Hollywood is buzzing with excitement as Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari, one of North Dakota’s most beloved power couples, have just shared a stunning revelation about their growing family. On May 29, 2025, the couple announced they are expecting their second child together, dropping a surprising gender bombshell that has left fans reeling with joy and anticipation. Just over a year after welcoming their son, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel, in January 2024, Josh and Audra are once again embracing parenthood, and this time, the news comes with an unexpected twist that has everyone talking. 🌟

A Love Story Rooted in North Dakota

Josh Duhamel, 52, and Audra Mari, 31, have been a fan-favorite couple since they began dating in 2019. Both hailing from North Dakota—Josh from Minot and Audra from Fargo—their shared roots have been a cornerstone of their relationship. The Transformers star and the former Miss World America 2016 tied the knot in a heartfelt ceremony in Fargo on September 10, 2022, after Josh proposed with a romantic message in a bottle during a beach trip earlier that year. Their love story, filled with sweet moments like romantic beach strolls in Malibu and red-carpet appearances, has captured the hearts of many.

The couple welcomed their first child, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel, on January 11, 2024, announcing the news with a tender black-and-white photo of his tiny feet on Instagram. Shepherd’s arrival marked Josh’s second child—he shares a 11-year-old son, Axl Jack, with his ex-wife, Fergie, with whom he maintains a supportive co-parenting relationship. Audra, stepping into motherhood for the first time, shared her excitement throughout her pregnancy, from posting baby bump photos to celebrating a cozy outdoor baby shower in the fall of 2023. Now, just 16 months later, the couple is ready to welcome another little one, and the gender reveal has taken everyone by surprise.

The Big Announcement: It’s a Girl! 🎀

On the evening of May 29, 2025, Josh and Audra took to Instagram to share the thrilling news of their second child. The joint post featured a stunning photo of the couple standing in a sunlit field near their North Dakota cabin, a place they’ve often described as their sanctuary. Audra, glowing in a flowy white dress, cradled her growing baby bump, while Josh stood beside her, holding a pink balloon with the words “It’s a Girl!” written in elegant script. The caption read, “Baby Girl Duhamel arriving this fall! We’re over the moon to welcome our little princess. 💖 #BabyDuhamel #GirlDad.”

The announcement came as a complete shock to fans, who had speculated the couple might wait a few years before expanding their family again. After all, Josh had previously mentioned on a podcast in 2018 that he wanted more kids, but the speed of this second pregnancy caught even the most dedicated followers off guard. The gender reveal—a girl—adds an extra layer of excitement, as Josh will now experience the joys of being a “girl dad,” a role he’s openly expressed enthusiasm for in past interviews. Fans flooded the comments with messages of congratulations, with one user writing, “A little princess for the Duhamel family! Josh as a girl dad is going to be the sweetest thing! 💕 #BabyDuhamel.”

A Journey of Joy and Reflection

Audra has been open about her journey into motherhood, often sharing glimpses of her life with Shepherd on social media. In a recent post, she reflected on the past year, writing, “Being a mom to Shepherd has been the greatest gift. Watching him grow, laugh, and discover the world has filled my heart in ways I never imagined. Now, knowing we’re bringing a little girl into our family feels like a dream.” Her words resonate with the deep love and gratitude she and Josh share for their growing family, a sentiment that has endeared them to fans worldwide.

Josh, too, has been vocal about his love for fatherhood. In a September 2023 interview with Parade, shortly after announcing their first pregnancy, he shared a heartwarming story about Axl’s reaction to becoming a big brother. “He’s like, ‘Wait, now, am I going to be—You’re still going to love me, though, too, right?’ I was like, ‘Of course I’m going to still love you,’” Josh recounted with a laugh. Axl, now 11, has reportedly embraced his role as a big brother to Shepherd, often seen giggling and playing with the toddler during family outings. Fans are eager to see how Axl and Shepherd will welcome their little sister, with many speculating that the Duhamel household is about to become even more lively.

The gender reveal also holds special significance for Josh, who has often spoken about his close relationship with his younger sisters. During an appearance on The Talk in October 2023, while Audra was pregnant with Shepherd, Josh mentioned how much he cherished being an older brother to girls, hinting that he’d love to have a daughter one day. “I’ve always loved the dynamic of having sisters—it’s such a special bond,” he said. Now, with a baby girl on the way, Josh’s dream is coming true, and fans can’t wait to see him step into this new role.

A Supportive Family Dynamic

One of the most heartwarming aspects of Josh and Audra’s journey has been the support from their extended family, including Josh’s ex-wife, Fergie. The former Black Eyed Peas singer, who was married to Josh from 2009 to 2019, has remained a positive presence in his life, co-parenting Axl with grace and mutual respect. When Josh and Audra announced their first pregnancy in September 2023, Fergie left a sweet comment on their Instagram post, writing, “I am truly happy for you guys 🥰🥰 Axl can’t wait to be a big brother.” Her supportive reaction to the news of baby number two has been equally warm, with sources close to the family noting that Fergie is thrilled for Josh and Audra.

Fergie herself celebrated Axl’s 11th birthday in August 2024 with a touching Instagram post, writing, “It is so fun watching you grow in every phase of your life. No matter what jersey you’re wearing, I’ll always be your biggest cheerleader.” Her words reflect the strong bond she shares with her son, a bond that has only grown stronger as Axl embraces his role within a blended family. The Duhamel-Mari household is a testament to the power of love and understanding, showing that families can thrive even after significant changes.

Preparing for a New Chapter

As Josh and Audra prepare to welcome their daughter this fall, they’ve already begun making plans to ensure their home is ready for the new arrival. Audra recently shared a glimpse of the nursery-in-progress on her Instagram Stories, revealing a soft pink and cream color palette with delicate floral accents. “Creating a little haven for our girl,” she captioned the photo, which showed a vintage rocking chair and a shelf filled with stuffed animals. The couple’s North Dakota cabin, a place they’ve often described as their “happy place,” will likely play a central role in their early days as a family of four, offering a peaceful retreat from their busy lives in Los Angeles.

Josh, who has continued to work on projects like the CBS reality competition show Buddy Games and the upcoming series Ransom Canyon, has also expressed his commitment to balancing his career with fatherhood. In a January 2024 interview with PEOPLE, he opened up about the challenges of being an actor and a dad, saying, “The worst part is being away from my kids. That stuff kills me.” With baby number two on the way, Josh is reportedly planning to take a step back from his filming schedule this fall to focus on his family, a decision that has earned him even more admiration from fans.

A Bright Future Ahead

The announcement of Josh and Audra’s second child has sparked a wave of excitement, not just for their growing family but for the legacy of love and kindness they continue to build. Their journey—from their North Dakota roots to their Hollywood success—has been marked by authenticity and warmth, qualities that shine through in their roles as parents. Shepherd, now a curious toddler, and Axl, a doting big brother, are set to welcome a little sister who will undoubtedly bring even more joy to the Duhamel household.

As the couple looks ahead to the fall, they’re savoring every moment of this pregnancy, from the first ultrasound to the flutter of kicks Audra has begun to feel. “We’re beyond grateful to be on this journey again,” Josh wrote in a follow-up post on Instagram, sharing a candid photo of him kissing Audra’s forehead as they sat by a lake at sunset. “Our little girl is already so loved.” With their daughter’s arrival just months away, Josh and Audra are proving that love, family, and a touch of North Dakota charm can create a story worth celebrating. 💖