Before Blake Shelton became a famous country music star and television personality, there was one special person who stood by him through everything. That person was Kaynette Williams, his first wife and high school sweetheart. While many people know about Blake’s relationships with Miranda Lambert and Gwen Stefani, fewer know about the woman who was there from the beginning.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Kaynette Francis Gern (Williams) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 20, 1973 |
| Age | 52 years old (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Ada, Oklahoma, USA |
| Parents | Kay Kast-Gern and Fred Gern Sr. |
| Siblings | Orpha and Roggie |
| Height | 5’6″ (167 cm) |
| Profession | Elementary School Teacher and Math Facilitator |
| Famous For | Blake Shelton’s first wife |
| Marriage to Blake | November 17, 2003 – 2006 |
| Current Husband | Cody Joe Scheck (Rodeo Champion) |
| Current Residence | Kiowa, Kansas |
| Awards | Teacher of the Year (2018-2019) |
Early Life and Background
Kaynette Francis Gern was born on February 20, 1973, in Ada, Oklahoma. She grew up in a loving family with her parents, Kay and Fred Gern Sr., and her two siblings, Orpha and Roggie. Ada is a small town in Oklahoma, and it was here that Kaynette spent her childhood developing strong family values.
From a young age, Kaynette loved music and even dreamed of making it her career. Although that dream didn’t work out the way she planned, her love for music would later connect her to someone who would become one of country music’s biggest stars.
Kaynette was a smart student who cared deeply about education. She went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees—one in human science and another in finance. This strong educational background would later help her build a successful career in teaching.
Meeting Blake Shelton
The love story between Kaynette and Blake began in their hometown of Ada, Oklahoma. Blake was only 15 years old when they first met at high school. Kaynette had just finished high school at that time. Even though they attended the same school, they didn’t start dating right away.
They became friends first and stayed that way for several years. When Blake turned 21, their friendship turned into romance. By this time, Blake was already dreaming of becoming a country music singer and was working hard to make it happen.
Supporting Blake’s Music Career
Before Blake Shelton became famous, he faced many challenges. The music industry is tough, and success doesn’t come easy. During these difficult early years, Kaynette was Blake’s biggest supporter. She didn’t just cheer him on from the side—she became an active part of his career.
Kaynette worked as Blake’s road manager when he first started performing. This meant she organized his tours, handled schedules, managed travel plans, and took care of all the small details that helped him focus on his music. She saw him through rejections, doubts, and the long nights when he wondered if success would ever come.
Her behind-the-scenes work was important to Blake’s early career. She was more than just a girlfriend or partner—she was part of the team that helped build his future. Many people don’t realize how much work goes into supporting a rising musician, and Kaynette did it all while believing in Blake’s talent.
The Proposal and Wedding
Blake’s proposal to Kaynette was unique and very much like his personality—simple, country, and honest. The story is quite memorable. One morning in December, Blake went hunting with friends. When he came back, still wearing his muddy boots and hunting clothes, he asked Kaynette to marry him.
She said yes, and they spent the rest of that day celebrating with friends. According to Blake, they even went back out hunting after the proposal. It wasn’t a fancy restaurant proposal with candles and roses, but it was real and meaningful to them.
On November 17, 2003, Blake and Kaynette got married in a small, private ceremony in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Blake was taking a break from touring with Toby Keith at the time. During their wedding, Blake sang Conway Twitty’s song “Julia” to his new bride, making the moment even more special.
At this point in Blake’s career, his music was starting to gain attention. His song “Austin” had become a hit, and things were looking bright for the young couple.
The Marriage Falls Apart
Sadly, the marriage between Blake and Kaynette didn’t last long. After only three years together as husband and wife, they decided to separate. In 2006, Kaynette filed for divorce in Hickman County, Tennessee. The divorce papers mentioned something called “inappropriate marital conduct,” which is a common legal term used in Tennessee divorce cases.
The timing of the divorce is important to understand what happened. In 2005, Blake performed a song with another country singer named Miranda Lambert at an event called CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets Concert. Later, Blake admitted publicly that he started developing feelings for Miranda during that performance. He said he was “falling in love with her right there on stage.”
These public comments were painful for Kaynette to hear, especially since they came soon after the divorce. Blake later told reporters that he wasn’t ready to be married at that time in his life. He called the divorce one of the hardest experiences he’d ever been through and compared the pain to losing his brother in a car accident years earlier.
Blake poured his emotions about the divorce into his music. His 2007 album called “Pure BS” was written and recorded while he was dealing with the breakup. Songs like “Don’t Make Me” showed the difficult feelings he was working through during that time.
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Life After Divorce
After the divorce, Kaynette left Nashville and moved back to Oklahoma. She hoped to start fresh and rebuild her life away from the music industry. However, things became complicated when Blake and his new wife Miranda Lambert decided to move to Oklahoma too. They bought a home in a town near where Kaynette was living.
In a rare interview with The National Enquirer in 2011, Kaynette explained her feelings. She said, “After Blake and I split up, I moved from Tennessee back to Oklahoma. But then Blake and Miranda moved back there to a neighboring town, and it just felt like Oklahoma wasn’t big enough for all of us.”
So Kaynette made another big decision. She moved to Kansas, far enough away to truly have a fresh start. She settled in the small town of Kiowa, Kansas, where she could live quietly and focus on building a new life.
Building a New Career in Education
In Kansas, Kaynette found her true calling. She became an elementary school teacher, focusing on fourth-grade students and mathematics. Her educational background and love for helping others made teaching a perfect fit.
