Kimberly Schlapman Shares Insights on Band’s Success and Caregiving

After more than 25 years in the music industry, the country group Little Big Town continues to thrive, and member Kimberly Schlapman believes she has discovered the key to their enduring success. In a recent interview with Us Weekly, Schlapman humorously claimed that she is the “secret” behind the strong marriage of her bandmates, Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook, stating, “I’m always in the middle of them.”

Fairchild and Westbrook have been married since 2006, while Schlapman and fellow band member Phillip Sweet are each married to partners outside the group. Despite the light-hearted nature of her comment, Schlapman emphasized that their close bond is essential to the band’s longevity. “We’ve been through the lowest of lows and the highest of highs together,” she remarked, adding that the joy of performing together remains steadfast.

Enduring Connections and Future Aspirations

The bond among the group members extends beyond music, as Schlapman noted their commitment to supporting one another both on and off the stage. “We listen to each other. We’re four completely different people, but we understand each other,” she explained. This deep understanding has helped them navigate various challenges over the years, solidifying their relationships.

When asked about potential retirement plans, Schlapman was clear: “They haven’t ever happened. I don’t know if somebody’s gonna say one day, ‘OK, I’m out.’ But we don’t have a plan. We still want to do this.” The group’s enthusiasm for their work is evident, with Saturday Night Live still on their bucket list. “We haven’t done that yet,” Schlapman noted, expressing her desire to achieve this milestone.

Advocacy for Parkinson’s Disease Awareness

While balancing her music career, Schlapman is also committed to her family responsibilities. She is a mother to daughters Daisy and Dolly, and she has been a caretaker for her mother, Barbara Schlapman, who has lived with Parkinson’s disease for over 20 years. This personal connection has motivated Schlapman to collaborate with AbbVie on their Changing the Tune of Parkinson’s Disease campaign.

The initiative aims to empower individuals affected by Parkinson’s and their caregivers to advocate for better care and treatment options. “It’s all about empowering people living with Parkinson’s, or the people who love them and take care of them, to advocate for great care,” she stated. Schlapman encourages open communication with healthcare providers to ensure that patients receive the best possible care.

Reflecting on her mother’s journey, Schlapman shared, “It’s not just about the tremor, but that’s all we knew when my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.” Her family has learned to engage closely with doctors, asking important questions about changes in her mother’s condition. She believes awareness is crucial, as many people are unaware of the complexities of Parkinson’s until faced with a diagnosis.

By promoting the Changing the Tune campaign, Schlapman hopes to inspire others to ask questions and seek the best treatments available. “Living with Parkinson’s is a struggle, and if we can get the very best help for the people we love, then their lives will be a little bit better,” she concluded.

Through her dual commitment to music and advocacy, Kimberly Schlapman exemplifies the power of connection, both within her band and in her personal life, demonstrating that support and understanding are vital in all areas of life.