The wife of country singer Brad Paisley took to social media over the weekend to share that she had undergone laryngoplasty surgery to address an ongoing issue with her laryngeal nerve.
In a lengthy Instagram post, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley revealed that she lost her voice nearly two years ago while on stage at her annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser in Nashville.
Kimberley, 52, posted a photo of herself in hospital after the procedure, as well as the scar (which she had drawn over to make it look like a smiley face), admitting she’d had a “rough” couple of years and her voice never fully returned.
“It’s been a challenging couple of years, but we’re finally getting to the bottom of it,” the Nashville-based actress shared with fans.
“I have a damaged laryngeal nerve. I did everything I could to heal it (thanks, but please don’t give me advice!). I was finally able to have the surgery this week.”
Kimberly Williams-Paisley revealed that she lost her voice almost two years ago while on stage at her annual Alzheimer’s fundraiser in Nashville.
After an ‘incredible scar’ along her neck, Kimberley said she sounds ‘much better’.
“I haven’t wanted to share much about this until now because I felt too vulnerable. I used to take for granted my ability to ‘use my voice’ for my career, for a good cause, for a well-timed joke, for PERSONAL EXPRESSION, to participate in a loud dinner party,” she listed.
“Instead, I’ve been the quietest person in the room. I’ve felt docile. New people I’ve met thought I was a shy or reserved person. I’ve felt trapped in my body,” the artist shared.
Kimberly said she has done “all kinds of training” and that, despite her moments of “embarrassment and self-loathing,” she has received support from friends, family and medical staff.
The mother of one of the boys later detailed what her surgery entailed, sharing that she was awake during the three-hour procedure to “fill out her paralyzed vocal cord so she can play the other one.”
“I saw a lot of what happened on a video screen above my head and all I can say is that MODERN MEDICINE IS MIRACULOUS,” Kimberly joked.
Although she has been unable to speak properly for the past two years, the actress said she has found her voice in other ways.
“I have healed old emotional wounds. I have learned the strength and beauty of silence. I have become a serious meditator. I lift over 100 pounds. I take better care of my body. I manage stress. I dissolve shame. I feel more complete, empowered and joyful,” she said.
After an ‘incredible scar’ along her neck, Kimberley said she sounds ‘much better’
Although she hasn’t been able to speak properly for the past two years, the actress said she found her voice in other ways. She is pictured here with her husband, country singer Brad Paisley.
Kimberly’s comments section was flooded with words of support from friends and fans.
She reflected on a recent Kate Bowler podcast she had listened to and mused, “If you’re going through hell, don’t come out empty-handed.”
“Was it worth losing my voice? Mmm, not exactly. Was it worthless? Not for a second,” the post concluded.
Kimberly’s comments section was flooded with words of support from friends and fans.
Country singer Sheryl Crow called Kimberly her “hero” and said the actress taught her to “hold your power by not raising your voice, not raising your fist, but by observing and accepting what life gives you with grace and determination.”
“Thank you for sharing this experience with all of us! You are a fierce warrior mom!” she wrote.
“I can only imagine how scary this must have all been,” another added. “I’m thankful you found answers and are finding healing! It’s amazing how many things we take for granted when we’re healthy… like your voice! That’s great news. I’m praying now for a full healing!”
Kimberley’s husband Brad also commented, jokingly writing that it will be “a great new chapter,” though he will miss the silence.
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