Emmy Russell, the granddaughter of country music legend Loretta Lynn, and her boyfriend, Tyler Ward, have officially welcomed their first baby together.
“We arrived at the hospital on Wednesday evening after Emmy’s water broke. She gave birth early Friday morning at 2:30 a.m., and it was an incredibly difficult experience,” Ward, 40, shared in an Instagram video on Sunday, February 2. “She’s still in the hospital. We were almost discharged, and then this happened.”
Ward then turned the camera to Russell, 26, who described feeling lightheaded and close to fainting.
“They told me I lost a liter of blood and that I’ll need a blood transfusion,” Russell explained. “Now, we’re waiting on more tests to see if I’ll need additional blood. But it’s all going to be worth it.”
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Russell remained hospitalized for several days before finally being discharged on Wednesday, February 5, after receiving a transfusion.
“I feel so much better,” the American Idol alum shared in an update that day. “I’m still feeling weak, but I had to get two full bags of blood. I ended up losing 1.6 liters—more than they initially realized.”
She went on to express how difficult the experience had been, especially being separated from her newborn during her recovery.
Emmy Russell“I spent a whole week in the hospital, and I’ve missed out on holding my baby,” she admitted. “I’ve had emotional breakdowns constantly—just trying to breastfeed has been so hard because I had no energy. The guilt that comes with it has been overwhelming.”
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Russell made sure to praise Ward for stepping up and taking care of their daughter while she recovered.
“He’s been incredible,” she said. “Even before I fully realized how bad things were, he had already taken over—changing every diaper, feeding her when I couldn’t. He’s been so hands-on, but I really want him to have some time for himself too.”
Ward, in response, lightheartedly mentioned his hopes of returning to his music career once Russell is well enough to share more of the parenting duties.
“I’d love to make some music again one day,” he joked. Russell also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received during her challenging childbirth experience.
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“I never realized how real this struggle could be,” she wrote in her post. “Thank you all so much for your prayers , seriously!! And a special thank you to my love @tylerwardmusic for handling all the diaper changes.”
Russell first announced in December 2024 that she and Ward were expecting their first child.
“Y’all, Tyler and I are having a baby girl,” she revealed during an appearance on the Got It From My Momma podcast. “I’m so excited. Right after American Idol, I had no idea I was pregnant. It’s been quite a journey, and I can’t wait for what’s ahead.”
