Karen Peck is celebrating the arrival of her granddaughter, Jessie Mae, while thanking Autumn Nelon Streetman for helping her put family first during an emotional week.
In a heartfelt social media update, Peck announced that her daughter, Kari, and Chandler welcomed their baby girl on Wednesday, November 4. The birth comes just ahead of Kari's 30th birthday on November 10.
"Sweet Jessie Mae made her arrival on Wednesday, November 4, and our hearts are overflowing with joy!" Peck shared.
For Peck and her husband, Rickey, the moment holds special meaning. Kari has travelled with Karen Peck and New River since she was just three weeks old, growing up alongside the family's music ministry. Now she is beginning her own journey into motherhood.
"Watching her grow up into a beautiful, God-loving woman has been one of the greatest blessings of our lives," Peck wrote.
According to the post, Kari and her family currently plan to return to the tour bus in January. For now, Peck's priority is being present for her daughter and the new baby.
"I've always believed ... as an artist, being a Mom has to come before work. Family comes first," she said.
As Kari's due date approached, Peck asked Autumn Nelon Streetman to be ready to fill in should the birth coincide with a scheduled concert. Peck and Rickey had already decided they would stay home to support Kari during her hospital stay.
That arrangement came together last Thursday, when Streetman joined New River for a concert in Phenix City, Alabama.
"Y'all, SHE NAILED IT!" Peck wrote. "I was so proud of her."
Peck praised Susan, Grant and Matthew for bringing the performance together and said she received messages throughout the evening telling her how well the group sounded.
She also thanked Bill Bailey for his gracious support, Triumphant Quartet and Joseph Habedank for cheering the group on, Adam Bradford for handling sound, and Peggy G. Fauscett for helping at the merchandise table.
"Everyone pitched in, and it all worked out just beautifully. Thank the Lord!" she said.
The week's joy also brought tender memories of Kelly Nelon. Peck shared how deeply she misses her friend and how much Kelly would have loved celebrating Jessie Mae's arrival.
Having Kelly's daughter Autumn step into her place made the occasion especially moving.
"Having Autumn take my place this week made me feel a little closer to Kelly," Peck wrote. "It was like having a little piece of her heart with me. Some things are just too special to put into words."
