Alan Jackson may be one of the biggest stars in country music. But, along with his successful career, he is also one of the most doting dads in the genre. In fact, the legendary country star is the father of three beautiful daughters, Mattie, Alexandra, and Dani Grace, who he shares with his wife, high school sweetheart Denise Jackson.
Folks may remember catching a glimpse of Jackson’s baby girls when they made a cameo near the end of his music video for his 2002 hit “Drive (For Daddy Gene).” Since then, those same girls have grown up, and they’ve carved out different paths for themselves.
Jackson, of course, has continued to show his love and appreciation for his children in different ways, including through his music. In April of 2021, the Newnan, Georgia native released his song, “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” as a dedication to his three daughters.
Now that the Jackson girls are a little bit older, here is a deeper look into what they’ve been up to over the past few years.
Mattie Denise Jackson Selecman
The first child to enter Jackson’s life as the oldest sister of two siblings is Mattie Denise Jackson. She was born on June 19, 1990. Five years after graduating from the University of Tennessee, on October 7, 2017, she married the love of her life, Ben Selecman. Sadly, though, her husband passed away one-month short of the couple’s 1st wedding anniversary. He suffered a traumatic brain injury while on vacation in Florida.
Though she is heavy-hearted, Selecman, 31, has stayed strong and remained optimistic while leaning on her faith. She has been open with others about her painful loss on social media and has written a book called Lemons On Friday that details her heartbreak, the healing process, and hope for the future. Jackson co-wrote the song “Racing The Dark” alongside Mattie to accompany the book release.
Before losing her husband, Selecman, a professionally trained wine steward, owned a wine bar in Nashville called Salt & Vine. She is now a co-founder of a venture called “NaSHEville,” which aims to serve women and children in need – particularly orphans, widows, and trafficked women.
Alexandra Jane Jackson Bradshaw
Taking on the role of the middle child is Alexandra Jane Jackson (Bradshaw). Born on August 23, 1993, Bradshaw’s parents affectionately call her “Ali.” At one point, Bradshaw may have been the most mischievous of the three daughters. In 2013, she got in trouble with the law when a police officer pulled her and a friend over on the highway. At the time, Bradshaw was riding in the passenger seat of the vehicle and had been underage drinking. According to Metro Nashville Police, she was charged with assault, underage consumption of alcohol, and resisting arrest during a traffic stop.
These days, however, Bradshaw is far from rebellion, and happily married to husband Sam Bradshaw. She tends to stay out of the public eye and off of social media more than her elder sister, aside from penning a few thoughtful tributes to her dad. In 2017, she did honor her father, posting a heartfelt message to him on Facebook, as part of his Country Music Hall of Fame induction celebration.
“The world sees you as follows: a great musician, an impressive songwriter, and a talented vocalist,” Bradshaw wrote at the time. “I see you as: my best friend, the guy that taught me that how you treat people matters more than anything else and taught me just how to stand on my own two feet. You’re every daughter’s dream father. Thank you for raising us in a house filled with Jesus and music and always making sure we knew whatever our dream was could be our reality.”
Alexandra “Ali,” previously joined Jackson on stage in Nashville to sing, “You’ll Always Be My Baby.”
Dani Grace Jackson
The baby of the family, Dani Grace Jackson, was born on August 28, 1997. Her birthday is only five days apart from Bradshaw’s. And, just like Bradshaw, she too stays out of the public eye and off of social media. So, there’s not much information floating around on the internet about the youngest Jackson. Luckily for fans, Selecman is active on social media and often pays tribute to her younger siblings. In the fall of 2020, Selecman paid an adorable tribute to Jackson with a 23rd birthday post.
“Happy 23rd birthday to my baby sister @danigrace11 !” Selecman wrote on Instagram alongside a photo slideshow featuring the two of them. “I have truly never known someone with such a tender, loving heart. You are more beautiful in more ways than you know, and I am so grateful to be your sister and friend.”
