Kaynette Williams Beyond Blake Shelton’s First Marriage

This comprehensive biography explores the woman behind the headlines—from her roots in small-town Oklahoma to her current life as an award-winning educator in Kansas—revealing the inspiring story of someone who found her own path after stepping away from the country music spotlight.

Profile Summary

Full Name	Kaynette Francis Gern
Known As	Kaynette Williams
Date of Birth	February 20, 1973
Age	51 years (as of 2024)
Place of Birth	Ada, Oklahoma, United States
Current Residence	Kiowa, Kansas, United States
Parents	Fred Gern Sr. and Kay Kast-Gern
Siblings	Orpha Gern-Reese and Rogie Gern
Education	Degrees in Finance and Human Sciences
Occupation	Elementary School Teacher, Former TV Host
Ex-Husband	Blake Shelton (m. 2003-2006)
Current Husband	Cody Joe Scheck (m. 2015-present)
Children	None
Net Worth	$600,000 to $900,000 (estimated)

Early Life & Background

Kaynette Williams was born Kaynette Francis Gern on February 20, 1973, in Ada, Oklahoma, a small town known for its deep-rooted country traditions. She grew up in a relatively affluent household as the eldest of three children. Her father, Fred Gern Sr., worked as a television news presenter before unfortunately passing away from brain cancer. Her mother, Kay Kast-Gern, was employed by a private university.

Growing up in Ada with her two younger siblings, Orpha Gern-Reese and Rogie Gern, Kaynette developed a strong sense of responsibility from an early age. Her childhood was steeped in the values and culture of small-town America, which would later shape her life choices and career path.

Education

Education played a significant role in Kaynette’s formative years. After completing high school in Ada, she pursued higher education with remarkable dedication. She earned two degrees—one in Finance and another in Human Sciences—demonstrating her academic prowess and commitment to learning.

Although she harbored an interest in fashion design, time constraints prevented her from pursuing this creative passion professionally. However, her educational background in finance and human sciences would later prove beneficial in her teaching career.

“Kaynette developed a deep love and passion for music at a young age. She even tried to pursue a career in music, but her efforts were unsuccessful. She eventually went on to teach arithmetic in elementary schools.”

Relationship with Blake Shelton

High School Sweethearts

Kaynette’s love story with Blake Shelton began in their hometown of Ada, Oklahoma. They were high school sweethearts, forming a bond grounded in shared values and mutual support long before Shelton achieved stardom in the country music world.

Their relationship blossomed during their formative years, with Kaynette standing by Blake as he began pursuing his dreams of making it big in the music industry. Their connection was rooted in their small-town upbringing and shared aspirations.

Supporting Blake’s Early Career

As Blake Shelton began to gain traction in his career in the early 2000s, Kaynette remained a constant presence and source of support. When Shelton released his debut single, “Austin,” in 2001—which became an instant hit, topping the country charts for five consecutive weeks—Kaynette was by his side, helping him navigate the complexities of the country music scene.

Beyond being his romantic partner, Kaynette played a crucial professional role in Shelton’s early career, briefly serving as his road manager. Her support during these formative years of his music journey was instrumental as he established himself in the industry.

The Proposal

Blake Shelton’s proposal to Kaynette reflected their down-to-earth, country lifestyle. In a rather unconventional but authentically “Blake” fashion, he proposed to her one morning after returning from hunting. After she accepted, he simply returned to his hunting activities—a story that perfectly captures the unpretentious nature of their relationship.

Marriage & Divorce

The Wedding

On November 17, 2003, after several years of dating, Kaynette and Blake tied the knot in a private ceremony in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The wedding was intimate and meaningful, with Blake singing Conway Twitty’s “Julia” to his bride during their wedding ceremony—a tender moment that highlighted their deep emotional connection.

At this time, Shelton’s career was still on the rise, and the couple maintained a down-to-earth lifestyle much like their roots in Oklahoma. Kaynette continued to support Blake’s growing career while they navigated the early years of marriage.

The Challenges

As Shelton’s fame skyrocketed, so did the pressures that came with being in the public eye. Kaynette, who had not sought the limelight, found herself thrust into it due to her association with a rising country star. The life they once knew—grounded in their small-town values—began to change dramatically.

The demands of Shelton’s touring schedule, media scrutiny, and increasing public attention began to strain their relationship. The whirlwind of his career meant time apart and growing personal differences, creating challenges that would ultimately prove insurmountable.

The Divorce

In 2006, just three years after their wedding, Kaynette and Blake announced their divorce. When filing for divorce, Kaynette claimed he was “guilty of inappropriate marital conduct”—though both have remained largely private about the specific reasons for their split.

The timing of their separation coincided with Blake’s growing professional relationship with fellow country singer Miranda Lambert, whom he had met at the “100 Greatest Duets Concert” in 2005. This connection would later develop into a romantic relationship, with Blake and Miranda marrying in 2011 (though they would also divorce in 2015).

Following the divorce, Kaynette chose to step away from the Nashville music scene and return to Oklahoma. However, when Blake and Miranda moved nearby, she decided to relocate further, ultimately settling in Kansas to build a new life away from the spotlight and the painful memories.

Career Journey

Early Aspirations

While Kaynette initially harbored dreams of a career in music, her path ultimately led her in a different direction. Her early professional experiences included working as an event host, which exposed her to the entertainment industry. This experience proved valuable when she later supported Blake during the nascent stages of his music career.

Role in Blake Shelton’s Career

During her relationship with Blake Shelton, particularly after they married in 2003, Kaynette became increasingly involved in his professional life. She briefly served as his road manager, helping to coordinate his touring schedule and manage the logistical aspects of his growing career in the country music industry.

