Willa Ford and her husband, Ryan Nece, have joyfully expanded their family with the arrival of their daughter, Sol, born in April 2025 through a gestational carrier. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the pop singer shared the significance of her daughter’s name, which means “prayer’s answer” and is inspired by both a family connection and the couple’s immediate reaction to her.
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The couple, who also share a son, Elijah, born in 2016, faced considerable challenges on their journey to welcoming another child. Ford, now 45, highlighted the emotional struggle of the process, stating, “There was something special about having this baby after so long. It was a really long thing, and our 9-year-old son was so involved.” The experience, which she initially kept private, has now opened up opportunities for her to share her story with others.
Ford’s path to maternity was fraught with medical complications, as she nearly lost her life in 2020 due to a rare condition known as median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). This condition, which can occur during pregnancy, led to a critical situation requiring lifesaving surgery at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. Subsequent evaluations revealed that Ford suffered from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue, ultimately leading medical professionals to advise her against future pregnancies.
Reflecting on her health troubles, Ford remarked, “I had a long health journey and I couldn’t carry her, is basically what it boils down to,” noting that her first pregnancy with Elijah had been straightforward. Despite initial fears about her health, Ford and Nece remained resolute in their desire to grow their family.
After discussing their options, Nece was the one who encouraged the couple to explore surrogacy. “He said, ‘I can’t think of anything better in this world to spend money on or do,'” Ford recalled. The couple collaborated with an agency to find a suitable gestational carrier, as Ford recognised the social stigma that can sometimes accompany celebrity surrogacy journeys.
Through this agency, they connected with a woman who has become an integral part of their lives. Ford expressed deep appreciation for their relationship, referring to the gestational carrier as “my daughter’s godmother” and emphasising the profound bond they share. “We have one of the most beautiful relationships, and so it’s the biggest blessing,” she stated, acknowledging the love that surrounds them.
Looking back on the surrogacy experience, Ford feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to add to her family. She is eager to share her journey with others, emphasising her belief that gestational carriers are truly invaluable. “It was a lot to learn, but I think gestational carriers are little godsends, little angels on this earth,” she remarked. “The greatest gift ever given to me by someone.”
In addition to the personal milestones, Ford is also preparing for a significant professional chapter as she announces her first album in over two decades. “I had two babies in 2025; well, technically [my album’s due in] 2026,” she said. Her upcoming album, titled “amanda,” is set to be released on Friday, March 6, 2026, which adds another layer of excitement to the couple’s life as they embrace parenthood and Ford’s return to music.
In reflecting on her journey, Ford’s experiences with family and health have shaped her profoundly. She looks forward to using her platform to inspire and encourage those who may be facing similar struggles on their path to parenthood.