Alan Jackson’s Greatest Gift: The Story of His Three Daughters — Mattie, Alexandra, and Dani
For country music legend Alan Jackson, family has always been at the heart of his life and music. While fans around the world know him for chart-topping hits like “Remember When” and “Drive,” those closest to him know a different side — the devoted father who cherishes his three daughters: Mattie Denise, Alexandra Jane (Ali), and Dani Grace Jackson.
In 2021, Alan gave the world a glimpse into that tender side with his song “You’ll Always Be My Baby,” a heartfelt tribute written especially for his daughters. That same year, he released a touching lyric video filled with family photos, a quiet reminder that behind the fame is a man anchored by deep love for his girls.
Mattie Denise Jackson, 34: A Story of Resilience and Renewal
Born June 19, 1990, Mattie is Alan and Denise’s firstborn — and perhaps the most public-facing of the three sisters. A graduate in creative writing from the University of Tennessee, Mattie’s life took a tragic turn when her husband, Ben Selecman, passed away in 2018 after a sudden accident. They had been married less than a year.
In the wake of that heartbreak, Mattie found solace in writing. Her memoir Lemons on Friday recounts her grief journey and her search for faith and healing. She told PEOPLE, “I thought if God could use all of my questions and all of my tears… to make someone else feel like they were not alone, then it was time for me to start writing.”
Mattie also channeled her strength into action. She founded NaSHEville, a charitable apparel brand supporting widows, orphans, and trafficked women. A certified sommelier, Mattie previously owned the Nashville wine bar Salt & Vine, and today she hosts the podcast She’s in the City, where she shares insights on life, loss, and resilience.
In 2022, Mattie found love again with Connor Smith, and the couple married in May 2023. A year later, on June 20, 2024, she gave birth to their son, Wesley Alan Smith — named in honor of both his grandfathers, including Alan.
Alexandra Jane “Ali” Jackson Bradshaw, 30: Glamour Meets Grace
Ali, born August 23, 1993, has always carried a touch of elegance. She married Sam Bradshaw in July 2020 in a wedding that beautifully merged her refined taste with Sam’s love for the outdoors. The ceremony was poetic — staged over a firepit, framed by natural beauty and couture details.
In 2022, Ali and Sam announced they were expecting. Alan proudly shared the news, writing, “Our baby is having a baby.” Their son, Jackson Alvie Bradshaw, was born on December 13, 2022, turning Alan and Denise into grandparents for the first time — on the same weekend as their 43rd wedding anniversary.
While Ali keeps her personal life private, she made a rare public appearance alongside her father in 2021, singing “You’ll Always Be My Baby” on stage — a moment that melted hearts and showed just how close the two remain.
Dani Grace Jackson, 26: The Quiet Youngest With a Gentle Spirit
The youngest of the Jackson daughters, Dani Grace, was born August 28, 1997. While she maintains a private life, glimpses of her personality shine through in family tributes. In 2022, Mattie shared a birthday message calling Dani “kind, generous, [and] huge-hearted.”
Fans will remember Dani from her childhood appearance alongside her sisters in Alan’s “Drive” music video. Though she stays out of the public eye, it’s clear Dani remains close with her family, often gathering with her sisters and their husbands for holidays and milestones.
A Legacy of Love
Alan Jackson once said, “They’re good kids, and they’re smart, and they make good choices.” Those words now echo through the lives his daughters have built — full of strength, compassion, and quiet grace. Through loss, joy, new beginnings, and family ties that refuse to break, Mattie, Ali, and Dani are not just Alan’s babies anymore. They are his legacy — one that keeps growing, one sweet note at a time.