NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Country music star Taylor Kerr of Maddie & Tae is celebrating the arrival of her second child. Kerr and her husband, songwriter Josh Kerr, welcomed their newborn son last month and took to social media on November 14 to share the joyful news. The couple revealed that baby Chapel Shields Kerr was born earlier than expected and is currently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where he is gaining strength before coming home.
Welcoming Baby Chapel: “We Are Absolutely in Love”
In an emotional post featuring photos of baby Chapel, Taylor shared her gratitude and excitement for their new family member. “Chapel Shields Kerr surprised us on October 29, and we are absolutely in love with our perfect little boy,” she wrote. “He’s making big moves in the NICU, and we can’t wait to have him home with us soon.” The heartfelt message was met with an outpouring of love and support from fans, friends, and fellow artists.
Chapel is the second child for Taylor and Josh, who welcomed their first child, daughter Leighton Grace, in January 2022. Taylor’s journey to motherhood has been one of her most fulfilling experiences, adding a new dimension to her career as a musician.
Announcing the Pregnancy and Excitement for a Son
Taylor first announced her pregnancy during Maddie & Tae’s appearance at the CMA Fest in June, where she expressed her excitement about expanding her family with a son. “We’re having baby number two late this fall,” she shared with Audacy’s Rob + Holly, dressed in a pink dress that accentuated her baby bump. “I have a two-year-old girl, but this one is a boy, and Maddie is already a boy mom, so I’m like [asking her] ‘What are all the tips?!’”
For Taylor, expecting a son meant stepping into a new chapter of motherhood. Having watched her duo partner Maddie Font embrace motherhood with her own son, Taylor felt prepared and supported by Maddie’s experiences.
Maddie Font’s Support: Hand-Me-Downs and Diaper Tips
Maddie Font, Taylor’s Maddie & Tae partner and close friend, welcomed her own son, Forrest Henry, last September and was eager to help Taylor prepare for life as a “boy mom.” Reflecting on her own journey, Maddie was quick to lend a hand — and hand-me-downs. “I gotchu girl,” Maddie assured Taylor, confident in her ability to offer guidance. “I gave her all the hand-me-downs, she’s ready to go! I saved them all [because] I know she wanted a boy so bad, so I was manifesting, I had the bag packed ready to go.”
Beyond baby clothes and gear, Maddie also shared her own “boy mom” wisdom. Her top advice? Speedy diaper changes. “Change diapers quickly! It’s just an art form,” she laughed. “It just has to be fast!” As two close friends navigating motherhood together, Maddie and Taylor share a unique bond, balancing their careers and parenting roles while offering each other unwavering support.
Balancing Motherhood and Music: Living the Dream
With growing families, songwriting careers, and new music, Maddie & Tae are embracing both the challenges and rewards of their chosen paths. They are also determined to inspire other women who may feel they need to choose between raising a family and pursuing a dream. “We’ve always wanted to be moms,” Maddie expressed, reflecting on her own dreams of motherhood and her passion for music. “Being songwriters and musicians and being moms are like our two biggest dreams in the world. We don’t really sleep a lot and we kinda feel like zombies, but we are doin’ it.”
Maddie and Taylor’s commitment to balancing family life with a thriving music career underscores their belief that women can indeed “do it all.” They hope to serve as an example to other women in similar positions. “I think our goal is to just really show women that you truly can do it all,” Maddie said. “I can’t guarantee that you will get rest, but you can truly have it all — you don’t have to pick one or the other.”
The Journey of Motherhood in the Spotlight
For both Maddie and Taylor, motherhood has introduced them to new priorities and responsibilities, but it has also enhanced their connection to their fans. Sharing these personal milestones has created a deep bond with their audience, many of whom relate to the joys and struggles of balancing work and family. Their openness about parenthood has resonated with fans who appreciate their honesty, as they candidly discuss the fatigue and the triumphs that come with juggling multiple roles.
Maddie and Taylor’s transparency offers a refreshing glimpse into the lives of women who are determined to thrive in both family and career. Their fans see them not only as talented artists but as real people facing similar challenges and celebrating similar joys.
A New Chapter for Maddie & Tae
As Maddie & Tae continue to evolve both as musicians and mothers, they remain committed to their music and their families. Their latest experiences in motherhood are likely to influence their upcoming songs and projects, adding depth and personal insight to their work. Both women see their roles as mothers not as a hindrance but as an enrichment to their music, bringing fresh perspectives to their lyrics and performances.
The journey of Maddie & Tae reflects a new generation of artists who are determined to pursue their passions while embracing family life. Their shared commitment to both realms represents a shift in the music industry, where women are increasingly empowered to chase their dreams without having to compromise on motherhood.
Fans and Followers Share in the Joy
The announcement of baby Chapel’s arrival has been met with enthusiastic support from fans, who have followed Maddie & Tae through their musical journey and personal milestones. Social media was flooded with congratulatory messages, as fans sent their best wishes to the family and expressed their admiration for Taylor’s strength and resilience. Many have noted the inspiring example Maddie & Tae set, showcasing how women can succeed in their careers while raising a family.
As Taylor and Josh eagerly await the day they can bring baby Chapel home, they are buoyed by the love and encouragement they have received from their community. This support has reinforced their belief that they can navigate the challenges of parenting alongside their demanding music careers.
A Legacy of Love, Music, and Family
With their growing families and successful music careers, Maddie & Tae are creating a legacy of love, resilience, and inspiration. Their journey demonstrates the evolving roles of women in the music industry and beyond, showing that family and career need not be mutually exclusive. For Taylor and Maddie, becoming mothers has added a new layer of meaning to their lives and their music, deepening their connection to each other and their fans.
The arrival of baby Chapel Shields Kerr marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Kerr family, filled with hope, strength, and love. As Taylor and Josh prepare to welcome their son home, they do so with the knowledge that they have a support network that includes family, friends, and fans. Their journey continues to inspire countless others who, like Maddie & Tae, strive to “do it all” — embracing life’s many roles and the joy that each one brings.
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