At a Glance
- Emily Maynard Johnson welcomed her first grandchild on January 23, 2024.
- Daughter Ricki Hendrick, 20, posted the birth announcement on Instagram.
- The new baby joins Emily’s existing children: Jones, Nola Belle, Gatlin, Gibson and Jennings.
- Why it matters: The moment highlights family bonds and the continuation of a legacy after tragedy.
Emily Maynard Johnson, a former Bachelorette star, shared the joyous news that her daughter Ricki Hendrick has given birth to a baby girl. The announcement came via Instagram on January 23, 2024, where Emily posted two black-and-white photos: one of a doctor handing her newborn, and another of her and husband Tyler Johnson holding their first grandchild.
A New Generation Begins
The birth marks the first addition to Emily’s growing family. Ricki, 20, is the daughter of Emily and late fiancé Ricky Hendrick, who died in a plane crash in October 2004. Emily’s son, Ricki, named her after her late love.
Tyler Johnson, who shares six children with Emily-Jones (nearly 3), Nola Belle (4), Gatlin (7), Gibson (8) and Jennings (10)-shared a series of Instagram photos from the birth. He wrote, “We became grandparents today!! The feeling is inexpressible 🤍🤍🤍. This is love. 1 John 4:7-11.” The gallery showed him and Emily kissing while holding the baby, Ricki feeding her daughter from a bottle, and Ricki’s siblings posing in the hospital.
Family Reactions and Social Media
Tyler’s posts were accompanied by heartfelt captions. He emphasized the indescribable joy of becoming grandparents, using a biblical reference to underscore the depth of his feelings.
Ricki’s Instagram Stories on August 26, 2023, revealed her pregnancy. The first slide showed a screenshot of a sonogram lock screen, with the caption, “Netflix told me I’m not allowed to talk about it – Huda.” The second slide was a short clip of the ultrasound, where she wrote, “My heart is so full, yet my stomach is so empty because she hates all food. I’m convinced.”
In September, a follower asked Ricki if she would consider having a baby outside of marriage. Emily appeared in the response, walking to the camera to read the question. She jokingly said, “I’m very against it. I cannot believe anybody would ever do that. Unforgivable.” Ricki followed up with a sarcastic remark about her mother’s reaction, describing her as “pissed” and “super angry.”
Background: Emily’s Past and Family
Before her relationship with Tyler, Emily was engaged to Ricky Hendrick. After Ricky’s death, she discovered she was pregnant and gave birth to her first daughter, Josephine Riddick “Ricki.” The family has since grown to include five children from Emily and Tyler’s marriage.
Emily’s children have been active on social media, often sharing moments of family life. The birth of the newest member added another layer to their online presence, with fans celebrating the expansion.
Ricki’s Pregnancy Journey
Ricki’s pregnancy announcement was made public on Instagram Stories. The content included a sonogram screenshot and a short ultrasound clip. She used humor in her captions, noting that her future baby “hates all food.”
Her followers were invited to comment on her pregnancy. When asked about having a baby outside of marriage, the conversation shifted to family values, with Emily and Ricki exchanging playful banter.
Grandmother’s Perspective
Emily’s reaction to the birth was one of overwhelming joy. She posted photos holding the baby, often with a smile that conveyed the love she feels for her grandchild. Emily’s husband, Tyler, echoed her sentiment, describing the moment as “inexpressible.”
The grandmother’s presence in the photos-holding the baby, hugging Tyler-underscores the close-knit nature of the family. The baby’s great-grandmother also appeared in the posts, adding a sense of continuity.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2004 | Ricky Hendrick dies in a plane crash |
| Late 2004 | Emily discovers pregnancy; gives birth to Ricki |
| August 26, 2023 | Ricki announces pregnancy via Instagram Stories |
| September 2023 | Followers ask about baby outside marriage; Emily responds |
| January 23, 2024 | Ricki announces birth of her daughter on Instagram |
| January 23, 2024 | Tyler shares photos of the newborn and family reactions |
Key Takeaways
- Emily Maynard Johnson has become a grandmother after her daughter Ricki’s birth.
- The family’s social media presence highlights close bonds and shared joy.
- The story intertwines past tragedy with new beginnings, showcasing resilience.
The birth of the new baby not only expands Emily’s family tree but also cements a legacy that began with a love that survived a tragic loss. The family’s shared moments on Instagram have drawn attention from fans and followers alike, celebrating the continuation of a family line.
