Scotty McCreery Welcomes Baby Home

Country music star and Garner’s own American Idol Scotty McCreery and his wife Gabi announced the birth of their first child, a son Merrick Avery McCreery, born Monday at 4:34 a.m. in Raleigh.

“Next to his mother, he is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen,” said McCreery. “We have been waiting and preparing all year, and now we are so excited to have our little man here with us. We have begun a grand new adventure that will continue for the rest of our lives.”

“Never known a love like this,” McCreery wrote. “Merrick Avery McCreery joined us 11 days early on October 24th at 4:34am! 7 lbs 13oz of nothin but love!”

McCreery concluded his post by saying, “Thank y’all for all of your prayers during this exciting season of life! Healthy baby and a healthy mama! Praise God.”

The announcement post included a series of five photos, including a photo of baby Merrick in his bassinet and photos of McCreery and his wife with their precious new bundle of joy.

McCreery and his wife Gabi first revealed they are expecting their first child in late June of 2021.

The “Damn Strait” singer revealed the news exclusively with PEOPLE on Tuesday, June 21, unveiling that their new addition will be arriving this fall, in November.

He also revealed their baby’s gender with the outlet. “We got a little man on the way,” the North Carolina native said with a smile.

“I was the only boy on both sides of my family, the last McCreery boy out there,” McCreery told the outlet. “Gabi’s from two sisters in her family, so I just figured it would be a girl. But we got a surprise of a boy.”

According to representatives of McCreery, mother and son are both doing well. The new parents said the child will go by Avery.