After Karen Fairchild’s divorce in 2002, she found herself navigating the single life at the same time as her bandmate, Jimi Westbrook. Despite their previous disagreements and differences as bandmates, an undeniable attraction began to form between them.

Little Big Town guitarist Philip Sweet recalled the tension between the two before their romantic connection, saying, “You should have seen the way they butted heads before they got together!” Sweet and fellow bandmate Kimberly Schlapman were quick to notice the chemistry, with Sweet adding, “We were like, ‘They need to just do it.’” Schlapman agreed, sharing with People that the rest of the band could tell they were in love long before Fairchild and Westbrook realized it themselves, saying, “We knew they were in love before they knew they were in love.” Their journey from tension to romance marked a turning point in both their personal and professional lives.

Karen Fairchild offers a slightly different perspective on her relationship with Jimi Westbrook, reflecting on their deep friendship and special connection that developed when they both found themselves single.

Speaking to Us, Fairchild explained that their bond grew over time, and when the opportunity for something more presented itself, they took a chance on each other. Although they were aware of the risks involved in mixing romance with their band dynamics, they ultimately decided the potential rewards were worth it.

The couple married in 2006, and their love story grew even richer when they welcomed their son, Elijah Dylan Westbrook, on March 5, 2010. Fairchild described Jimi as her soulmate, sharing that the connection they had was undeniable, but it deepened even further once they committed to each other.

“To have a child together is a beautiful, beautiful thing for us to share and a dream come true,” she said. In addition to their son, the couple shares two dogs, further adding to the family life they’ve built together alongside their successful careers.