The wife of country music star Brad Paisley has undergone a painful health ordeal, and fans are rallying with messages of support and prayers.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley took to social media to share an update about her health, revealing that she had been hospitalized after undergoing surgery.
A fan sends her love to Kimberly Paisley after her surgery, on a post dated August 18, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kimberlywilliamspaisley/
The “Two and a Half Men” actress recounted a distressing experience from nearly two years ago when she lost her voice during a performance at an Alzheimer’s event in Nashville.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley attends Nashville’s ’90s Dance Party to End ALZ benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 13, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
The loss of her voice was both embarrassing and frightening, and despite various attempts to heal, the issue persisted. Kimberly eventually learned that she had damage to her laryngeal nerve. “I tried everything I could to heal it (so thank you but please don’t give me any tips!),” she wrote.
Kimberly Williams-Paisley speaks onstage at the Nashville ’80s Dance Party to End ALZ benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association in Nashville, Tennessee, on November 14, 2021 | Source: Getty Images
This week, the 52-year-old underwent surgery at Vanderbilt Health, where expert surgeons worked on her condition. She reported that the procedure was successful and that her voice is already improving.
“I have a badass scar that’s smiling at me across my neck. (Swipe for the drawing my brother made on top of the image if you can handle it. 😂😳),” she noted with a touch of humor.
Kimberly Paisley shows the drawing her brother did on the picture of her scar from her laryngoplasty surgery, on a post dated August 18, 2024 | Source: Instagram/kimberlywilliamspaisley/
Kimberly Paisley mentioned that she had been hesitant to talk about this topic before because it felt too personal. She added, “I took for granted my ability to ‘use my voice’ before—for my career, for a good cause, for a timely joke, for SELF-EXPRESSION, for a loud dinner party.”
Now, however, the actress has found herself being the quietest person in the room, feeling meek and trapped in her own body. New acquaintances have perceived her as shy or reserved.
She has experienced shame and self-loathing and has undergone various forms of training, including breathing techniques, braces, and other healing methods. Throughout this journey, she has laughed, c.r.i.e.d, and explained her struggles.
The journey has not been all doom, as Kimberly revealed, “I’ve met many amazing helpers along the way who’ve become amazing friends & I’m feeling SO GRATEFUL.”
The actress shared that during the three-hour laryngoplasty procedure to enhance her paralyzed vocal cord, she was awake throughout. This procedure was intended to help her vocal cords properly engage with each other.
She watched much of the process on a video screen above her and was amazed by the remarkable advancements of modern medicine.
The actress also had “other good news” to share. “In the last two years, I’ve found power in using my voice in new ways. I’ve healed old emotional wounds. I’ve learned the strength & beauty of silence,” she wrote.
Additionally, Kimberly is now deadlifting over a hundred pounds, taking better care of her body, managing stress, and letting go of shame. Overall, she feels more whole, empowered, and joyful.
The actress also told her followers that she had learned from a recent podcast by Kate C. Bowler. Her takeaway was that if one is going through a difficult time, one should emerge with something valuable from the experience. “Was losing my voice worth it? Mm, not exactly. Was it worthless? Not for a second,” she declared.
Kimberly’s supportive husband, Brad Paisley, commented on the actress’s revealing post, saying, “This will be a great new chapter. Also, I will miss the silence.”
Fans also responded with supportive messages. One fan wrote, “Praying ❤️🙏.” Another fan commented, “Scary but glad you made it through the surgery! You’re looking as beautiful as ever!”
One user, who is a voice therapist, shared their expertise, “There are techniques available that can help improve voices more quickly, but whispering can be as damaging as shouting. I hope she recovers soon.”
A fan who related spoke of their personal experience, “I lost my voice in a similar way and could barely speak for a few years. It was incredibly frustrating.”
A third fan commented on their own vocal struggles, “My voice tends to get shaky when I’m stressed. I love the Store, and Paisleys’ idea is fantastic!”
A year ago, Kimberly and Brad appeared on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” where the actress spoke with a whisper. She revealed that she was told she carries tension in her voice but assured a worried Kelly that she would be okay.
She also recounted her concern about attending a State Dinner and meeting President Joe Biden, while struggling with a lost voice.
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley attend a state dinner in honor of Kenya’s president William Ruto hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Fortunately, when she met First Lady Jill Biden, she discovered that Jill had also lost her voice. Kimberly was relieved and amused to find that she wasn’t the only one unable to speak at the time.
Brad Paisley and Kimberly Williams-Paisley attend a state dinner in honor of Kenya’s president William Ruto hosted by US President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden at the White House in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Now that Kimberly is recovering from surgery, she might no longer have to worry about losing her voice as her vocal issues could soon be a thing of the past.