Year in Review: 2017’s Country Music Babies

It's safe to say there was a country music baby boom in 2017 as more than 30 babies were welcomed into the world throughout the year. 

Written by Lauren Laffer, Kelly Brickey
Year in Review: 2017’s Country Music Babies
Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins, Willa and Ada, Photo via Instagram; Jason Aldean, Brittany Kerr and Memphis, Photo via Instagram

2017 has been nothing short of a country music baby boom as more than 30 little ones joined the growing family. From first time parents to growing broods, boys and girls were coming in nearly every month of the year.

Brantley Gilbert and Thomas Rhett each experienced first-time parenthood this year when they brought home their little ones. After a long and trying process to get pregnant, Gilbert and his wife brought home a baby boy named Barrett. Rhett and his wife Lauren worked for months to adopt their daughter from Uganda, and while in the midst of that, learned they too were pregnant with a girl.

Jason Aldean, who already has two girls of his own, was blessed with a third child, this time, a boy named Memphis, while country newcomer Hudson Moore and his wife broke an 100 year streak of welcoming only boys to their family when they brought home a girl named Hadley.

Check out all of the adorable additions that arrived in 2017 below…

Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and Stephen – Dolly

Ringing in the New Year with a new member of the family added to their clan, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and her husband Stephen adopted a beautiful baby girl. Going by the name of Dolly as inspired by the one and only Dolly Parton, the singer looked over the moon about her precious one and so did her daughter, Daisy.

Waterloo Revival’s George Birge and Kara Lee – George

After making the big leap in his relationship to Kara Lee by asking for her hand in marriage, the couple celebrated even more with the birth of their boy, George James Birge. Moving their little family over to Nashville from Austin, Texas, Waterloo Revival’s George Birge and Kara were overjoyed to further their love story even more thanks to the birth of their son.

Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney and Hannah Billingsley – Asher

“It’s hard to describe the love you feel for the first time when you hold your child. I will never be the same. Asher James, I promise to be the father you deserve. And Hannah, I promise to be the husband you want and need. I love you both so much. You’ve given me everything I never knew I needed,” Shay Mooney of Dan + Shay sweetly wrote as a devotion to his family once he and his fiancée, Hannah Billingsley, welcomed Asher to the world. The couple tied the knot later in the year, with their baby boy watching on.

The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston and Evyn – Jude

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSWeRhMjtLb/

It may have taken a total of 36 hours for The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston’s son to arrive, but the moment was well worth it for him and his wife, Evyn, when Jude was welcomed into the world. Joking that he “can’t wait to hold this over The little guy’s head when he starts showing his ass later in life,” Johnston took his title as proud dad seriously when announcing the big news to fans on Instagram.

High Valley’s Curtis Rempel and Myranda – Millie

https://www.instagram.com/p/BStV6ajDDtm/?taken-by=highvalleyofficial

How cute of a name is Millie June? That’s exactly what High Valley’s Curtis Rempel and his wife named their adorable baby girl when she came into the world back in early April. Rempel admitted he was “thrilled” about their daughter’s arrival and revealed he “couldn’t be more in love.” Looks like she’ll have him wrapped around his finger!

Zac Brown Band’s Jimmy De Martini and Stacey – Jonelle

Guess the fourth time was a charm for Zac Brown Band’s Jimmy De Martini as he and his wife brought an adorable little girl into the world on April 4. While De Martini already had three boys in his family, it looks like Jonelle will be the princess of the group as she grows up with her older brothers protecting her from everything.

Josh Abbott Band’s Josh Abbott and Taylor – Emery

Feeling pretty blessed

A post shared by Josh Abbott (@joshidalou) on

Pink won out over blue for Josh Abbott Band’s Josh Abbott when he and his girlfriend, Taylor, had their baby girl on the festive Cinco de Mayo. Gifting her with the pretty name of Emery Farryn, Abbott revealed that the birth of his child “already changed me as a man.”

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins – Willa

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAaLlojIqQ/

Willa Gray became the first ‘Star of the Show’ in Thomas Rhett’s life when she finally came home to Nashville after the lengthy adoption process he and Lauren Akins went through. After falling in love with precious Willa during a number of mission trips with 147 Million Orphans in Africa, the couple knew she was meant to be their child and eventually brought her back to America to become their daughter forever.

