Country singer Drake White and his wife, Alex, announced the death of their newborn daughter, Della Elizabeth White, saying she "went peacefully to be with Jesus" less than an hour after she was born.
In a joint Instagram post Sunday, the couple said Della was born at 29 weeks on Aug. 31 at 8:52 a.m. and died at 9:12 a.m. She weighed three pounds, 3.5 ounces and measured 13.25 inches at birth. The message included scripture and expressions of faith as the Whites described the family as "heartbroken and soul tired." They added, "The Lord has been so near and close to us during this difficult time."
The post included a photograph of Drake White comforting his wife as she cradled their daughter in a hospital setting and cited Psalm 34:18: "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit." They also shared lines from Psalm 31:10, 14-15 and wrote, "May Della be held in the arms of Jesus until we see her again someday."
The Whites, who celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary in June, have a two-year-old son, William Hawk. In May they told People magazine they were expecting their second child after fertility struggles; they said they conceived through in vitro fertilization and had a frozen embryo transfer in March, discovering the pregnancy 10 days later. Their due date had been in November.
Drake White, known for songs including "Faith," has frequently spoken publicly about his family and faith. The Instagram message was posted publicly and has been shared by fans and colleagues offering condolences.
Stillbirth and neonatal death rates vary by circumstance, and parents commonly cite physical and emotional support from families, faith communities and medical teams during bereavement. In their message, the Whites thanked supporters for prayers and asked for privacy as they grieved.
Representatives for the couple did not immediately provide additional comment. The family asked that they be held in prayer as they mourned Della's passing.
The announcement came as fans and peers in the country music community extended condolences on social media. Drake White continues to be listed as an active performer, and his public social accounts reflect ongoing engagement with his music and personal life, including family milestones.
The Whites' statement emphasized their faith as a sustaining force through the loss and said they are "trusting" in God despite their grief. They asked for privacy while they process the loss and planned to share further updates when ready.