For country music star Russell Dickerson, 2023 has been a landmark year in his career. However, his and his wife Kailey’s greatest joys come from simpler, more personal moments shared within their family. The couple’s journey through triumphs and challenges has brought them to a place of profound gratitude and fulfillment, as they cherish the milestones of both their professional and personal lives.
Embracing Parenthood and Simple Joys
This year, Russell and Kailey Dickerson have found themselves reveling in the small, heartwarming moments of family life. Their 11-week-old son Radford sleeping through the night and their newly potty-trained 3-year-old son Remington waking up with a clean diaper are victories they celebrate with genuine delight. “Everybody slept eight-plus hours,” Russell shares with a sense of accomplishment, while Kailey adds with blissful satisfaction, “Nine hours.”
Seated in their cozy Nashville kitchen, sipping from festive coffee mugs, the couple reflect on these precious moments. Whether it’s watching “Home Alone” with the Nashville Symphony or driving through neighborhoods adorned with holiday lights, these experiences have become treasured memories for the Dickersons. Kailey vividly recalls the morning when Remington greeted her with a heartfelt, “Good morning, Mommy,” followed by a tender inquiry about his baby brother, Radford. These moments, she notes, are the essence of their family life.
Navigating Challenges and Finding Faith
The past year has also presented its share of challenges. Publicly, Russell’s career soared with coveted spots on major tours and a significant performance at the CMA Fest stadium stage. Privately, however, the constant touring and recording commitments took a toll on his physical and emotional well-being. The pressures culminated in September 2022 with the heartbreak of Kailey’s miscarriage.
Despite the trauma, the couple pressed on, fulfilling tour commitments amid their grief. Russell reflects on the period as one without a moment to breathe. “I just felt like I had no time to breathe,” he says, acknowledging the exhaustive demands of his career. Kailey echoes this sentiment, recognizing the toll it took on her husband.
A much-needed respite came in January, when the Dickersons took a break in Florida to recover and recalibrate. Leaning on each other and their faith, they sought peace and healing. During this time, a stranger approached them on the beach, offering to pray for them. This unexpected act of faith included a prayer for Kailey to conceive and a prophecy of professional success for Russell.
New Beginnings and Career Milestones
Miraculously, Kailey became pregnant ten days later. By May, Russell had made necessary adjustments to his staff, allowing him to lessen his business responsibilities and find joy in his work again. This year marked significant career milestones for Russell, including his fifth No. 1 single, “God Gave Me a Girl,” inspired by Kailey, and the release of “The Afterparty Deluxe,” an expanded version of his latest album. Perhaps the most notable achievement was headlining his first arena show in Florida, a dream Russell had long envisioned.
Reflecting on this milestone, Russell shares, “I’ve imagined this for so long… walking into the arena and seeing my face on the sign. It’s a huge milestone for me that I’ll remember forever.”
Cherishing Family and the Holidays
Above all, the birth of their second son, Radford Arthur, stands out as the Dickersons’ most cherished accomplishment. Arriving early on October 1, Radford’s birth was a joyful event that required Russell to rush home from a Kansas City concert. Kailey chose the name Radford, combining the desire for the nickname “Rad” with a meaningful full name that translates to “brave river crosser,” symbolizing their journey of faith.
As the couple prepares for Christmas, they find themselves adjusting to the new dynamics of a family of four. Russell, now getting more rest to handle early mornings with Remington, and Kailey, adapting to “the Radford schedule,” divide and conquer their parenting duties. Remington, fully embracing his role as a big brother, is eager to help with his baby brother.
The Dickersons plan to celebrate the holidays at home, surrounded by family. Their house is adorned with a 10-foot Christmas tree and festive decorations, though Kailey notes they kept things simple this year to focus on making meaningful memories. Highlights of their holiday season include an annual pasta night with Russell’s Italian uncle and a sing-along around the grand piano with Russell’s mom, Carol.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As they anticipate a busy year ahead with extended tours and new career opportunities, the Dickersons remain grounded in their appreciation for family and faith. Kailey’s popular “Coffee with Kailey” lifestyle podcast continues to thrive, allowing her to balance her creative pursuits with motherhood. Despite their full schedules, the couple finds joy in the simplest things, considering themselves truly blessed.
In Russell’s words, “If you have a nice, warm, safe place to sleep and healthy children to tuck in your bed, you’re the wealthiest people on the planet.” This sentiment encapsulates the profound gratitude and contentment that define the Dickerson family’s remarkable year.