Holly Williams and Chris Coleman – Arlo

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUCZXFUAMGK/

The iconic Williams family, known for both Hank and Hank Jr., grew one more in size when Holly Williams gave birth to a baby boy named Arlo. Marking the third for Williams and her husband, the two will have their hands full when it comes to future family celebrations but for the happiest of reasons.

Randy Rogers Band’s Randy Rogers and Chelsea – Rainey

‪Welcome to the family Rainey Ryan! Via @people

A post shared by Randy Rogers Band (@randyrogersband) on

Rainey Ryan Rogers rounds up a total of three girls for Randy Rogers as he and his wife brought their third little one into the world back in the middle of May. Both mom and daughter were healthy after the delivery, making for a joyous time for all once she arrived.

Midland’s Jess Carson and Camille – Parker

Midland’s Jess Carson and family; Photo credit: Carla Allen

Midland’s Jess Carson and his wife know how to “Make a Little” bit of a crazy delivery as their baby boy arrived just minutes before they actually entered the hospital in the facility’s parking lot. Carson ended up playing doctor in the end, admitting that “the midwife’s on the phone and she’s yelling at me and telling me to pull over and she’s gonna talk me through delivering Parker.” Thankfully, all went smooth and the two were rewarded for their adventurous birthing with a gorgeous little guy.

Codie Prevost and Ashley – Everly

Codie Prevost rounded out his family into four the day his daughter was born. Named Everly Rae, the singer will follow the title of his single, “You Won’t Sleep Tonight,” while taking care of his newborn child.

Austin Webb and Melanie – Owen

Little Owen stole the heart of his proud father, Austin Webb, when he was born on June 4. The country singer dubbed the moment as the “Best Day of my life” and told fans via social media how proud he was of his wife during the delivery process.

Lee Brice and Sara – Trulee

While Lee Brice promoted his single called “Boy” all year long, he was blessed with the birth of a cute baby girl named Trulee. Brice gave all the attention to both his girls that day, even praising his wife by saying, “She was truly courageous through this special time, and beyond beautiful from the inside out.”

Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles and Jenna – Rayni

Right in the midst of the CMA Fest madness, Love and Theft’s Stephen Barker Liles canceled all of his plans for meet-and-greets to be by his wife’s side as she delivered their daughter in June. The couple even gave their bundle of joy the sweet name of Rayni Bell. Her arrival definitely made the madness of that week worth it for Liles!

Justin Moore and Kate – Thomas

At last, Justin Moore landed another man in the family after the birth of his son in June. After being a dad to three girls, the country singer finally got another guy in the clan to hang with as he grows up to be a strong boy. Given the name Thomas after Moore’s grandfather, he’ll also continue on with the family name for years to come.

Ashley Monroe and John Danks – Dalton

Welcome to the world, love of my life. Dalton William Danks. ❤️

A post shared by Ashley Monroe (@ashleymonroemusic) on

“Welcome to the world, love of my life. Dalton William Danks,” Ashley Monroe posted to all of her Instagram followers after the birth of her son. The singer found out she was expecting as a Christmas miracle on the winter holiday, making it the best gift she and her husband could ever receive.

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins – Ada

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXvdD91jq50/

Just one month after bringing Willa Gray home from Uganda, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins were at it again when they welcomed Ada James into the world. After 36 hours of intense labor, the couple couldn’t have been any more overjoyed to have their second daughter join their growing family. Rhett praised his wife as being “the strongest human being I have ever met,” and revealed his “new found respect for moms around the world.”

Danny Gokey and Leyicet – Gabriel

Although he may have been on the road traveling, Danny Gokey still managed to squeeze in a family photo right before he had to catch a flight. Gokey didn’t have to be gone from his little guy too long though, as he went home the day following the birth. Seems like the singer has this dad thing down pat!

LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Kaitlyn – Violet

Just as many country music parents do, LOCASH’s Chris Lucas thanked his wife big time after the birth of his third child for committing herself to being an amazing mother while he gets to do his thing out on the road. In the end though, the couple reveled over their sweet daughter, Violet Reid, when she came into the world on September 3.

Hudson Moore and Sarah – Hadley

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYjIsJ-BIeW/

Hudson Moore and his wife made history in his heritage by welcoming the first Moore girl in 100 years with the birth of Hadley May. Showing his wife and baby some love after their delivery, Moore told his fans that “I’m once again reminded of how great God is and how truly blessed we really are.”

