A Country Star’s Growing Family and Musical Magic

On August 26, 2025, country music superstar Thomas Rhett set social media ablaze with a heartwarming announcement that he and his wife, Lauren Akins, are expecting their fifth child. In true Rhett fashion, he didn’t just share the news with a simple post. Instead, he reworked the lyrics of his 2018 hit “Life Changes” into a tender, acoustic serenade, singing, “Now Lauren’s showing, got one on the way, that’s… five under 10, hey what can I say?” As he strummed his guitar, Lauren stepped into the frame, beaming with pride and clutching ultrasound photos, her baby bump glowing under the soft light. The Instagram video, captioned “Here we go again! We’ve got some really excited big sisters in our house. God is so good,” sent fans into a frenzy, blending Rhett’s musical genius with a deeply personal milestone.

This announcement isn’t just another celebrity pregnancy reveal—it’s a testament to Rhett’s knack for weaving his life’s biggest moments into his art. With four daughters already—Willa Gray, 9, Ada James, 8, Lennon Love, 5, and Lillie Carolina, 3—the couple’s journey to a family of seven under one roof is a story of love, faith, and a touch of controlled chaos. As Rhett’s career soars with chart-topping hits and sold-out tours, this latest chapter adds a new verse to his narrative of balancing stardom with fatherhood. In this article, we’ll dive into the details of the announcement, explore the couple’s family journey, unpack the cultural impact of their growing brood, and celebrate why Rhett’s musical approach to life’s changes resonates so deeply with fans worldwide.

Thomas Rhett: From Georgia Roots to Country Royalty

To understand the significance of this moment, let’s first look at Thomas Rhett Akins, the man behind the music. Born on March 30, 1990, in Valdosta, Georgia, Rhett grew up steeped in country music. His father, Rhett Akins Sr., was a hitmaker in the ’90s with songs like “That Ain’t My Truck,” giving young Thomas a front-row seat to Nashville’s inner workings. By his teens, he was playing drums for his dad’s band, sneaking into bars to perform, and dreaming of his own spotlight.

Rhett’s breakout came in 2012 with “Something to Do with My Hands,” but it was his 2013 album It Goes Like This that launched him into stardom, with hits like “Get Me Some of That.” His blend of country, pop, and R&B—think twangy guitars meets soulful grooves—earned him a unique niche. Albums like Tangled Up (2015) and Life Changes (2017) solidified his status, racking up 21 No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, five Grammy nominations, and an ACM Entertainer of the Year award. His latest single, “After All the Bars Are Closed,” topped the charts for three weeks in 2025, coinciding with the baby announcement, proving his professional peak aligns with personal joy.

Off-stage, Rhett’s life revolves around family. He married Lauren Akins, his childhood sweetheart, in 2012 after a love story that could rival any country ballad. Their bond, rooted in shared summers at camp and a near-miss breakup, is the backbone of their public persona. Fans adore their authenticity—Rhett’s lyrics often draw from their life, from adoption to parenthood, making the ultrasound reveal a natural extension of his storytelling.

Lauren Akins: The Heart of the Family

Lauren Akins, born November 8, 1989, in Madison, Tennessee, is more than a celebrity spouse—she’s a force in her own right. A former nurse and philanthropist, she’s the author of the 2020 memoir Live in Love, which chronicles their romance and family life. Her work with Love One International, supporting children in Uganda, reflects her compassionate spirit, a trait that shines through in her role as a mother.

Lauren’s journey to motherhood began with challenges. After struggling to conceive, she and Rhett adopted Willa Gray from Uganda in 2017, a process that tested their resilience. Months into the adoption, they learned Lauren was pregnant with Ada James, born in August 2017. The couple welcomed Lennon Love in 2020 and Lillie Carolina in 2021, each child adding to their vibrant household. Lauren’s Instagram is a treasure trove of family moments—Willa’s art projects, Ada’s sass, Lennon’s giggles, and Lillie’s mischief—painting a picture of a home bursting with love and chaos.

Her role in the announcement video was pivotal. As Rhett sang, Lauren’s radiant smile and the ultrasound photos she held stole the show. “Are you ready, honey?” she asked, her voice brimming with excitement. Her visible joy underscored their partnership, making the reveal not just a performance but a shared celebration.

The Announcement: A Musical Masterpiece Meets Family Milestone

The Instagram video, posted on August 26, 2025, is quintessential Thomas Rhett: heartfelt, creative, and deeply personal. Standing outdoors with his guitar, he strummed a familiar melody, but the lyrics were new: “Well I was wrappin’ my head around bein’ a dad / A bigger wrench got thrown in the plans we thought we had / Now Lauren’s showin’ and got one on the way / Yeah, that’s five under 10, hey what can I say? Yeah, life changes.” As he sang, Lauren stepped into view, rubbing her baby bump and holding ultrasound images, her grin infectious. The couple’s chemistry was palpable, a reminder of why fans root for them.

The choice to reimagine “Life Changes” was inspired. The original song, a No. 1 hit, chronicled Rhett’s journey from single life to marriage and fatherhood, with lines about adopting Willa and welcoming Ada. By updating it, Rhett tied this new chapter to his past, creating a narrative thread that resonates with longtime listeners. The acoustic arrangement stripped away polish, letting the emotion shine—his voice cracked slightly, betraying the weight of the moment.

Fans flooded social media with reactions. “Thomas Rhett making me cry with this announcement!” one X user wrote. Another tweeted, “Five under 10? That’s a country song in itself!” The video racked up millions of views, with outlets like Billboard and People praising its charm. The ultrasound photos, though blurry, became a focal point, symbolizing hope and new beginnings.

