Country Singer Drake White and Wife Face Heartbreaking Loss of Newborn Daughter
What would you do if your greatest dream—becoming a parent—turned into heartbreak in a matter of minutes? For country singer Drake White and his wife Alex, that unimaginable reality became true when their newborn daughter,
Della Elizabeth White, passed away only 20 minutes after her birth. Their story, marked by hope, struggle, and unwavering faith, has now touched countless hearts and reminds us of the fragility of life, even amidst joy.
A Heartbreaking Arrival
On August 31, Della Elizabeth was born prematurely at 29 weeks, weighing 3 pounds 3.5 ounces and measuring 13.5 inches. Just 20 minutes after entering the world, she passed away. In a heartfelt Instagram post on September 8, the Whites shared:
“Our precious daughter, Della Elizabeth White, went peacefully to be with Jesus. We are so thankful for the holy moments God gave us with her.”
The couple included scripture from Psalm 34:18 and Psalm 31, expressing trust in God amid unimaginable grief. Alex added:
“We are heartbroken and soul tired, but we know we will get through this difficult time with the strength, peace, and joy that only our Heavenly Father can provide.”
Their words resonated widely, with fans offering prayers and support, echoing the hope that Della is “held in the arms of Jesus until we see her again someday.”
A Long Road to Parenthood
Drake and Alex’s journey to parenthood had been filled with challenges. After six years of fertility treatments, they welcomed their first son, William Hawk, in 2022. Della was conceived via IVF earlier this year.
Both parents have faced personal health hurdles: Drake survived a stroke in 2019 during a performance, and Alex lives with type 1 diabetes and an autoimmune disorder, complicating her pregnancy.
What began as a moment of celebration in May, when they announced the pregnancy, tragically ended in loss, highlighting the highs and lows of their remarkable journey.
The Day of Della’s Birth
Premature birth at 29 weeks carries significant risks. While medical advances have improved survival rates for preterm infants, the challenges remain steep. For the Whites, Della’s life was brief but meaningful. They held her, prayed over her, and shared her story publicly—not just to honor her, but to offer comfort to other families navigating similar losses.
Support from the Community
The country music community responded with an outpouring of love. Fellow artists like Raelynn, Jessie James Decker, and Lauren Alaina shared condolences, while fans recounted their own experiences with pregnancy loss and preterm birth. The Whites’ openness provided a space for shared grief, reflection, and encouragement.
Raising Awareness
Their story also shines a light on the realities of premature birth. According to the March of Dimes, about 1 in 10 babies in the U.S. is born prematurely. Survival rates improve after 32 weeks, but at 29 weeks, risks remain high. By sharing their experience, the Whites bring awareness to these challenges and highlight the importance of supporting families facing similar hardships.
Looking Forward
While memorial details for Della have not been shared, the couple focuses on grieving privately and leaning on their faith. As they care for William, their journey reflects both profound loss and the resilience required to continue moving forward.
Conclusion
Though Della Elizabeth White lived only minutes, her impact on her parents, family, and community is immeasurable. Drake and Alex White’s courage in sharing her story highlights the fragility of life, the reality of preterm birth, and the sustaining power of faith and love.
In their openness, they remind us that even the briefest lives can leave lasting impressions and that collective support and compassion can provide comfort in the most devastating moments.