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Kimberly Williams-Paisley is sharing more details about how she endured two years without her voice.
The Father of the Bride actress revealed earlier this year that she underwent a surgery after “a challenging couple of years,” and ultimately discovered damage to her laryngeal nerve. Williams,-Paisley, 53, said she lost her voice in a “terrifying” moment while she was on stage hosting an Alzheimer’s event in 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. Her voice “never quite came back.” After opening up about her surgery, Williams-Paisley shared a message of gratitude to those who offered support and well-wishes for her recovery.
Williams-Paisley said she “felt invisible,” and “trapped in my own body,” as she recalled the two years she could hardly speak in a new interview with PEOPLE on Wednesday (December 18). Williams-Paisley credited her family — including her husband of more than two decades, country star Brad Paisley, 52, and two teen sons, Huck, 17, and Jasper, 15 — with helping her through that time.
“I had to fight to be heard,” the new Farmer Wants a Wife host told PEOPLE. “Now, no matter what my physical voice is, my voice underneath is stronger. I feel more confident. I know myself better.” Williams-Paisley said she went through self-blame, anxiety and sadness when she couldn’t speak. She said she was unable to accept acting jobs and avoided gatherings with friends. “I wondered, 'Who am I without my voice?'"
Now, however, Williams-Paisley said she feels “empowered.” In August, she thanked others “for all the love and support… You reminded me of the power of authenticity, vulnerability and hope. I’m feeling validated and seen and ever more grateful.”