Alan Jackson’s Three Daughters: The Women Behind the Country Music Legend’s Greatest Joy
Country music icon Alan Jackson is known to millions for his heartfelt songs, timeless voice, and decades of chart-topping hits. But behind the stage lights and awards, his proudest role has been that of a husband to Denise Jackson and father to three daughters — Mattie, Alexandra, and Dani. Today, all three women are grown, building lives of their own, and even making Alan and Denise grandparents twice over.
For fans of Jackson’s music, some of these daughters are not strangers. In fact, they made a quiet but unforgettable appearance in the music video for his beloved song Drive (For Daddy Gene), which celebrates the simple but lasting memories of family life. But away from the spotlight, the three Jackson sisters have forged their own paths, each shaped by love, loss, and the values their parents instilled in them.
Mattie Denise Jackson Smith – Resilience Through Loss
Born on June 19, 1990, Mattie is the eldest of Alan and Denise’s children. Now 34, she married Connor Smith in May 2023, and the couple welcomed their first child, Wesley Alan Smith, in June 2024 — making Alan a grandfather for the second time. Mattie holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Tennessee and once ran a wine bar in Nashville as a certified sommelier.
Her life, however, has not been without heartbreak. In 2018, she lost her first husband, Ben Selecman, less than a year into their marriage after he suffered a traumatic brain injury while on vacation. Channeling her grief into purpose, Mattie co-founded “NaSHEville” with friend Brooke Tometich, a non-profit supporting orphans, widows, and trafficked women. Her work and strength stand as a testament to the resilience her parents have long admired in her.
Alexandra Jane “Ali” Jackson Bradshaw – A Daughter’s Tribute
Born on August 23, 1993, Ali, now 31, shares a particularly close bond with her father. In 2017, when Alan was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, she wrote a moving tribute: “The world sees you as a great musician… I see you as my best friend, the guy who taught me that how you treat people matters more than anything else… You’re every daughter’s dream father.”
Ali married Sam Bradshaw on July 18, 2020, and in December 2022, they welcomed their son, Jackson Alvie Bradshaw — Alan and Denise’s first grandchild. In earlier interviews, Alan predicted that Ali was the most likely of his daughters to follow him into the entertainment industry, though she has so far chosen to keep family and personal life her focus.
Dani Grace Jackson – The Private Youngest Daughter
The youngest of the Jackson sisters, Dani Grace, was born on August 28, 1997, and recently turned 27. Known for her eye for fashion since childhood, Dani has largely chosen a life away from the public eye. While she occasionally attends events with her family, she keeps her personal life private, focusing on education and her own pursuits. Her grounded nature reflects the quiet confidence her parents worked to instill in all their children.
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A Family Rooted in Love and Faith
Through all their individual journeys, Mattie, Ali, and Dani remain closely connected to their parents. Alan and Denise have always made family their top priority, ensuring their daughters grew up in a loving, faith-filled home despite the demands of fame. Many of Jackson’s songs — from the tender You’ll Always Be My Baby to the nostalgic Drive — are love letters to his family, woven with memories and heartfelt promises.
“Having children changes your life,” Alan once reflected. “You can have all the success in the world, but if your kids aren’t happy, it’s hard to enjoy it.” Today, with three grown daughters and two young grandsons, the Jackson family’s story is one of love, resilience, and the enduring bonds that no spotlight can overshadow.