Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
What began as a romantic scene in a music video soon turned into a true-life romance.
Brad Paisley Reflects on Heartbreak That Led Him to Wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley
Brad Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, have shared over two decades of marriage, building a life together that includes two children and extensive philanthropic work. The country star recently opened up about the unexpected journey that brought them together, sharing details of how heartbreak, fate, and a bit of poetic timing played a role.
Paisley first met Kimberly when she starred in his 2002 music video for “I’m Gonna Miss Her.” But as he told TODAY’s Hoda Kotb, an earlier relationship indirectly set the stage for that meeting.
The story begins in college with Paisley’s first serious girlfriend. For their first date, they went for pizza and saw the iconic movie “Father of the Bride,” in which Kimberly played Annie Banks. After Paisley moved to Nashville to pursue his dreams at Belmont University, the relationship ended when his girlfriend cheated on him with his best friend. Paisley later called this heartbreak “the best gift she could have ever given me”, as it fueled his creativity and songwriting.
“My songwriting friends told me, ‘You just have to get over this,’” he recalled. To confront his feelings, Paisley recreated the night of their first date by going to see Father of the Bride Part II a year later. While the ex never appeared, the experience helped him find closure and inspired him to write the song “Part II,” which became the title track of his second album.
The connection to Kimberly came full circle when Paisley, inspired by the movie, reached out to her for his “I’m Gonna Miss Her” music video. “I got Kim’s number from a friend who knew her,” he said. He pitched the idea to her manager, who eventually arranged for Kimberly to call him. The manager jokingly warned, “I know he says he wants you to be in the video, but you’re going to date.” That marked the beginning of their real-life romance.
The couple married in March 2003 and have two sons: William Huckleberry (born 2007) and Jasper Warren (born 2009). Beyond their careers, they are deeply committed to giving back. Inspired by values instilled by their parents, the couple co-founded The Store, a nonprofit in Middle Tennessee focused on combating food insecurity with dignity, choice, and educational support for families in need.
Paisley explained, “The values instilled in Kim by her parents, like driving around delivering Meals on Wheels, really stuck with her—and now they’re passing those lessons on to their kids.”
Through heartbreak, fate, and a shared commitment to family and community, Paisley and Kimberly’s love story remains one of country music’s most enduring and inspiring romances.
