Ricki Hendrick, the 20-year-old daughter of former 'The Bachelorette' star Emily Maynard Johnson, has joyfully welcomed her first child into the world. On January 23, 2026, Ricki took to Instagram to announce the arrival of her baby girl, named Romi, marking a significant milestone for the young mother and her well-known family.
Instagram Announcement and Heartwarming Photos
Ricki shared the news on her Instagram account with a series of touching black-and-white hospital photos captured in the hours following the birth. The post included an intimate image focused on the newborn, Romi, as well as a poignant shot showing Emily Maynard Johnson and her husband, Tyler Johnson, meeting their first grandchild for the very first time. Ricki accompanied the visuals with a simple yet heartfelt caption: “Best day ever.”
The announcement quickly garnered widespread attention, largely due to Ricki's public upbringing and her family's deep connections to reality television and motorsports. According to a report by People magazine, the birth was first revealed through Ricki's Instagram, where one photo depicted a doctor presenting the newborn to her, while another captured the emotional moment of Emily and Tyler holding their grandchild.
Family Celebrations and Social Media Updates
Following the birth, Ricki updated her Instagram profile bio to read “romis mom,” officially confirming her daughter's name. Notably, she has not publicly identified the baby's father, keeping that aspect of her life private. Tyler Johnson also expressed the family's overwhelming joy in a separate Instagram post, writing: “We became grandparents today!! The feeling is inexpressible. This is love. 1 John 4:7-11.”
His post featured several additional photos from the hospital room, including tender images of Tyler and Emily kissing while cradling the baby, Ricki feeding Romi from a bottle, and Ricki's siblings gathered around her hospital bed. The baby's great-grandmother was also present, making it a multi-generational celebration of love and new beginnings.
Emily Maynard Johnson's Journey to Grandmotherhood
Ricki is Emily Maynard Johnson's oldest child, and her birth holds special significance given the family's history. Emily first rose to national prominence on 'The Bachelorette' after the tragic death of her fiancé, NASCAR driver Ricky Hendrick, in a 2004 plane crash. Emily later discovered she was pregnant and named her daughter Josephine Riddick “Ricki” Hendrick in his memory.
Emily went on to marry Tyler Johnson, with whom she shares five more children: Jones, nearly 3; Nola Belle, 4; Gatlin, 7; Gibson, 8; and Jennings, 10, as reported by People. This makes Romi the newest addition to a large and loving family, blending reality TV fame with personal resilience.
Pregnancy Announcement and Family Humor
Ricki had announced her pregnancy on Instagram Stories back in August, sharing a screenshot of her sonogram with a playful caption: “‘Netflix told me I’m not allowed to talk about it’ - Huda.” In another clip, she humorously addressed pregnancy struggles, writing: “My heart is so full, yet my stomach is so empty because she hates all food. I’m convinced.”
In September, Ricki responded to a question about having a baby outside marriage, with Emily joking, “I’m very against it,” before laughing. Ricki followed up sarcastically, saying: “My mom is, truthfully, so devastated. She’s so upset. She’s not excited at all for me to have a baby.” This light-hearted exchange highlighted the family's close bond and supportive dynamic.
A New Chapter for the Hendrick-Johnson Family
With Romi's arrival, the family now celebrates a joyful new chapter together, embracing the roles of mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. The birth not only marks a personal milestone for Ricki but also continues the family's legacy in the public eye, blending moments of private joy with their well-documented lives in entertainment and sports.
The story underscores how social media has become a platform for sharing such intimate family moments, allowing fans and followers to partake in the happiness of celebrities like the Hendrick-Johnson clan. As they welcome Romi, the family's journey from tragedy to triumph serves as an inspiring narrative of love, resilience, and new beginnings.
