Emmy Russell’s life has been a whirlwind since audiences met her on American Idol. Following in the footsteps of her legendary grandmother, Loretta Lynn, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter made a deep run for the season 22 crown. She then went on to tie the knot with her partner, songwriter Tyler Ward, with the couple welcoming a daughter in January 2025. Now, the pair have shared an online update following the baby girl’s recent hospital stay.
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Emmy Russell’s Daughter Has a “Very, Very Rare” Condition
Earlier this week, Emmy Russell and her husband, Tyler Ward, asked for prayers after revealing that their 6-month-old daughter, Taylor Raydiant Ward, had been hospitalized following “small seizures.” On Tuesday (July 22), the couple took to social media to share that baby Taylor had been diagnosed with “infantile spasms.”
The “very, very rare” condition affects roughly .02 percent of infants in the United States, Ward said. Fortunately, patients can see positive results if treated early.
“It’s about 50/50 chance, which is crazy,” Ward said in a video posted to social media. “We feel like y’all’s prayers and support have actually made a huge difference. We saw her this morning before we gave her to the MRI, and she seems more like she’s more herself.”
Fighting back tears, the Song House founder, 41, continued, “Seeing the support… I don’t even have words. I’m just really grateful, and I know that Emmy is grateful. This is a process.”
‘American Idol’ Star Is Back Home With Her Daughter
In a later update, Emmy Russell and Tyler Ward shared that a radiologist had declared Taylor’s MRI results “normal” and sent the infant home with her parents and medication.
A visibly emotional Russell called the news “actually a miracle.”
“With infantile spasms, it’s very severe and scary,” said the “Skinny” singer. “So the fact that she has no problems with her brain is a miracle. Might be a couple delays.”
“We love delays,” Ward chimed in. “We’ll start her in kindergarten a year later, it’s fine.”
On Wednesday morning (July 23), Russell shared a video of a “babbling,” “smiling” Taylor re-adjusting to life back home on her own Instagram Stories.
“I’m just praying for a full recovery,” the first-time mom said. “She’s doing really good. She’s so beautiful. I’m so glad that she’s home.”
Featured image courtesy of Emmy Russell via Instagram
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