Less than a year after becoming a father, Cole Swindell says his life has completely changed—and it’s changed in the best way possible.
The country star recently opened up about his 11-month-old daughter, Rainey, revealing that watching her grow has been the greatest joy of his life. But he also admitted that fatherhood has brought a new fear he never expected.
Speaking during an appearance on Country Countdown USA, Swindell shared a rare update on his baby girl, whom he and his wife, Courtney, welcomed in August 2025.
According to the singer, Rainey is now almost 11 months old and keeping her parents busy every day.
“She’s crawling. We started working with her, and she hasn’t stopped,” Swindell said. “She pulls herself up. She’s not quite standing on her own. It’s just amazing.”
The singer also reflected on the special meaning behind his daughter’s name.
Rainey was named after his mother’s maiden name, honoring both sides of the family. Swindell said his grandfather always reminded him never to forget where he came from, making the name especially meaningful.
“To honor our moms with our daughter’s name is so cool,” he explained.
Fatherhood, however, has changed much more than just his schedule.
Swindell admitted he’s had to make significant personal changes since welcoming Rainey into the world.
“I’ve had to make some personal changes,” he said, explaining that becoming a dad has given him a completely different perspective on life and responsibility.
The singer became emotional while discussing his own father, who passed away unexpectedly in 2013 before seeing his son’s biggest career successes.
Losing his dad, Swindell said, has shaped the kind of father he wants to become.
“I have to be a good example,” he shared. “I want her to know me as her dad.”
He also admitted there’s one part of his career that now worries him more than ever.
Touring.
Spending long stretches away from home has become much harder since Rainey was born.
“It scared me to death, the life I’m leading now,” Swindell confessed, explaining that while he loves performing for fans, being away from his daughter is now one of the toughest parts of his job.
Those emotions inspired one of his newest songs, “Girl Dad.”
Swindell said writing the track felt deeply personal and reminded him of his late father. He described the song as a spiritual follow-up to his emotional hit “You Should Be Here,” saying he hopes his dad would be proud of the man—and father—he has become.
“I’d like to think my dad would be proud of all this,” he said. “I want him to know what’s going on now.”
Now preparing to celebrate his 43rd birthday, Swindell says success means something very different than it once did.
Awards, chart-topping songs, and sold-out concerts are still special.
But nothing compares to hearing his daughter laugh or watching her take another step toward walking.
For Cole Swindell, becoming a girl dad has become the greatest milestone of all.
