Jesse McCartney prepares for second child after son's premature birth

Singer Jesse McCartney and his wife, Katie Peterson, are expecting their second child, a daughter. McCartney expressed that he is ‘cautiously optimistic’ regarding the pregnancy, noting that the experience of being a NICU parent can cause ‘a little PTSD.’

The couple’s first child, a son named Archer, was born three months premature in May 2025. Archer required 70 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before the family could bring him home. McCartney described the previous experience as ‘traumatic’ and a significant test for the couple.

McCartney, 39, shared his excitement about becoming a ‘girl dad’ and noted that having one son and one daughter would provide a balance in their household.