Celebrities Who Had Kids Before They Were Old Enough To Drink

Becoming a parent at any age changes a life, and some stars started that journey before they turned 21. These stories span music, film, television, sports, and literature, and each one includes real milestones like birth years, co parents, and how family life unfolded as their careers took shape. The details show how early parenthood intersected with school, first jobs, and breakout moments in the public eye.

You will see familiar names who welcomed children while they were still teens or just out of high school, along with a few who were barely into their pro careers. Each entry shares the age when they became a parent, the child’s name, and the basic timeline of relationships and work. It is a simple snapshot that keeps the focus on facts.

Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin gave birth to her first son, Clarence, in 1955 when she was 12. She welcomed her second son, Edward, in 1957. She later had two more sons during her marriage to Ted White and her relationship with Ken Cunningham. Her family life began years before she signed her first record deal.

She launched her recording career in the early 1960s and balanced motherhood with constant travel and studio sessions. Her early years as a parent were private, while her rise to national fame arrived with a move to a major label and a string of top charting singles.

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne became a father at 16 when his daughter Reginae Carter was born in 1998. Reginae’s mother is Antonia Toya Johnson, who later married him in 2004 and divorced in 2006. He was already developing as an artist with Cash Money Records while still in school.

As his debut solo album arrived, he continued to co parent and support Reginae’s public milestones, including her entrance into entertainment. She has since appeared on television and pursued music and brand projects with both parents active in her life.

Sofía Vergara

Sofía Vergara welcomed her son Manolo Gonzalez Vergara in 1991 at age 19. She married his father, Joe Gonzalez, in 1990 and they later divorced in 1993. She began modeling and working in Spanish language television around the same time.

Years later she moved into English language projects and joined the cast of ‘Modern Family’. Manolo graduated from college and launched his own media work, and he has accompanied his mother to premieres and industry events throughout her career.

Jamie Lynn Spears

Jamie Lynn Spears gave birth to her daughter Maddie in June 2008 at age 17. Maddie’s father is Casey Aldridge. The pregnancy became public at the end of 2007 after she completed filming the final season of ‘Zoey 101’.

After stepping away from acting for a period, she focused on music and family life. She later returned to television and also recorded country material while co parenting Maddie, who has appeared with her at public events and on social media.

LeBron James

LeBron James became a father at 19 when LeBron James Jr., known as Bronny, was born in 2004. Bronny’s mother is Savannah, who married LeBron in 2013. His arrival came during LeBron’s second NBA season.

Bronny has played high school and college basketball and entered the professional ranks, with both parents present at games and recruiting events. The family also includes younger siblings, and their schedule has combined school calendars with NBA travel from the start.

Solange Knowles

Solange Knowles welcomed her son, Daniel Julez J. Smith Jr., in October 2004 at age 18. She married his father, Daniel Smith, that same year and the marriage ended in 2007. She continued to write and record music while raising her son.

As her solo career expanded, she brought Julez to performances and fashion shows and kept his schooling a priority. He has since pursued creative projects of his own, and the two have appeared together at family celebrations and industry events.

Whoopi Goldberg

Whoopi Goldberg had her daughter, Alexandrea Martin, in 1973 when she was 17. Alexandrea’s father is Alvin Martin, whom Whoopi married that year. Alexandrea later worked as an actress and producer.

Whoopi’s career in stand up, film, and television accelerated in the 1980s and 1990s. She has spoken publicly about becoming a grandmother and great grandmother, with multiple generations appearing at ceremonies and on ‘The View’ over the years.

Taylor Hanson

Taylor Hanson became a father at 19 when his son Jordan Ezra Hanson was born on October 31, 2002. He married Natalie Anne Bryant earlier that year. The birth followed the late 1990s success of his band with his brothers.

The couple has since welcomed more children while Taylor continued touring and recording. Family life has remained part of the group’s story, with schedules coordinated around school calendars and studio time, and with the band’s independent releases keeping them on the road.

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou gave birth to her son, Guy Johnson, in 1945 when she was 17. She supported him through a variety of jobs before moving into performing arts and writing. Guy later became a writer and managed aspects of his mother’s work.

As her literary career grew, she continued to prioritize her son’s education and health. They collaborated on readings and public appearances, and he oversaw estates and projects, including events that honored her legacy.

Loretta Lynn

Loretta Lynn welcomed her first child, Betty Sue, in 1948 at age 16. She married Oliver Lynn when she was 15, and they went on to have six children. Her music career began after she had several of her kids.

She started performing in small venues and recorded early singles while running a household. Touring expanded in the 1960s, and she often scheduled performances around family responsibilities, with relatives assisting during long stretches on the road.

Share your thoughts on these early parenthood stories in the comments and tell us which ones surprised you.