Garrett Hedlund Shares Joy of Fatherhood at PaleyFest NY
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Actor Garrett Hedlund recently shared heartwarming insights into his life as a father during an exclusive interview at PaleyFest NY 2026, held on 10 October. In his conversation with PEOPLE, Hedlund provided an update on his five-year-old son, Rhodes, whom he shares with actress Emma Roberts. The little boy has recently begun kindergarten, and Hedlund could not be more thrilled about this new chapter in Rhodes’ life.
“He’s phenomenal,” the 42-year-old star enthused. “He just started kindergarten, and he’s on cloud nine. He’s loving it; loving every bit of it.” It is clear that Rhodes’ enthusiasm for school brings great joy to his father, who is keenly aware of the importance of this developmental stage.
As the conversation turned towards Rhodes’ interests, Hedlund revealed his son’s budding passion for music. “Oh man, he’s loved music from day one,” he shared. The proud father noted that they often listen to a variety of tunes during car rides, turning their journeys into a family musical experience. “Music has become a big part of our life together, so it’s wonderful to see.”
Hedlund and Roberts welcomed Rhodes in December 2020; however, the couple split in January 2022, shortly after celebrating their son’s first birthday. Despite the change in their relationship, both parents remain committed to co-parenting and supporting their son. In July 2024, Roberts announced her engagement to actor Cody John, with the couple marrying in July 2026.
Reflecting on Rhodes’ early years, Hedlund previously noted how quickly his son has been developing. In earlier conversations, he expressed delight in watching Rhodes thrive in pre-kindergarten, where he is learning valuable skills like using scissors and engaging with friends. “He gets to do that stuff with friends, socialise and learn the things I didn’t think about teaching him right off the bat,” Hedlund explained during a prior interview.
At PaleyFest, Hedlund shared his philosophy on parenting, likening it to an ongoing adventure. “I point at the highest tree and say, ‘Climb that,’” he remarked, illustrating his supportive approach to helping Rhodes navigate the world. “It’s about helping him take it step by step.”
Last year, the actor whimsically admitted that fatherhood has transformed his life in many delightful ways. During an appearance on the 3rd Hour of Today in September 2025, he joked about the influence Rhodes has over him. “Oh man, I am wrapped around his finger like you won’t believe,” he said, pointing out the joys and challenges of parenting.
Hedlund spoke fondly of their adventures together, detailing one memorable outing to Hank’s Pumpkin Patch, where they ended up spending three hours exploring. “I was trying to get him to go after about 45 minutes, cut to three hours later. That’s just an example of every single day, me and him running around,” he said with a laugh.
In discussing fatherhood, Hedlund reflected on it as a journey full of experiences. “It’s the journey, adventure, risk, reward, all day long,” he noted, encapsulating the essence of parenting as both a delightful and demanding role.
As Hedlund continues to navigate his career and family life, his reflections on fatherhood provide an engaging glimpse into the joys of raising a child and the meaningful experiences he cherishes with Rhodes. It is clear that as he embraces this role, he is not just an actor but a dedicated and proud father.