The Journey to Five: A Family Built on Faith and Love

The road to baby number five hasn’t been without its twists. Rhett and Lauren’s fertility struggles in the early 2010s led them to adoption, a decision rooted in their faith and Lauren’s work in Uganda. Willa Gray’s arrival was a milestone, followed by the surprise of Ada’s pregnancy. “We were wrapping our heads around adoption, and then boom—two kids at once,” Rhett once joked in an interview. Lennon and Lillie followed, each birth a celebration but also a logistical juggle.

In 2022, Rhett told a radio show they were open to more kids, citing older mentors who regretted not having larger families. “No one in their sixties says, ‘I wish I had less kids,’” he said. The couple debated adoption versus biological children, a conversation that continued into 2024. This fifth child, due date and gender yet to be revealed, marks another leap of faith. “It’s controlled chaos,” Rhett admitted in 2021, describing life with four kids. With five under 10, that chaos is set to amplify.

Lauren’s role as the family’s anchor is evident. Her memoir details the challenges of parenting while supporting Rhett’s touring schedule. She’s candid about the exhaustion—late-night feedings, tantrums, and the emotional toll of adoption paperwork—but also the joy. “Our girls are our world,” she wrote on Instagram, hinting at the excitement of their “big sisters” for the new baby.

The Cultural Impact: Redefining Family in the Spotlight

Rhett and Akins’ openness about their family resonates in an era where celebrity transparency is prized. Unlike stars who shield their personal lives, they invite fans in, sharing everything from diaper disasters to adoption advocacy. Their story challenges stereotypes about country music families—often portrayed as traditional to a fault—by embracing adoption and global outreach.

The announcement also taps into a broader cultural moment. In 2025, as birth rates decline in many Western countries, large families like Rhett’s stand out. Their choice to expand reflects a countercultural embrace of abundance, rooted in their Christian faith. Posts on X celebrate this, with fans calling them “inspiration for big-family dreams.” Others praise Lauren’s strength, with one user noting, “She makes five kids look like a breeze!”

Musically, Rhett’s announcement reinforces his brand of storytelling. Country music thrives on authenticity, and by using “Life Changes” to share his news, he bridges art and life. It’s a move reminiscent of legends like Johnny Cash, who wove personal struggles into song. Fans speculate the new baby might inspire more music, perhaps a track on his next album, rumored for 2026.

The Challenges and Joys of Five Under 10

Five children under 10 is no small feat, even for a power couple like Rhett and Akins. In past interviews, Rhett described parenting as “watching your heart walk around outside your body.” The couple’s home in Nashville is a whirlwind of activity—school runs, ballet recitals, and impromptu sing-alongs. With a fifth on the way, they’ll need a tour bus just for family outings.

Yet, the joys outweigh the chaos. Rhett has spoken about watching his daughters grow: Willa’s creativity, Ada’s wit, Lennon’s kindness, and Lillie’s spunk. He’s joked about their critiques of his music—“They’re my toughest critics!”—but also their pride when he performs. The new baby will join a household buzzing with love, where big sisters are already “really excited,” as Rhett noted.

Logistically, the couple is prepared. They’ve renovated their home to accommodate their growing clan, and Lauren’s organizational skills are legendary among friends. Financially, Rhett’s success—bolstered by sold-out tours like 2025’s Better in Boots Tour and endorsement deals—ensures stability. But it’s their emotional resilience that shines. “God is so good,” their caption read, a nod to the faith that guides them through sleepless nights and diaper changes.

The Bigger Picture: Balancing Stardom and Fatherhood

Rhett’s ability to juggle a blockbuster career with family life is remarkable. In July 2025, he headlined a sold-out show at Fenway Park, a career high. His tour schedule is grueling, yet he prioritizes family, often flying home between dates. Lauren, meanwhile, balances philanthropy and parenting, her calm demeanor grounding the family.

This announcement comes at a time when Rhett’s influence is peaking. His music, with its blend of heart and humor, speaks to a generation navigating modern life’s complexities. The ultrasound reveal isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a cultural touchstone, showing that even stars face the beautiful mess of parenthood. As one fan commented, “Thomas and Lauren make you believe in love and family, no matter how crazy life gets.”

Fan Reactions: A Social Media Love Fest

The internet exploded with joy post-announcement. On Instagram, fans left thousands of heart emojis and congratulations. “This is why I love country music—real stories, real love,” one wrote. On X, hashtags like #RhettBaby5 trended, with memes of Rhett juggling five kids while strumming a guitar. Media outlets amplified the buzz, with headlines calling it “the cutest reveal ever.”

The ultrasound photos, though not detailed, sparked speculation about the baby’s gender. “Hoping for a boy to balance the girl power!” one fan tweeted, though Rhett, a self-proclaimed “girl dad,” seems content either way. The couple’s openness invites fans into their journey, fostering a connection that’s rare in celebrity culture.

Looking Ahead: A New Verse for the Rhett Family

As the due date approaches—likely in 2026, based on Lauren’s visible bump—the Rhetts are embracing the unknown. Will the baby inspire new songs? Perhaps a lullaby or another chart-topper? Will they adopt again, as they’ve hinted? Whatever the future holds, their story is one of resilience, faith, and music as a universal language.

Good Fortune may be the title of another star’s project, but it perfectly describes the Rhetts’ life. With five kids under 10, they’re writing their own epic, one ultrasound at a time. As Rhett sang, “Life changes, you wake up ain’t nothing the same.” For Thomas, Lauren, and their growing brood, that’s the sweetest melody of all.