her dad, Fred Gern Sr., was a U.S. veteran and a TV news presenter. Her mom, Kay Kast-Gern, worked in education. This background might explain why Kaynette later chose a life in teaching.

She also had two younger sisters, Roggie and Orpha, and they were a very close family. As a child, Kaynette loved spending time outdoors. She enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and helping out in the community. She wasn’t chasing fame—she just wanted a good, honest life.

Later, she went to college and earned two degrees, one in Finance and one in Human Science. Education was always important to her, and it played a big role in the second part of her life, as you’ll see.

Kaynette Williams and Blake Shelton’s Relationship

Blake Shelton and Kaynette both grew up in Ada, Oklahoma. They went to the same high school, but they didn’t start dating right away. In fact, they were friends first. They got to know each other, built trust, and supported one another before anything romantic ever happened.

When Blake turned 21, things changed. Their friendship turned into love. At that time, Blake was still chasing his dreams in country music. He hadn’t yet become famous, and life was simple. Kaynette stood by his side. She believed in him and supported him every step of the way. She wasn’t just a girlfriend—she became part of his team.

Most people imagine romantic proposals at fancy dinners or on a beach, but Blake’s proposal to Kaynette was nothing like that. It was real and very country.

One morning, after a hunting trip with friends, Blake came back and popped the question. No big setup. No camera crew. Just a simple question asked at the right time. Kaynette said yes, and they spent the rest of the day celebrating with friends, even going back out for more hunting. It was a moment that matched their personalities—easygoing, outdoorsy, and full of fun.

On November 17, 2003, Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams got married in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It wasn’t a big celebrity wedding. In fact, it was very private. Only a few people were there—the couple, the person who married them, and a photographer. That’s it.

One touching moment from their wedding was when Blake sang “Julia” by Conway Twitty to Kaynette. It was his way of showing love, and it made the day even more special. At that point, Blake’s music career was just starting to grow. But instead of chasing fame, he made time for this personal and quiet moment with the woman who had always supported him.

She Helped Blake’s Music Career

Not many people know this, but Kaynette wasn’t just Blake’s wife—she was also his road manager. That means she helped plan his tours, handled his bookings, and kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes. She was part of the hard work that helped Blake’s career take off.

She saw the music world up close—long hours, travel, pressure, and growing fame. While Blake was on stage singing, Kaynette was making sure everything was in place. Her work helped him stay focused and on the road.

This was not easy. Being a road manager is a tough job, and doing it for your partner adds even more stress. But Kaynette did it with care because she believed in him. That kind of support is rare and shows how dedicated she was.

The Marriage Didn’t Last

Even though their story started with friendship and love, it didn’t last forever. In 2006, after just three years of marriage, Blake and Kaynette got divorced.

The reason listed in the divorce papers was “inappropriate marital conduct.” This raised many questions at the time, but Kaynette never gave details publicly. Later, Blake admitted that he wasn’t ready to be a husband. Fame was growing fast, and the pressures of the music world were high.

It was a painful time for both of them. They had been together through so much, but sometimes things fall apart, even when they start with love.

Reason Behind the Divorce

Not long before Blake and Kaynette divorced, something big happened. In 2005, Blake Shelton met Miranda Lambert during a music performance. The two sang together on stage for a special TV concert called 100 Greatest Duets. What happened next changed everything.

Blake later admitted that while singing with Miranda, he started feeling something he had never felt before. Even though he was still married to Kaynette at the time, he couldn’t ignore the connection. In his own words, he said, “This shouldn’t be happening”—but it was.

Soon after that moment, Blake and Kaynette’s marriage came to an end. Miranda also broke off her engagement to someone else, and she and Blake eventually became a couple. While the world watched their romance grow, Kaynette quietly stepped away from the spotlight.

Kaynette Williams’ Life After the Divorce

After the divorce, Kaynette Williams moved back to Oklahoma, hoping for a fresh start in a familiar place. But things didn’t work out the way she hoped. Blake and Miranda moved into a nearby town, which made everything feel uncomfortable for her.

In a later interview, Kaynette said something simple but powerful: “Oklahoma just wasn’t big enough for all of us.”

So, she packed up again and moved to Kansas. There, she found peace, privacy, and a whole new chapter in her life. She left behind the country music world and focused on something that had always mattered to her—education.

In Kansas, Kaynette became a 4th-grade math teacher. She worked hard and quickly earned respect from her students and coworkers. In fact, she was voted Teacher of the Year during the 2018–2019 school year.

She found joy in teaching, helping young students grow, and giving back to her community. Her life became simple again—no tours, no flashing lights, no celebrity headlines. Just her classroom, her students, and a job she loved.

This new path gave Kaynette a sense of purpose. Even though her name is often tied to Blake Shelton, she built something of her own. She showed the world that life doesn’t end after heartbreak—it can actually get better.

Kaynette Williams’ Second Husband, Cody Joe Scheck

Moving to Kansas didn’t just bring peace—it also brought love. Through mutual friends, Kaynette met Cody Joe Scheck, a rodeo champion and world record holder in steer roping. The two quickly fell in love and got married in 2015.

Unlike her first marriage, this one stayed out of the public eye. There were no magazines, no red carpets—just two people building a quiet life together. They don’t have children, but they enjoy spending time outdoors, traveling, and being part of their local community.

Cody’s family once shared that Kaynette and Cody “have barely been apart ever since they met.” It’s a simple love story—and that’s exactly what she needed.

Where Is Kaynette Williams Now?

As of 2025, Kaynette Williams lives in Kiowa, Kansas, with her husband Cody. She still works as a teacher and is active in her community. She enjoys horseback riding, fishing, and being outside in nature.

She also honors her late father on social media every year, showing how much she values her family and memories. Her Facebook and public pages are filled with school updates, animal photos, and local events, not celebrity gossip.

Even though she was once part of the music spotlight, Kaynette has completely stepped away from fame. And honestly, that’s what makes her story so inspiring.

Final Thoughts

Kaynette Williams may be best known as Blake Shelton’s first wife, but she’s so much more than that. She went from small-town girl to music tour manager, to heartbroken ex-wife, to award-winning teacher.

She found a way to rebuild her life after the spotlight, and she did it with strength and quiet dignity. Her story reminds us that you don’t need fame or headlines to live a meaningful life.

Today, Kaynette Williams is living proof that sometimes the best chapters come after the hardest ones. And even if most people remember her because of Blake, those who truly know her see a smart, strong, and kind woman who made her own path.

(FAQs)

Who was Blake Shelton’s first wife, and who is he married to now?

Blake Shelton’s first wife was Kaynette Williams, his high school sweetheart. They divorced in 2006. He’s now married to Gwen Stefani, the pop star he met on The Voice.

How old is Kaynette Williams, and when is her birthday?

Kaynette Williams was born on February 20, 1973, which makes her 52 years old in 2025.

Where is Kaynette Williams today in 2025, and what is she doing?

In 2025, Kaynette lives in Kiowa, Kansas, works as an elementary math teacher, and lives a quiet life away from the spotlight.

Is Kaynette Williams married now? Does she have any kids?

Yes! She married rodeo champion Cody Joe Scheck in 2015. They don’t have any children and live a private, peaceful life together.

What is Kaynette Williams’ net worth, and how does she earn her money?

Kaynette’s net worth is around $900,000. She earns most of her income from her teaching career and possibly a divorce settlement from Blake Shelton.

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