Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins Reveal Hidden Battle With Postpartum Depression: ‘It Felt Like A Hopeless Place’

“After Ada James, our marriage had a falling apart,” Akins revealed.

By

Madeleine O’Connell

| Posted on

June 21, 2023

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6:47 pm

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Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins; Photo via Intagram

Thomas Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, are often seen posting about the happy moments of their lives with their four kids. However, the pair recently opened up about the other, more challenging side of parenting, which in their case, includes postpartum depression. 

During an episode of Akins’ podcast Live in Loveshe was joined by Rhett as a co-host. Together, they sat down and delivered a deep dive into Akins’ diagnosis with postpartum depression. 

“After Ada James, our marriage had a falling apart,” Akins revealed.

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins; Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins; Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

She then explained that following the birth of their three-year-old daughter, Lennon Love, “the world had a falling apart,” she said referring to the COVID pandemic. 

Things seemed to take a turn for the worse after welcoming Lillie Carolina.

Thomas Rhett added, “After Lillie, I do remember it was scary for me and there’s not many people you can talk to about that because you don’t it to sound like you’re gossiping behind your wife’s back… It’s not like you want to call a buddy and be like, ‘Hey, my wife is acting super strange.’”

“Lifeless is not the right word, but along the lines of dull,” he continued. “It felt like a hopeless place for me.”

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Akins went on to explain that she understood something was not right, as it wasn’t like anything she had experienced with her other kids. 

“In the back of my mind, I was like, ‘This is not normal,’” she shared honestly. “I have experienced birthing children before and I’ve not felt this.’”

Luckily, the pair received plenty of support and guidance from friends, who encouraged Akins to look into the possibility of being diagnosed with postpartum depression.

Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins; Photo Courtesy ABC
Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins; Photo Courtesy ABC

“Having that community that you know and trust is crucial because then you know that they are coming from such a place of truth and loving [that] you don’t get offended by very much,” she expressed. 

The country singer and his wife grew up together, fell in love, and tied the knot in October of 2012. Then, in 2017, their family began to grow when they welcomed Willa Gray, their first daughter who they adopted from Uganda.

Since then, their household has welcomed three more girls, Lillie Carolina, 17 months, Lennon Love, 3, and Ada James, 5½.

Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins and Family; Photo via Instagram
Thomas Rhett, Lauren Akins and Family; Photo via Instagram

Dad Duties

While the “Slow Down Summer” singer works hard to maintain his busy artist schedule, he also prioritizes spending time at home fulfilling his dad duties.

Most recently, the family of six solidified a lifelong memory when they took a trip to the movie theaters to watch the live action version of the Disney classic, The Little Mermaid. In the photo shared to Instagram, the girls are seen smiling from ear to ear while holding onto their movie snacks and their mermaid dolls.

Akin’s caption read, “The Little Mermaid with my favorite mermaids 🧜🏾‍♀️🦀🪸🍿 Getting to see the girls’ excitement that “the real” Ariel looks like their sister just turned my heart into a giant puddle 🤎🥹🥰😭 pure magic✨”

On Tour Now

Rhett also continues to receive endless support from his family even when he’s not around to enjoy moments like this. To celebrate the kick off of his Home Team Tour 23 in May, the country singer was surprised with some colorful artwork drawn specially for him by his girls back home. 

The first framed poster featured plenty of hearts and words of encouragement that read, “We are so proud of you daddy!” The rest of the artwork included hand-drawn photos of Rhett on stage with his guitar, him and his wife, Lauren, standing under a rainbow, tracings of the girl’s hands, a collection of stickers and a surplus of “I love you Daddy.” Plus, each poster was signed by the daughter responsible for the illustrations. 

“My team trying to make me cry first night of tour… sheesh,” Rhett wrote alongside the post.

This stint of shows includes stops in 40 cities and 27 states including Nebraska, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky and more before he wraps things up in September.  

Joining Thomas Rhett on this trek are special guests Cole Swindell and Nate Smith. 

Additionally, he recently announced that after selling out his show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 30, he has added a second date for the following night. 

“Closing out the tour with a 2 night home town party in a dream,” Rhett wrote on Instagram. 

For a complete list of Thomas Rhett’s upcoming tour dates, click HERE.

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Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.