This period demonstrated her commitment to supporting her husband’s ambitions, even as it meant sacrificing time she might have dedicated to developing her own career path. Her contributions during this time were significant, though often overshadowed by Blake’s rising star.

Transition to Education

Following her divorce from Blake Shelton in 2006, Kaynette made a conscious decision to step away from the entertainment industry and forge a new professional identity. She chose to pursue a career in education, drawing on her academic background and natural aptitude for teaching.

She relocated to Great Bend, Kansas, where she established herself as an elementary school mathematics teacher. This career transition represented not just a professional change but a personal one—a deliberate move away from the spotlight and toward a life of service and stability.

Success as an Educator

Kaynette has thrived in her role as an educator, reportedly earning recognition as an award-winning teacher. Her work in elementary education allows her to make a meaningful impact on young students, fostering their academic development during crucial formative years.

Beyond her classroom duties, Kaynette has also been involved in women’s rights advocacy, working with several organizations to address issues affecting girls and women in society. This advocacy work represents an extension of her commitment to education and empowerment.

Life After Blake Shelton

Moving Away from the Spotlight

Following her divorce from Blake Shelton, Kaynette made the conscious decision to step away from the limelight and build a new life away from the country music scene. She initially returned to Oklahoma but later relocated to Kansas when Blake and Miranda Lambert moved nearby.

This geographical move symbolized her desire for a fresh start, allowing her to distance herself from the media attention that continued to follow her ex-husband. In Kansas, she embraced a quieter lifestyle focused on her teaching career and personal growth.

Finding Love Again

Despite the challenges and heartbreak of her first marriage, Kaynette eventually found happiness again with Cody Joe Scheck, a world champion rodeo cowboy from Kansas. Their relationship developed organically, away from the glare of publicity that had characterized her previous relationship.

According to Kaynette’s mother, Kay Kast-Gern, the couple met through a common friend. In 2015, nearly a decade after her divorce from Blake Shelton, Kaynette married Cody in a ceremony that reflected their shared values and mutual respect.

Cody Joe Scheck holds the world record for steer roping—a career as far removed from the entertainment industry as possible. This difference may have contributed to the stability and peace Kaynette sought after her time in the spotlight.

Current Life in Kansas

Today, Kaynette lives in Kiowa, Kansas, with her husband Cody Joe Scheck. She continues her work as an elementary school teacher while also supporting her husband’s rodeo career. Their life together represents a stark contrast to the high-profile existence she experienced during her marriage to Blake Shelton.

Despite occasional media interest in her story, particularly when Blake Shelton’s personal life makes headlines, Kaynette has maintained a low profile. She has chosen not to have children, focusing instead on her teaching career, marriage, and community involvement.

“What’s most remarkable about Kaynette Williams is her ability to move forward and rebuild. Rather than being defined by her past marriage to Blake Shelton, she has found new purpose in her career and personal life.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kaynette Williams and why is she famous?

Kaynette Williams, born Kaynette Francis Gern, is best known as the first wife of country music star Blake Shelton. The couple were high school sweethearts from Oklahoma and were married from 2003 to 2006. While Shelton’s rise to fame put their relationship in the spotlight, Kaynette chose a quieter life after their divorce, pursuing a career in education and later marrying rodeo champion Cody Joe Scheck.

What role did Kaynette Williams play in Blake Shelton’s early career?

Kaynette Williams was a strong supporter of Blake Shelton during the early stages of his career. In addition to being his wife, she also briefly worked as his road manager, helping to manage aspects of his career as he made his way to country music stardom. Her support was crucial during the years when Shelton was beginning to make a name for himself in the music industry.

What caused Kaynette Williams and Blake Shelton’s divorce?

While both Kaynette and Blake have been relatively private about their divorce, Kaynette filed citing “inappropriate marital conduct.” Their split came as Blake Shelton’s career was taking off, suggesting that the pressures of fame and the music industry may have contributed to their relationship’s end. The timing also coincided with Shelton meeting Miranda Lambert, whom he would later marry, though no official confirmation links these events directly.

What has Kaynette Williams done since her divorce from Blake Shelton?

After her divorce from Blake Shelton in 2006, Kaynette Williams moved away from the public eye, eventually relocating to Great Bend, Kansas. There, she pursued a career in education and built a life centered around teaching and community involvement. She later found love again and married rodeo champion Cody Joe Scheck in 2015, living a more private and peaceful life away from the entertainment industry.

Does Kaynette Williams have any children?

No, Kaynette Williams does not have any children, either from her marriage to Blake Shelton or her current marriage to Cody Joe Scheck. She has focused her nurturing instincts on her career as an elementary school teacher, making a positive impact on the lives of many young students.

A Legacy of Resilience

Kaynette Williams’ story is more than just her marriage to Blake Shelton. It’s a narrative of a woman who, despite the challenges that come with fame and public scrutiny, managed to reclaim her life on her own terms. Today, she stands as a figure of quiet resilience—someone who found happiness not in the public eye but in the meaningful moments of everyday life.

While she may no longer be part of the country music narrative, her chapter in Shelton’s life is an important part of his journey, and her own story of strength and rebuilding is worth telling. From her early days in Ada, Oklahoma, through the whirlwind of her marriage to a rising star, to her current life as an educator in Kansas, Kaynette Williams has demonstrated remarkable adaptability and grace.

Her journey reminds us that sometimes the most inspiring stories are not about maintaining the spotlight but finding fulfillment in stepping away from it and creating a life of purpose and contentment on one’s own terms.