Kaynette worked at South Barber Elementary School as a teacher and math facilitator. A math facilitator helps other teachers improve their math lessons and supports students who need extra help with numbers and problem-solving.
Her hard work and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. In the 2018-2019 school year, Kaynette was named Teacher of the Year at her school. This award recognized her commitment to her students and her skill as an educator. During this time, she also earned her master’s degree, showing her commitment to learning and growing professionally.
Today, Kaynette has built a strong reputation in her community. Parents and students respect her, and she has found real happiness and purpose in helping children learn. She has won several awards for her teaching work, proving that success and fulfillment don’t require fame or the spotlight.
Finding Love Again
Kaynette’s personal life also got a happy second chapter. Through mutual friends, she met a man named Cody Joe Scheck. Cody is a professional rodeo champion who holds the world record for steer roping, which is a difficult rodeo skill.
Cody is seven years younger than Kaynette, but the age difference didn’t matter. They connected immediately and fell in love. The couple got married in a quiet ceremony, choosing to keep their relationship private and away from public attention.
Kaynette and Cody now live together in Kiowa, Kansas, where they enjoy a peaceful life far from cameras and celebrity news. They share a love for country life, horses, and the simple pleasures that come with living in a small town.
Interesting Facts About Kaynette
Here are some interesting things many people don’t know about Kaynette Williams:
Multiple Last Names: Over the years, Kaynette has had three different last names—Gern (her birth name), Shelton (when she married Blake), and Scheck (her current married name).
The Wedding Dress: After her divorce from Blake, Kaynette tried to sell her wedding dress on eBay. It was a size 6 Demetrios gown, and she listed it starting at $700. However, no one placed any bids on the dress.
Private Person: Unlike many people connected to celebrities, Kaynette has chosen to live a very private life. She rarely gives interviews or appears in public discussions about her past.
Educational Achievement: Kaynette holds two bachelor’s degrees and a master’s degree, showing her commitment to education and personal growth.
Award-Winning Teacher: Her work in education has earned her recognition and awards, including being named Teacher of the Year.
Where Is Kaynette Williams Now?
Today, Kaynette Williams lives a quiet, happy life in Kiowa, Kansas. She continues working as a teacher and math facilitator, making a positive difference in children’s lives every day. She is married to Cody Joe Scheck, and together they enjoy a peaceful life centered around family, community, and their shared interests.
Kaynette stays away from social media and public attention. She has built a life based on her own values and choices, not on her past connection to a famous person. Her story shows that it’s possible to rebuild your life after heartbreak and find real happiness and purpose.
While Blake Shelton went on to become one of the biggest names in country music and married pop star Gwen Stefani, Kaynette took a completely different path. She chose education, community service, and a quiet life over fame and celebrity. Both paths are valuable, but Kaynette’s choice shows strength and independence.
What We Can Learn From Kaynette’s Story
Kaynette Williams’s life teaches us several important lessons. First, it shows that you don’t need fame to be successful or happy. Kaynette found her purpose in teaching and helping children, which is just as meaningful as any career in entertainment.
Second, her story reminds us that it’s possible to start over after difficult times. The divorce from Blake was painful and public, but Kaynette didn’t let it define her forever. She moved forward, built a new career, found love again, and created a life she’s proud of.
Third, Kaynette’s choice to stay private shows that not everyone wants to be in the spotlight. In today’s world where social media and fame seem so important, her decision to live quietly is refreshing and brave.
Finally, her work as a teacher reminds us that the people who make the biggest differences in the world are often not the ones on television or in magazines. Teachers, like Kaynette, shape young minds and change lives every single day.
Conclusion
Kaynette Williams will always be remembered as Blake Shelton’s first wife, but she is so much more than that. She is an award-winning teacher, a dedicated educator, a loving wife, and a strong woman who rebuilt her life on her own terms.
Her journey from being a road manager for a rising country star to becoming a respected teacher in Kansas shows real courage and determination. While Blake’s life took him to stages, television shows, and worldwide fame, Kaynette found her happiness in classrooms, community, and quiet country living.
Both chose different paths, and both found success in their own ways. Kaynette’s story reminds us that there are many ways to live a good life, and sometimes the most fulfilling path is the one away from the cameras and crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long were Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams married?
Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams were married for about three years. They got married on November 17, 2003, and divorced in 2006. They had known each other since Blake was 15 years old and dated for many years before getting married.
2. What does Kaynette Williams do for a living now?
Kaynette Williams works as an elementary school teacher and math facilitator in Kansas. She teaches fourth-grade students and helps other teachers improve their math lessons. She was named Teacher of the Year for the 2018-2019 school year and has earned a master’s degree in education.
3. Is Kaynette Williams married now?
Yes, Kaynette Williams is married to Cody Joe Scheck, a professional rodeo champion who holds the world record for steer roping. They live together in Kiowa, Kansas, and have a quiet, private life away from the public eye.
4. Why did Blake Shelton and Kaynette Williams divorce?
The divorce happened in 2006 when Kaynette filed papers citing “inappropriate marital conduct.” Around the same time, Blake performed with Miranda Lambert and later admitted he developed feelings for her. Blake has said he wasn’t ready for marriage at that time in his life.
5. Where does Kaynette Williams live today?
Kaynette Williams currently lives in Kiowa, Kansas, with her husband Cody Joe Scheck. She moved there after living in Oklahoma became uncomfortable when Blake and Miranda Lambert moved to a nearby town. She chose Kansas for a fresh start and has built a successful life there as a teacher.
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