The country music community is mourning with singer Drake White and his wife, Alex, who revealed that their newborn daughter, Della Elizabeth White, died only 20 minutes after being born prematurely at 29 weeks.
In a joint Instagram post on September 8, the couple shared that Della was delivered on Sunday, August 31, at 8:52 a.m., weighing 3 pounds 3.5 ounces and measuring 13.5 inches long. She passed away at 9:12 a.m. “Our precious daughter, Della Elizabeth White, went peacefully to be with Jesus,” the statement read. “We are so thankful for the holy moments God gave us with her.”
The Whites’ message also carried words of faith, quoting scripture. They included Psalm 34:18, which says, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit,” as well as passages from Psalm 31: “I am dying from my grief; my years are shortened by sadness… But I am trusting you, O Lord, saying, ‘You are my God!’ My future is in your hands.”
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.” The post closed with a line that has since been shared widely by fans: “May Della be held in the arms of Jesus until we see her again someday.”
A Long Journey to Parenthood
Drake and Alex have been open about their long struggle to build a family. They underwent six years of fertility treatments before their son, William Hawk, was born in 2022. Their second child, Della, was conceived via IVF after another embryo transfer earlier this year. Alex shared the pregnancy news publicly in May, revealing that the couple were expecting a girl due in November.
Their journey to parenthood has been compounded by health challenges. In 2019, Drake suffered a stroke onstage during a performance in Virginia, which left him temporarily unable to walk. His recovery was long and difficult but became part of his identity as both an artist and a person of resilience. Alex has faced her own health struggles, living with type 1 diabetes and an autoimmune disorder that made pregnancy more complicated.
When the couple announced they were expecting again, fans and fellow musicians celebrated alongside them, knowing the hardships they had already endured. That anticipation turned into collective grief when their daughter’s short life was announced.
The Day of Della’s Birth
Della’s premature birth at 29 weeks came nearly three months before her due date. Babies born at that stage often require extended stays in neonatal intensive care units, and survival rates depend on numerous factors. Despite medical advances, risks remain significant for infants born so early.
In Della’s case, her life was measured in minutes. The Whites held her, prayed over her, and said their goodbyes. By choosing to share those details publicly, they allowed fans and supporters to understand not only their grief but also the love they poured into their daughter in her brief time alive.
Response from the Country Music Community
The announcement prompted an immediate outpouring of support from across Nashville and beyond. Fellow singers RaeLynn, Jessie James Decker, and Lauren Alaina were among those who sent condolences, commenting directly on the Whites’ post and offering prayers for comfort.
Fans also flooded the couple’s social media pages with messages of sympathy. Many shared their own stories of losing children or facing pregnancy complications, creating a communal expression of grief that extended far beyond music. Others sent passages of scripture or words of encouragement, echoing the faith-centered language that Drake and Alex used in their announcement.
A Public Couple, a Private Grief
Drake White, known for songs such as “Livin’ the Dream,” has built his career on themes of perseverance, joy, and faith. His marriage to Alex, and their journey through personal trials, has often been a part of his public persona. Both have spoken in interviews about the impact of Drake’s stroke, their efforts to start a family, and how faith guided them through setbacks.
Yet, as public as their lives have sometimes been, this moment marks one of the most personal challenges they have shared. By posting directly about Della’s life and death, the couple opened a window into an experience many families endure but few discuss openly. In doing so, they both invited empathy and made space for others who have gone through similar losses.
Broader Awareness
Their announcement has also drawn attention to the realities of preterm birth. According to the March of Dimes, about one in ten babies in the United States is born prematurely, with varying degrees of medical complications. Survival rates improve significantly after 32 weeks of gestation, but at 29 weeks, risks of fatal complications remain high. The Whites’ tragedy underscores the fragility of life at that stage.
Looking Ahead
The couple have not released details about memorial services or other arrangements. For now, they appear focused on grieving privately while maintaining a connection with their community through faith. Their statement made clear that they intend to lean on God and the support of their network.
As parents to William, now two years old, they will continue to balance grief with raising their son. For their supporters, the call is simple: to honor Della’s short life by standing alongside Drake and Alex as they navigate the aftermath.
A Family’s Loss Felt Beyond Nashville
What resonates most in this story is the humanity at its core. A couple who faced years of challenges finally saw their hopes realized, only to be shattered within minutes. By sharing their story, they made public something deeply private, but in doing so, they connected with thousands who understand, in some way, the pain of losing a child.
The death of Della Elizabeth White is a tragedy measured not in the minutes she lived but in the lives she touched. For Drake and Alex, she will remain their daughter, loved and remembered. For fans, fellow musicians, and families who have experienced similar loss, she is a symbol of fragility, faith, and the power of community in mourning.