Christiev Carothers, ‘Big Kenny & Family’: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Most people know “Big Kenny” Alphin as one half of the country duo Big & Rich. What some people may not know is that Big Kenny is also one half of an even more important duo, with his wife Christiev Carothers.

The two met on the set of a music video and surprised just about everyone they knew when they tied the knot in 2005. Now, they’re parents to four kids, own an expansive Tennessee estate and are set to star in a brand-new reality series Big Kenny and Family on TLC. 

Here’s what you need to know about the other half of the Big Kenny duo:

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1. Carothers & Big Kenny Were Married in January 2005

It was the wedding that shocked the country world, a ceremony so small and so under-the-radar that Kenny’s mother, Mary Alphin, wasn’t even in attendance. She told the Cincinnati Post, “had no idea (Kenny and Carothers) were that serious,” adding that she found out about the wedding several days after the marriage became official.

The couple said their vows in Deadwood, South Dakota, an important spot for Kenny where had written a handful of songs with his musical partner John Rich.

According to Alphin, Carothers and Kenny first met during a video shoot for Gretchen Wilson’s song “Redneck Woman.” He brought her home to the Alphin family farm in Griffinsburg for the Christmas holiday shortly after.

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2. She Has Four Children, Including Two With Big Kenny

Carothers has two sons from a previous marriage: Christopher and Cameraon. She and Kenny also have a son together, Lincoln William Holiday Alphin, born shortly after they tied the knot in November, 2005.

After finding it difficult to have another child, the pair decided to adopt domestically and in September 2010 announced that they were parents to a brand-new son, Dakota Jefferson Holiday Alphin. Carrothers told People after the adoption was finalized:

When they put Dakota in our arms, he has the most beautiful smile, and the moment Kenny started talking to him, Dakota lunged toward him. We both looked at each other and it was like, ‘Of course he is our son.’

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3. Carothers Does Frequent Charity Work With Big Kenny

Throughout his career, Big Kenny has been a major factor in the charity circuit. In October 2007, he traveled to Darfu to deliver medical and educational supplies to under-privileged children. He also traveled back to Northern Bahl Ghazel in Sudan for a similar mission with the group My Sisters Keeper. He also paid for all of his travel expenses himself, telling CMT:

Whether they are abused across the street or across an ocean, all people deserve freedom and basic human rights. I would spend every nickel I could get my hands on to help these people. It is the worst humanitarian crisis on our earth, and it is time we did something to stop it.

Carrothers has consistently supported her husband in his work, including his work with the Sudan, and in April 2007 the couple donated $50,000 to a charity that assists and protects women in the war-torn country.

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4. She’s Worked as a Wardrobe Stylist & Is Known For Her Dramatic Outfits

Carrothers has worked as a stylist to some of country music’s top artists for years now. In fact, that’s how she and Big Kenny met in the first place. She’s also dabbled in work as a graphic artist.

Much like her husband, Carrothers is known for her slightly dramatic outfits and sense of style. She isn’t afraid to try big patterns and bright colors or even over accessorize. Kenny wears a big top hat and Carrothers wears even bigger jewelry.

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5. The Couple Live in a 2.5 Acre Home in Tennessee

Kenny and Carrothers moved into a massive 2.5 acre spread in the Green Hills area of Nashville, Tennessee in 2007 and quickly made it their own. The house itself is decorated with memorabilia and mementos from Kenny’s expansive career while Carrother’s professional style eye is noticeable in nearly every room.

The couple calls the home “Chateau de Amore,” a Tudor-influenced home with an actual English pub inside. Carrothers described her style approach to People:

(It was) the biggest styling job I’ve ever done. I wouldn’t put anything on the walls unless I would wear it!

Kenny also recorded his solo album The Quiet Times of a Rock and Roll Farmboy in the home and has also produced music for some of country’s top artists on the estate.

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