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Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins are officially parents to their first son after welcoming Brave Elijah Akins this week. The country singer, 35, and his wife, 36, shared the joyful news on February 27, revealing their precious new addition arrived earlier than expected, weighing nearly 10 pounds.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Baby Name: Brave Elijah Akins, first boy for the country music couple
- Birth Weight: Nearly 10 pounds, born almost 2 weeks early
- Family Size: Fifth child joining sisters Willa Gray (10), Ada James (8), Lennon Love (6), and Lillie Carolina (4)
- Announcement Date: February 27, 2026 via Instagram with heartfelt photos
A Long-Awaited Gift for Country’s Girl Dad
Thomas Rhett had built a reputation as a devoted girl dad with four daughters, but the universe had different plans for his expanding family. In September 2025, the couple announced they were expecting their fifth child, choosing to keep the baby’s gender a surprise this time around. Rhett explained his decision at the time, noting that surprises are rare in modern life and this moment felt special.
The singer also joked about their family size limits during that announcement, stating that five had always been their number, and anything beyond would require them to upgrade to a Sprinter van. It appears the couple is sticking to that plan, as both he and Lauren expressed complete contentment with their new baby boy.
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Lauren Shines as a Champion Delivery Partner
Lauren Akins took center stage in her announcement, praising her husband for being her biggest champion in labor and delivery. In a touching caption accompanying their announcement photos, she revealed that Rhett helped deliver their son and was the first to see him. His emotional reaction was unforgettable as he announced to the room with tears and shock, “It’s a boy!”
The couple shared intimate photos documenting these precious moments, including snapshots of Akins in labor, Rhett offering support, and him kissing her forehead as she cradled their newborn. Lauren expressed deep gratitude to God for entrusting them with their beautiful new son.
Meet the Complete Akins Family
| Child | Age | Notes |
| Willa Gray | 10 years old | Oldest, adopted from Uganda in 2017 |
| Ada James | 8 years old | Biological daughter |
| Lennon Love | 6 years old | Biological daughter |
| Lillie Carolina | 4 years old | Youngest before Brave |
| Brave Elijah | Newborn | First son, almost 10 pounds |
“Our hearts are just in a big ole puddle with this precious baby BOY. Brave Elijah Akins was born last week at almost 10 pounds and almost 2 weeks early. Thank you Jesus this big boy didn’t wait another 2 weeks to be born.”
— Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins, Joint Instagram Announcement
A Love Story That Started in Elementary School
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Gregory first met as children in elementary school, making their journey together truly lifelong. After briefly dating as teenagers, they reconnected in 2011 and the spark reignited. Within six months of reconnecting, Rhett proposed, and the couple married in October 2012.
Lauren Akins, born November 8, 1989, is now an accomplished author and podcaster, known for her bestselling book “Live in Love: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes.” Together, Thomas and Lauren have built a family grounded in faith, adoption, and unconditional love. Their journey demonstrates that sometimes life’s greatest blessings arrive a little early and exceed expectations.
Will Brave Elijah Be the Last Rhett Baby?
The couple has consistently stated that five children represents their ideal family size, jokingly referencing the need for additional transportation if they expand further. With Brave Elijah’s arrival, they appear to have completed their family. Rhett’s earlier comments suggest the couple feels blessed and fulfilled with their current household of five under 10.
Fans and fellow celebrities have flooded the couple’s social media with congratulations and well wishes. Four proud big sisters are reportedly completely smitten with their new baby brother, and the family is embracing this exciting new chapter together.
Sources
- People Magazine – Official coverage of Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins welcoming their fifth baby and first son on February 27, 2026
- iHeart Bobby Bones – Details on Brave Elijah’s birth weight and early arrival
- Taste of Country – Background on the couple’s family announcement and plans
