History of Kerry Roberts in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 24, 2025

Kerry E. Roberts is a Republican member of the Tennessee Senate representing the 23rd district. He previously hosted a radio show on WDBL and later transitioned to "The Tennessee Star Report" on WLAC in Nashville. In 2021, Roberts demonstrated his commitment to his constituents by cycling 100 miles to raise funds and awareness for flood victims in Humphreys County.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1979: Graduated from Bloomington High School North

In 1979, Kerry Roberts graduated from Bloomington High School North in Bedford, Indiana.

1983: Graduated from Lipscomb University

In 1983, Kerry Roberts graduated from Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee, earning a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.

1985: Started his own accounting practice

In 1985, Kerry Roberts established his own accounting practice after working for Touche Ross and Company.

August 1987: Married Dianne

In August 1987, Kerry Roberts married his wife, Dianne.

1990: Opened a chain of bicycle stores

In 1990, Kerry Roberts opened a chain of bicycle stores and also served as President and Chairman of the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

1990: Sold his accounting practice

In 1990, Kerry Roberts sold the accounting practice that he had started in 1985.

2010: Closed his bicycle stores

Due to financial losses resulting from the Tennessee floods of 2010, Kerry Roberts closed his chain of bicycle stores.

January 20, 2011: Won Senate District 18 Republican Primary

On January 20, 2011, Kerry Roberts secured victory in the Senate District 18 Republican Primary.

March 8, 2011: Won Senate District 18 General Election

On March 8, 2011, Kerry Roberts won the Senate District 18 General Election.

May 15, 2013: Announced campaign for re-election

On May 15, 2013, Kerry Roberts announced his campaign for re-election to the Tennessee Senate.

September 24, 2013: Joshua Evans announced run against Roberts

On September 24, 2013, Representative Joshua Evans announced his candidacy against Kerry Roberts for the Tennessee Senate seat.

August 7, 2014: Won Republican primary

On August 7, 2014, Kerry Roberts won the Republican primary with 42.16 percent of the vote against Joshua Evans, Jim Summerville, and Wayne White.

November 4, 2014: Defeated Tony Gross in the general election

On November 4, 2014, Kerry Roberts won the general election, defeating Democratic Party nominee Tony Gross with 70.43 percent of the vote.

August 2, 2018: Unopposed in Republican primary

On August 2, 2018, Kerry Roberts ran unopposed in the Republican primary for the Tennessee Senate.

January 2019: Appointed Chairman of the Senate Committee for Government Operations

In January 2019, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally appointed Kerry Roberts as Chairman of the Senate Committee for Government Operations and reappointed him to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

September 2019: Roberts made comments about higher education

In September 2019, Kerry Roberts made national news on his radio show, "The Kerry Roberts Show", by stating that higher education should be abolished, which led to controversy and accusations of misunderstanding by the media.

January 2020: Roberts moved to Nashville's WLAC morning show

In January 2020, Kerry Roberts transitioned from his weekly radio show on Springfield's WDBL to Nashville's WLAC morning show, "The Tennessee Star Report".

August 2020: Roberts surrounded by protestors

In August 2020, during a special legislative session in Nashville, Kerry Roberts was surrounded by protestors, leading to national media attention and criticism, which Roberts addressed by defending the protesters' right to protest.

October 9, 2020: Roberts hospitalized with brain aneurysm

On October 9, 2020, Kerry Roberts was hospitalized after suffering a brain aneurysm, later diagnosed as a non-aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, from which he fully recovered.

October 2021: Roberts rode bicycle for flood victims

In October 2021, Kerry Roberts participated in a 100-mile bicycle ride to raise funds and increase awareness for the victims of the Humphreys County flood.