Before Thomas Rhett Welcomed His First Son, Russell Dickerson Sent Him A Heartfelt Message

Russell Dickerson and Thomas Rhett share more than just a place in country music. The two of them have also built a close friendship over the years, bonding over their careers and raising families. So when Rhett recently welcomed his fifth child, and first baby boy, Dickerson made sure he was there cheering him on behind the scenes.

Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, announced the arrival of their newest family member, Brave Elijah Akins, on Friday, February 27, about a week after he was born. The baby boy joins his sisters Willa Gray (10), Ada James (8), Lennon Love (6), and Lillie Carolina (4).

While recently serving as a co-host on Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton, Dickerson revealed that he knew Rhett and his wife were heading to the hospital and decided to send him a text the night before to show his support. Although Rhett didn’t know the baby’s gender at the time, Dickerson appeared to be hopeful that his friend would finally get his first son.

 “I told him we’re praying for a healthy baby boy.  They didn’t know going in what gender it was gonna be,” he shared.

The Tennessee native also said he sent a follow-up message congratulating the couple when news finally dropped that they had in fact welcomed a boy. He noted that Rhett responded with enthusiasm writing, “I can’t believe it. Finally got a boy.’” 

When the official announcement post went live to the world, fans got the first glimpse at the adorable baby boy through a carousel of newborn photos, and special family moments captured in the hospital with alongside their four daughters. At the time, Lauren revealed that Brave was born at nearly 10 pounds.

“Oh. my. goodness. Our hearts are just in a big ole puddle with this precious baby BOY 🩵 🦆🩵⚾️🩵🦌🩵🐟🩵,” she wrote. 

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A post shared by Lauren Akins (@laur_akins)

Hundreds of fans and fellow country acts filled the comment section with heartfelt messages. Among them was Dickerson’s wife, Kailey, who expressed her excitement over the inevitable friendship that will be formed between Brave and her two sons, Remington Edward, 5, and Radford Arthur, 2.

She wrote, “The adventures of Rem, Rad, and Brave are loading….. 🥹”

Russell Dickerson’s friendship with the “Beautiful As You” singer goes back years. In addition to spending time on the road together on past tours, their families have also grown close. Back in 2024, they spent Easter together and even might have gotten a glimpse into their future when Dickerson’s son Remington was spotted holding hands with Rhett’s daughter, Lennon.

“We did not initiate this at all,” Russell told Us Weekly at the time. “That wasn’t even their youngest daughter. That’s like their second youngest, which Remi is way younger than but they’re about the same size so I guess they thought they were the same age.”

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A post shared by Thomas Rhett Akins (@thomasrhettakins)

He went on to explain that Lennon walked up to Remi, grabbed his hand and they proceeded to make their way around the party. When Rhett noticed what was going on he first did a double take and then turned to the camera and signaled a thumbs down. Luckily this adorable moment was captured on video and shared across the artists’ socials.

 “The video could not have been more perfect. They’re walking by and TR sees them and he’s just, like, thumbs down. I was like, ‘Whatever, bro.’ He just knows that he’s going to be the one that has to pay for the wedding and we’re not going to settle for anything subpar.”

It’s clear that the bond between Russell Dickerson and Thomas Rhett goes beyond music. From cheering each other on through big life moments to watching the next generation of their kids form friendships of their own, it’s safe to say their friendship is built to last.