Mary Lou Retton’s family has welcomed a new addition, as her daughter McKenna Kelley has given birth to her first child. McKenna, 29, and her husband Braden Doughty announced the arrival of their daughter, Jones Harper Doughty, on May 12. The couple shared the joyous news through a heartfelt post on Instagram, which also included the baby’s first photograph.
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In her Instagram post, McKenna shared the details of her daughter’s arrival, including her weight of 8 pounds and 1 ounce and a length of 21 inches. Reflecting on her experience, McKenna revealed that the delivery involved an arduous 36 hours of labour, culminating in an emergency C-section. However, despite the challenges faced during her birthing journey, she expressed gratitude for the support she felt along the way.
“The birth we didn’t plan for became everything we could’ve asked for,” McKenna wrote. “The hardest 36 hours of my life led us to our sweet girl. She is everything and more.” The couple’s excitement was evident in the custom pink outfit that their daughter wore, complete with monogrammed initials.
Following the initial announcement, McKenna shared further insights into her birthing experience. In subsequent posts, she emphasised the emotional and spiritual journey she encountered, stating, “From the day we got two pink lines, we prayed so intentionally for the birth we desired.” Despite having prepared extensively for an unmedicated delivery, McKenna highlighted that her labour did not go according to plan, as complications necessitated a shift to a C-section.
She explained that although her ideas for a ‘perfect birth’ did not materialise, the experience reinforced her bond with faith and her belief that their challenges ultimately shaped them into better parents. “Braden, myself and Jones are all children of God, and I believe with every ounce of myself that our birth experience was designed for us to be the best parents for Jones,” she reflected.
In her candid remarks, McKenna noted that she would opt for pain relief in future childbirths, jokingly saying, “Would I attempt unmedicated again? A million times no. But, man, I don’t regret a single moment.” Her humour and appreciation for the experience were evident, despite the intensity of her labour ordeal.
McKenna had previously announced her pregnancy in a sweet Instagram video back in October 2025. In this clip, her family and friends reacted joyfully to the news, capturing the delight of her older sister Shayla, as well as her younger siblings Skyla and Emma. McKenna’s father, Shannon Kelley, who was married to gymnastics legend Mary Lou Retton, was also seen celebrating the joyful news with the family.
Kelley’s story showcases the universal journey of parenthood, filled with anticipated highs and unexpected challenges. Celebrating the arrival of a new family member is a cherished chapter for the Kelleys, as they navigate this new lifestyle with love and faith.
As Mary Lou Retton steps into the role of a grandmother once again, her family’s legacy continues to grow, intertwining joy, love, and the support of their close-knit community.