7 Surprising Facts About Thomas Rhett's Wife, Lauren Akins: Baby No. 5, Memoir, And Her Philanthropic Mission
Country music superstar Thomas Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, are one of Nashville’s most beloved couples, but Lauren is far more than just a famous spouse. As of today, December 22, 2025, the couple is preparing for a major life change: the arrival of their fifth child, due in early 2026. Lauren has built a significant platform as an author, philanthropist, and podcast host, transforming her personal story of love, adoption, and motherhood into a source of inspiration for millions.
Their enduring love story, which began in childhood, has been the subject of several of Thomas Rhett’s hit songs, but Lauren Akins has carved out her own powerful identity. Beyond the spotlight of her husband’s career, she is a dedicated humanitarian, a New York Times bestselling author, and a mother to four (soon to be five) young daughters.
Lauren Akins: A Quick Biography and Family Profile
Lauren Akins (née Gregory) is an American author, philanthropist, and public speaker who has captured hearts with her candid approach to family life and her deep commitment to charity work.
- Full Name: Lauren Gregory Akins
- Date of Birth: November 8, 1989
- Place of Birth: Madison, Tennessee
- Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville (graduated 2012)
- Career: Author, Philanthropist, Podcast Host, Registered Nurse (former)
- Spouse: Thomas Rhett Akins Jr. (married 2012)
- Children: Four daughters and one baby on the way
- Daughters' Names and Ages (as of late 2025):
- Willa Gray Akins (adopted from Uganda, born 2015, approx. 9 years old)
- Ada James Akins (born 2017, approx. 8 years old)
- Lennon Love Akins (born 2020, approx. 5 years old)
- Lillie Carolina Akins (born 2021, approx. 3 years old)
- Upcoming Child: Baby No. 5, due in March 2026
- Notable Work: Memoir Live in Love: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes and Vice Chair for Love+One International
The Latest News: Preparing for Baby Number Five in 2026
The biggest update for the Akins family is the impending arrival of their fifth child. Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins announced the joyful news in August 2025, sharing a sweet social media video with their four daughters. This new addition will make them a family of seven, a truly remarkable milestone for the couple.
A March 2026 Due Date and a Gender Surprise
The anticipation is especially high because the couple has confirmed the baby is due in March 2026. In a unique twist for their family, Thomas Rhett and Lauren are choosing to wait until the moment of birth to find out the baby's gender. This decision marks a departure from their previous pregnancies and has sparked widespread speculation among fans about whether the Akins family will finally welcome a baby boy or a fifth daughter.
Thomas Rhett has openly shared his mix of excitement and "terrifying" nerves about adding a fifth child to their already busy household, acknowledging the significant change it will bring. The family is well-known for their chaotic, loving, and honest portrayal of life with multiple young children, a narrative that resonates deeply with their audience.
From Childhood Sweethearts to a Global Philanthropic Partnership
The foundation of Lauren and Thomas Rhett’s relationship is a deep, lifelong bond. They first met in the first grade and briefly dated in high school before reconnecting and ultimately marrying in 2012. Their enduring partnership has inspired many of Thomas Rhett's most popular songs, including the chart-topping hit "Die a Happy Man," which is essentially a love letter to Lauren.
The Adoption Journey and Willa Gray
A pivotal moment in their marriage and public life was their adoption journey. While on a trip to Uganda in 2016, Lauren met a young girl named Willa Gray, and felt an immediate, profound connection. This experience led the couple to adopt Willa Gray in 2017. The complex and emotional process of international adoption, which happened simultaneously with Lauren's first biological pregnancy with Ada James, is a central theme in her memoir and public speaking engagements.
Love+One International: Lauren's True Calling
Lauren Akins’ dedication to philanthropy is perhaps the most defining aspect of her public life outside of her family. Her work is primarily focused on Love+One International (formerly 147 Million Orphans), where she serves as the Vice Chair. The organization is committed to providing life-saving medical care, nutritional support, and spiritual hope to vulnerable children in Uganda.
Her hands-on involvement with the charity, which began long before Thomas Rhett’s major fame, showcases her deep-seated values and her former training as a Registered Nurse. She frequently uses her platform to advocate for adoption, foster care, and global humanitarian relief, making her a powerful voice in the space of Christian charity and activism.
Lauren Akins as an Author and Podcast Host
In 2020, Lauren cemented her status as a public figure and storyteller with the release of her memoir, Live in Love: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes. The book became a New York Times bestseller, offering an intimate and vulnerable look into her life.
The memoir covers a wide range of personal topics, including her childhood, the early days of her relationship with Thomas Rhett, the challenges of his rising fame, their journey through infertility, adoption, and even her experience with postpartum depression. Thomas Rhett himself praised the book, noting its blend of "hilarious, sad, and inspiring" stories.
Following the success of the book, Lauren launched a seasonal podcast, also titled Live in Love with Lauren Akins, on the That Sounds Fun Network. The podcast extends the book's themes, featuring conversations with guests about parenting, faith, marriage, and living a life full of purpose.
Lauren Akins continues to embody the role of a modern celebrity spouse who has successfully cultivated her own meaningful career and mission. Her commitment to her faith, her family of four daughters (and soon-to-be five children), and her humanitarian work with Love+One International ensures she remains a compelling and influential figure in her own right. Her journey is a powerful testament to finding purpose beyond the shadow of fame.
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