Photo: Getty Images
Charles Kelley and his wife, Cassie Kelley, have welcomed Baby No. 2!
Son Archer Lancaster Kelley, “our little miracle,” was born weighing 6 lbs., 11 oz., at 11:14 a.m. on Tuesday (September 16), the singer-songwriter and his wife confirmed with PEOPLE on Wednesday (September 17). Archer Lancaster joins big brother Ward, 9. Charles said in a statement that “we are so thankful to get to be his mom and dad, and to share the joy with his big brother, Ward, who is over the moon!”
Cassie said on her Instagram story on Wednesday that newborn Archer Lancaster is “the sweetest in the world.” She also said Ward, 9, is ”in HEAVEN,” and shared a glimpse of his excitement when he met his little brother for the first time. The new mother of two wrote that “the wonder & awe & blessing in this moment is something I’ll never forget,” as she went on to show her and Charles’ reactions when their youngest son was born. “So much joy & gratitude!”
Cassie, 42, said it was the “biggest surprise of our lives,” when she and her husband announced her pregnancy earlier this year. She and the Lady A star, 43, shared stunning family photos by photographer Mary Craven Dawkins, debuting Cassie’s growing baby bump, to announce Baby Kelley would arrive in early fall. Cassie said when she announced her pregnancy that Ward “is the MOST excited.”
Shortly after the pregnancy announcement, Cassie filmed a gender reveal and shared Charles’ and Ward’s excited reactions to learn that Baby No. 2 is another boy. She also shared a heartfelt update as she reflected on what she’s learned throughout the surprise pregnancy in her 40s.
Archer Lancaster arrives shortly after Kelley’s Lady A bandmate, Hillary Scott, welcomed Baby No. 4 with her husband, drummer Chris Tyrell. Daughter Selah Jean was born on July 25. She joined big sisters Eisele Kaye, 12, and twins Betsy and Emory, 7. Lady A bandmate Dave Haywood and his wife, Kelli Cashiola Haywood, are parents to Cash Van, 10, Lillie Renee, 7, and Joseph Michael, 1.
The Songs For A New Moon artist is one of several country stars to welcome a baby in 2025. Others with babies on the way include Scotty McCreery, Chris Lane, Hannah Ellis and more. See the list of pregnancy announcements here.