Trailer Choir’s Big Vinny and Jenny – Jagger

Making his Instagram debut shortly after his arrival, Jagger James Van-Zant Hickerson received some love from Trailer Choir’s Big Vinny’s fanbase. Weighing in at a healthy seven pounds and 10 ounces, their baby boy definitely filled the hearts of the couple as he became the first child they shared in their growing family.

John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina – Grace

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZLuepbnroQ

The Johnny Cash and June Carter legacy live on in a precious baby girl named Grace June. The fourth child to Cash and Carter’s only son, John Carter Cash, baby Grace joined the world on September 11 and shares a moniker with her late grandmother.

Jacob Davis and Whitney – Lane

Happy birthday to the girl that gave me my girls. I love you, darlin.

A post shared by Jacob Davis (@jacobdavismusic) on

Country newcomer Jacob Davis is overrun by girls in his household after his wife Whitney gave birth to their second baby girl, Lane Elizabeth. “Welcome to the world, sweet Lane Elizabeth. #allmygirls,” wrote the “What I Wanna Be” singer on a post to Instagram in September. Lane joins big sister Percy, who was born on Christmas Eve 2015.

Delta Rae’s Ian Hölljes and Rebecca – Leo

Say hello to the first “Delta Bae” from Delta Rae! The band’s Ian Hölljes became a dad after his wife Rebecca welcomed their son, Leo Richman, into the world on Oct. 6. Born under a full moon at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina, Leo made his big debut at 4:01 a.m., weighing in at 7lbs 10oz.

Greg Bates and Shelley Skidmore – Bo

Baby makes three for new parents Greg Bates and Shelley Skidmore. The “Did It For The Girl” singer is now doing it for the boy as his son Bo Rogers was born in mid-October. The couple first announced their impending parenthood when they posted a photo of their furbaby with a shirt that read “big sister.”

Clay Walker and Jessica – Ezra

https://www.instagram.com/p/BbDXGjnFLRm

Clay Walker and his wife Jessica made a red-carpet debut together of Jessica’s tiny baby bump when they appeared at the ACM Awards in April. After months of anticipation, the couple welcomed their sixth child together, a baby boy named Ezra, on Nov. 3. “There is no greater joy than being a father,” said Walker after welcoming Ezra into his large family.

Brantley Gilbert and Amber Cochran – Barrett

Still speechless….

A post shared by Brantley Gilbert (@brantleygilbert) on

Brantley Gilbert had plenty to be thankful for this year as he and his wife Amber became the parents to a baby boy named Barrett. After a long road to pregnancy and a short delivery, Gilbert had to give ‘one hell of an amen’ for all of the blessings in his life. “It’s even more than I could’ve ever imagine,” said Gilbert of his newfound fatherhood.

Jason Aldean and Brittany Kerr – Memphis

After raising two beautiful daughters, Jason Aldean will try his hand at raising a baby boy as he and his wife welcomed their son, Memphis. Born on December 1 and looking just like his daddy, the sweet baby boy arrived into the world weighing 9lb 5 oz. Aldean’s wife, Brittany, christened the day as the best day of her life.

Dylan Scott and Blair – Beckett

2017 has been a year of first for singer Dylan Scott. Not only did he release a deluxe edition of his debut album, but he also notched his first No.1 song with “My Girl” and became a father after his wife Blair gave birth to a baby boy on December 12. Born after a lengthy labor, Beckett made his entrance weighing in at 8 pounds and measuring 21 inches long.

Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon – Ryder

One more Ryder pic @rosefalcon @people #sweetbabyry

A post shared by Rodney Atkins (@rodneyatkins) on

At long last, Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon’s rainbow baby is here. Born Thursday, December 14 in Nashville, weighing  8 lbs., 13 oz. and measuring 20 inches long, the happy couple couldn’t wait to share their exciting news with fans. Atkins and Falcon weren’t the only ones excited about their new addition, as Atkins’ 16-year-old son Elijah was thrilled to finally be a big brother.

Casey James and Kelli – Maverick

https://www.instagram.com/p/BcyBG6rg-tD

Casey James is now the proud parent to a little boy after he and his wife welcomed their son, Maverick, into the world. The “Crying on a Suitcase” singer introduced his baby boy to the world on Instagram (12/16), writing “Thank you Jesus for this amazing blessing.” The couple are already parents to a precious little girl named Lexi, born in February 2016.

Dave Haywood and Kelli – Lillie

Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and his wife Kelli celebrated Christmas a bit early this year with the December 22 arrival of their second child. Lillie Renee, named after the couple’s grandmothers, made her debut just days before Christmas and joins big brother Cash.