Taylor Hanson’s Magnificent Seven: A Deep Dive into the ‘MMMBop’ Singer’s Beautiful Big Family with Natalie Hanson
Taylor Hanson shot to global stardom at a remarkably young age as a key member of the iconic 1990s pop-rock sensation, Hanson. Alongside his brothers, Zac and Isaac, the trio captivated audiences worldwide with their infectious harmonies and catchy tunes, most notably their smash hit “MMMBop.” Beyond their musical prowess, the Hanson brothers were often seen as the epitome of a wholesome, close-knit family, a sentiment that has only grown stronger as they’ve built their own extensive broods. Today, all three musicians are proud fathers, collectively raising an impressive 15 children. Leading this vibrant pack with seven children of his own is Taylor Hanson, a testament to his dedication to family life.
Taylor shares his seven cherished children with his wife of over two decades, Natalie Hanson. Their enduring love story began in 2000, leading to a two-year courtship before they exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony held in Natalie’s home state of Georgia. Taylor was just 19 years old at the time of their wedding, with Natalie being 18. This early commitment laid the foundation for what would become one of the most remarkable and beloved celebrity families. Their journey together showcases a deep partnership and shared vision for a bustling, loving home. Below, we delve into the lives of each of their seven adorable children, exploring the unique moments that have shaped the Hanson household.
Maybellene Alma Joy
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The newest addition to the bustling Hanson household is their seventh child, a beautiful baby girl named Maybellene Alma Joy, who arrived on December 7, 2020. Her birth brought an extra layer of warmth and joy during the holiday season. Natalie Hanson, ever the proud mother, shared an adorable snapshot of their little bundle of joy nestled by a Christmas tree, radiating pure happiness. Taylor, meanwhile, posted a heartwarming photo holding Maybellene, playfully captioning it, “7 is a beautiful number,” acknowledging their growing family. The surprise announcement of their seventh child came three months prior, with Taylor sharing on Instagram, “The best kind of unexpected. Number seven coming this December. #2020.” Maybellene’s arrival further solidified the Hanson family’s reputation for embracing a large, loving family dynamic, proving that for Taylor and Natalie, there’s always room for one more.
Claude Indiana Emmanuel
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Just one day after Christmas in 2018, Taylor and Natalie received what they described as the most precious holiday gift: their son, Claude Indiana Emmanuel. Born in their hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Claude’s arrival as the sixth child brought immense excitement to the family. Prior to his birth, Taylor shared his philosophy on family expansion with People magazine, stating, “Natalie and I have always kept a love of adventure and pursuit of rich experiences at the heart of our family. There’s no greater adventure than welcoming a sixth little person to our tribe.” This quote beautifully encapsulates the spirit of the Hanson family – one that thrives on adventure and embraces each new member as a cherished addition to their unique “tribe.” Claude Indiana Emmanuel has seamlessly integrated into the family’s dynamic, surrounded by an abundance of siblings, laughter, and love.
Wilhelmina Jane
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On October 2, 2012, the Hanson family expanded once again with the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Wilhelmina Jane. Her arrival brought their number of children to five, further solidifying their commitment to a large family. The process of choosing a name for their daughter was a thoughtful one. Taylor instantly fell in love with “Wilhelmina,” drawn to its classic charm and strength. Natalie, however, took a moment to consider it, as she later recounted in a blog post for Nameberry. “I had to process for a minute,” she explained. “However, he was right. It was a beautiful name. It was clearly feminine, with quite a heritage, and a plethora of pretty nicknames to choose from.” This anecdote offers a sweet glimpse into their collaborative parenting style, even down to the smallest details like naming their children. Wilhelmina Jane stands as a testament to both traditional elegance and the loving deliberation of her parents.
Viggo Moriah
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The arrival of Taylor and Natalie’s fourth child, Viggo Moriah, on December 9, 2008, weighing 8 lbs., 5 oz., further enriched their already vibrant family life. At this point, with four children, many parents might feel overwhelmed, but Taylor had a unique perspective. He candidly shared with People at the time, “After two kids, you’re outnumbered, so once you cross having three, having four is not such a big deal.” This relaxed attitude speaks volumes about their confidence and joy in raising a large family. Viggo himself, as Taylor observed, seemed to thrive amidst the joyful chaos of his older siblings. “He’s so interested in what everyone is doing around him,” Taylor explained. “He loves to be in the middle of the action and doesn’t want to miss a thing.” Viggo’s spirited personality and eagerness to be part of every family moment underscore the lively and engaging environment Taylor and Natalie have cultivated for their children, where each member contributes to the collective energy and happiness.
River Samuel
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Son River Samuel (pictured right, above) made his joyous entry into the Hanson family on September 4, 2006. As their third child, River’s birth further solidified Taylor and Natalie’s journey into large-family parenting. At the time of River’s arrival, Taylor took to the band’s official website, Hanson.net, to share the wonderful news with their fans, expressing his overwhelming happiness. He wrote, “River Samuel is an incredible addition to our family, we could not be happier.” This statement, simple yet profound, perfectly captured the deep contentment and love that each new child brought to their expanding home. River Samuel embodies the family’s adventurous spirit, and his name itself evokes a sense of flow and life, perfectly suiting his place within the dynamic and ever-growing Hanson clan. His presence continues to add a unique thread to the rich tapestry of the family’s shared experiences.
Penelope Anne
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On April 19, 2005, Taylor and Natalie celebrated the arrival of their second child and first daughter, Penelope Anne (pictured far right, above). Her birth was a particularly special milestone, introducing a new dynamic into a family that had, until then, only known the spirited energy of a son. Penelope shares her middle name, Anne, with her mother Natalie, creating a beautiful familial connection that spans generations. As the first girl in the family, Penelope undoubtedly brought a different kind of joy and perhaps a new set of challenges and delights to the Hanson household. Her presence marked the beginning of Taylor and Natalie’s experience raising both sons and daughters, allowing them to nurture a diverse and balanced family environment. Penelope Anne is a testament to the ever-evolving love and commitment that defines the Hanson family, continuing to grow and thrive within their unique and supportive home.
Jordan Ezra
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The eldest of the magnificent Hanson clan, son Jordan Ezra, arrived in October 2002. His birth marked the very beginning of Taylor and Natalie’s journey into parenthood and set the stage for the beautiful, large family they would build. Taylor’s perspective on fatherhood profoundly shifted after Jordan turned one. He shared with People, “Having a baby is a life-changer. It gives you a whole other perspective on why you wake up every day.” This profound realization highlights the transformative power of becoming a parent and the new sense of purpose it brought to his life. Furthermore, Taylor offered a humorous glimpse into his brothers Isaac and Zac’s initial roles as uncles, noting their enthusiasm but also their hands-off approach to diaper duty. “They’re awesome as uncles. But they haven’t changed many diapers,” he quipped. Jordan Ezra, as the oldest, has undoubtedly played a significant role in helping to shape the family dynamic, likely serving as a mentor and guide to his younger siblings as they’ve grown, embodying the spirit of the vibrant and ever-expanding Taylor Hanson family.
Raising seven children while maintaining a successful music career is no small feat, but Taylor and Natalie Hanson have embraced this challenge with grace, love, and a clear vision. Their dedication to creating a strong family unit, filled with music, creativity, and unwavering support, is evident in every public glimpse of their lives. From Jordan Ezra leading the way to Maybellene Alma Joy bringing up the rear, each child is a cherished individual contributing to the unique and beautiful tapestry of the Hanson family. Their story is an inspiring example of how love and commitment can truly create a ‘magnificent seven,’ demonstrating that a big family can indeed lead to an even bigger heart.