Before Blake Shelton became a famous country singer and married Gwen Stefani, he had another love story that many people don’t know much about. Before all the fame, he was married to Kaynette Williams, his high school love and first wife.
Kaynette wasn’t just Blake’s first love—she was also his biggest supporter when he was still working to achieve his dream of becoming a country star. She stood by him when he was just starting out, long before he became one of the biggest names in country music.
But their love story didn’t last. Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams got divorced, and he found love again. He later fell in love with Miranda Lambert, and after that, he met Gwen Stefani.
So, what really happened between Blake and Kaynette? Why did their marriage end? Where is she now, and what is she doing today? If you’re curious about Blake Shelton’s first wife and her life before and after their marriage, keep reading! In this article, we’ll explore the full story of Kaynette Williams. So, let’s get started and find out more!
Quick Facts About Kaynette Williams
📌 Full Name: Kaynette Francis Gern
🎂 Date of Birth: February 20, 1973
📍 Birthplace: Ada, Oklahoma, USA
👩🏫 Career: Elementary School Teacher
🎓 Education: Degrees in Finance & Human Science
💍 First Husband: Blake Shelton (Married in 2003, divorced in 2006)
💔 Divorce Reason: Filed for “inappropriate marital conduct”
🐎 New Husband: Cody Joe Scheck, a world champion rodeo star 🤠
🏡 Where She Lives Now: Kansas, USA
👶 Children: None
💰 Estimated Net Worth: Around $900,000 💵
Who Is Kaynette Williams?
Kaynette Williams’ full name is Kaynette Francis Gern. She was born on February 20, 1973, in Ada, Oklahoma. Kaynette grew up in a small-town with a loving family. Her father, Fred Gern Sr., was a U.S. veteran, and her mother, Kay Kast-Gern, cared for the family. According to details, she also had siblings with whom she was close.
From a young age, Kaynette was hardworking and had big dreams. She went to college and earned two degrees—one in Finance and another in Human Science. At first, she thought about working in television or fashion, but life took her in a different direction.
Everything changed when she met young country singer, Blake Shelton. Their love story led her to a life she never expected—one filled with music, fame, and heartbreak.
Kaynette’s Life Before Meeting Blake Shelton
Before she became Blake Shelton’s wife, Kaynette Williams lived a simple and private life, just like Stacie Zabka. She was known for being kind, supportive, and hardworking.
She grew up in Oklahoma, where she loved spending time outdoors. She enjoyed horseback riding, fishing, and being in nature. She also cared a lot about education but never imagined that she would someday become an award-winning teacher, as she is today.
How Kaynette Williams and Blake Shelton Met
Kaynette Williams and Blake Shelton met as teenagers in Ada, Oklahoma. Even though they went to the same school, they didn’t start dating at that time. At first, they were just friends and focused on their studies, but over time, their friendship grew stronger.
When Blake turned 21, their friendship became romantic, and they started dating. Back then, Blake was not yet famous—he was just a small-town musician with big dreams of becoming a country music star. From the start, Kaynette supported him in his career.
The Wedding of Kaynette and Blake Shelton
On November 17, 2003, Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams married in a small and simple ceremony in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At that time, Blake was on a break from his music tour with co-star Toby Keith, so it was the perfect chance for them to have their wedding.
Blake’s proposal wasn’t fancy or dramatic—it was just simple and natural. One morning, after a hunting trip, he popped the question and asked Kaynette to marry him. She said yes, and they celebrated with friends—even going back for another round of hunting later that day!
During their wedding ceremony, Blake made the moment even more special by singing “Julia” by Conway Twitty to Kaynette. It was a sweet and romantic gesture that made their day even more memorable.
It seemed like a perfect love story—a rising country singer marrying his biggest supporter. But things didn’t go as planned, and their fairy tale soon took a different turn.
Kaynette’s Life as Blake Shelton’s Wife
After their wedding, Kaynette Williams played a major role in Blake’s career. She became his road manager, helping him book shows, travel, and navigate the challenges of the music industry.
At the time, Blake was still climbing his way to stardom. His self-titled debut album, featuring hits like “Austin”, was gaining popularity, and he was becoming a rising star in country music.
However, as Blake’s fame grew, so did the challenges in their marriage. The music industry was demanding, and their relationship started to struggle under the pressures of fame and long-distance touring.
Why Did Blake and Kaynette Get Divorced?
In 2006, after just three years of marriage, Blake and Kaynette Williams divorced. The reason? Kaynette accused Blake of “inappropriate marital conduct” in the divorce documents.
Blake later admitted that he wasn’t ready for marriage at the time. But there was another reason why their marriage ended—Miranda Lambert.
Blake and Miranda met in 2005, while he was still married. The two performed a duet together on CMT’s “100 Greatest Duets Concert”, and Blake later confessed that he felt something he had never felt before.
“I was a married guy standing up there singing with someone and thinking, ‘Man, this shouldn’t be happening,’” Blake later admitted.
Eventually, Blake broke things off with Kaynette, and Miranda also ended her engagement. In 2011, Blake and Miranda got married, leaving Kaynette heartbroken.
Kaynette Williams’s Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Kaynette moved back to Oklahoma, hoping for a fresh start. But things became uncomfortable when Blake and Miranda moved to a neighboring town.
Feeling that Oklahoma wasn’t big enough for all three of them, Kaynette decided to leave her past behind and moved to Kansas.
She wanted to start over—away from the country music industry and the memories of her past.
Kaynette’s New Life & Marriage to Cody Joe Scheck
In Kansas, Kaynette Williams found love again and started a new life. She met Cody Joe Scheck, a world champion steer roper, and they fell in love.
The two got married in 2015, and today, they live a peaceful, happy life away from the public eye. Unlike her past marriage, this one is private and free from the spotlight.
Although Kaynette and Cody do not have children, they enjoy their quiet life together in Kansas.
Kaynette Williams’s Career Today
After leaving the music industry, Kaynette found her true passion—teaching. She became a 4th-grade elementary teacher in Kansas.
Her dedication and love for teaching led her to win the Teacher of the Year award in 2018-2019. She is now an award-winning elementary teacher known for her passion and commitment to students.
Where Is Kaynette Williams Now?
Today, Kaynette Williams lives in Kansas with her husband, rodeo champion Cody Joe Scheck. She enjoys her quiet, peaceful life, completely away from the entertainment industry.
She spends her time teaching, being part of the community, and enjoying the outdoors. Unlike Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, who live in the public eye, Kaynette has chosen a private life.
Final Thoughts
Kaynette Williams went from being Blake Shelton’s first wife to building a new life on her own terms.
Despite the pain of her past, she moved on, found love again, and built a successful career.
Her journey is a reminder that sometimes, life takes unexpected turns—but happiness can always be found in a fresh start.
(FAQs)
Who is Blake Shelton’s first wife?
Blake Shelton’s first wife is Kaynette Williams. They were high school sweethearts and got married in 2003, but their marriage ended in 2006.
What is Kaynette Williams’ Age?
Kaynette Williams was born on February 20, 1973, which makes her 52 years old as of 2025.
Did Blake and Kaynette have children?
No, Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams did not have children during their marriage.
Who is Kaynette Williams’ new husband?
After divorcing Blake Shelton, Kaynette Williams married Cody Joe Scheck, in 2015.
Where does Kaynette live now?
Kaynette now lives in Kansas with her husband, Cody Joe Scheck.
What is Kaynette Williams’s net worth?
While her exact net worth is not publicly confirmed, estimates suggest she is worth around $900,000, mainly from her career as a teacher.
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