Alan Jackson’s eldest daughter, Mattie Jackson Smith, just announced she’s pregnant with her first child. This news is especially positive because Mattie’s personal life took a heartbreaking turn before she married her second husband, Connor Smith.
Taste of Country published the news that Mattie is expecting in 2024, and the article included a photo carousel that Mattie uploaded to Instagram along with a message to her fans and followers. Mattie wrote, “I feel like I said so many times last year that 2023 topped the charts with more joy and celebration and redemption than any yet. Well, I have a feeling 2024 may give it a run for its money.”
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The beautiful photos include a shot of Connor embracing Mattie with happy smiles on their faces as she displays ultrasound images of her unborn baby. Another shot is of Mattie cradling her baby bump, and there’s a sweet photo of Mattie and Connor’s dog in front of a Christmas tree with the ultrasound attached to his dog collar.
Mattie is 33, and she married Connor last year in a lavish ceremony at the upscale Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Taste of Country reported that Mattie posted just a few wedding photos on Instagram with the message, “Wooooo we did it!! Grateful is a gigantic understatement. Off to the islands with my husband!”
Alan wrote a song, “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” meant to be played at his three daughters’ weddings. So far, Mattie and her middle sister, Alexandra (Ali) Jane, have danced with Alan at their wedding receptions as his touching song played.
Conner Is Mattie’s Second Husband
Ben Selecman was Mattie’s first husband, and he passed away unexpectedly in 2018 during a holiday weekend gathering with Mattie and her parents in Florida. Ben hit his head on a slippery concrete boat dock, and he never recovered.
Mattie wrote about her experience as a young wife widowed just before her first anniversary. Her book is called Lemons on Friday, and she appeared on network shows, including Today in 2021, to discuss her critically acclaimed memoir.
Mattie allegedly met Connor on a blind date. Although he keeps a low profile on social media, Country Music Family confirmed that Mattie and Connor were officially dating in April 2022. Mattie also rejoiced about her new romance on social media.
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Mattie wrote that “other dear widow friends assured me that my heart could heal and expand to love two people equally, though differently,” and she added that she hoped so desperately “that would really be true.” She said Connor was “more of an answer to prayer (mine and countless others!) than I sometimes think he even realizes.”
On Valentine’s Day 2023, Mattie wrote a glowing description of Connor on social media. She called Connor her “Biggest blessing. Best friend. Future hubs. Also music blaster, booty slapper, dream cheerer, tear wiper, goofy dancer, car washer, wine sharer, excessively large fire maker, hand holder.”
As of today, Mattie can add “daddy to be” to her description of Connor.
Other Big Names Congratulated the Expectant Couple
After Mattie announced her pregnancy news on Instagram, some famous names dropped in to leave their well wishes in the comments. Thomas Rhett’s wife, Lauren, wrote, “Congratulations sweet sister,” while country artist Lee Ann Womack wrote, “OMG! Congratulations,” and Sadie Robertson Huff of Duck Dynasty fame also chimed in with a sweet message.
Mattie and Connor’s baby will be Alan and his wife Denise’s second grandchild. Their first grandchild is Alexandra’s little boy, Jackson Bradshaw, born in December 2022, just two days before Alan and Denise’s 43rd wedding anniversary.
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Alan celebrated his wedding anniversary and first grandchild with an Instagram post, including a photo of him and Denise holding baby Jackson.
Alan wrote, “Denise and I are celebrating our 43rd wedding anniversary with our new grandson Jackson Alvie Bradshaw. Ali and Sam welcomed Jack into the world on Dec 13, 2022. So happy that this little guy has made us grandparents!”
