Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari Welcome Their Second Baby – But Fergie’s Reaction Steals the Spotlight! 👶💥
Hollywood’s favorite cowboy, Josh Duhamel, and his wife, Audra Mari, have expanded their family with the arrival of their second child, a milestone that has fans buzzing with excitement. The Transformers star, 52, and the former Miss World America, 31, welcomed their second baby together in early May 2025, just over a year after their first son, Shepherd Lawrence Duhamel, was born on January 11, 2024. But while the couple’s joyous announcement captivated social media, it was the unexpected reaction from Duhamel’s ex-wife, Fergie, that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. Known for their amicable co-parenting since their 2019 divorce, Fergie’s response to the news was heartfelt, cryptic, and surprisingly emotional, sparking speculation about her feelings and the dynamics of their blended family. Here’s the full scoop on the Duhamel-Mari baby news, Fergie’s jaw-dropping reaction, and what it means for their Hollywood saga.
A Growing Family in the Heartland
Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari, who tied the knot in September 2022 in Fargo, North Dakota, announced their second child’s arrival on May 7, 2025, via a joint Instagram post. The couple shared a tender black-and-white photo of their newborn’s tiny feet, captioned, “Everly Grace Duhamel, 5/4/25 💞.” The name, a nod to classic elegance, mirrors the couple’s penchant for meaningful monikers, as seen with their first son, Shepherd. Sources close to the couple told People that Everly was born in Minnesota, where the family has settled to embrace a simpler life away from Hollywood’s glare. Duhamel, who also shares 11-year-old son Axl with Fergie, hinted at his desire for a large family in a 2023 Parade interview, saying, “I’m meant to be a dad. I want to do this again and hopefully again after that.”
The announcement came just weeks after Duhamel wrapped filming for Ransom Canyon Season 2, the Netflix Western drama set to premiere on August 12, 2026. Mari, a North Dakota native like Duhamel, has been balancing motherhood with her modeling career, recently appearing in a campaign for a sustainable fashion brand. Their second child’s arrival reinforces their commitment to building a family rooted in their Midwestern values, as Duhamel told Fatherly in 2023: “It’s about family. It’s about legacy.” The couple’s Instagram post garnered thousands of likes, with fans and celebrities like Shotgun Wedding co-star Jennifer Coolidge commenting, “Congrats, you beautiful family!”
Fergie’s Shocking Reaction: Heartfelt or Heartbroken?
While the Duhamel-Mari baby news was heartwarming, Fergie’s response stole the headlines. The former Black Eyed Peas singer, 50, who was married to Duhamel from 2009 to 2017, commented on their Instagram post within hours, writing, “So thrilled for you both. Axl’s over the moon to be a big brother again. Sending love always, even when it’s bittersweet. 🥰🙏.” The word “bittersweet” sent fans into a frenzy, with many interpreting it as a hint of unresolved emotions or nostalgia for her past with Duhamel. Unlike her unequivocally supportive comment on their first child’s announcement in 2023—“I am truly happy for you guys. Axl can’t wait to be a big brother”—this response felt layered, prompting speculation about her true feelings.
Fergie and Duhamel have maintained a model co-parenting relationship since their divorce, often praising each other publicly. In a 2023 appearance on The Jess Cagle Show, Duhamel called Fergie “an amazing woman” who welcomed Mari into their family, noting their “really civil situation”. Fergie echoed this sentiment in a 2017 Entertainment Tonight interview, saying, “We’re great friends, Josh and I, there’s so much love that we have for each other”. Their son, Axl, has been a unifying force, with both parents attending his soccer games and celebrating milestones like his 11th birthday in August 2024. Axl’s excitement about his new sibling was evident, as Duhamel shared in a Parade interview that Axl, now a seasoned big brother, asked, “I’m still your firstborn son, though, right?”.
Yet, Fergie’s “bittersweet” remark has sparked debate. Some fans on X, like @PopCultureFan22, posted, “Fergie’s ‘bittersweet’ comment is giving ‘I still love him’ vibes. Is she okay? 😢 #JoshDuhamel.” Others, like @MusicLover89, defended her, writing, “It’s probably just hard seeing your ex build a new family, but Fergie’s still a class act. #Respect.” A source close to Fergie told Us Weekly that her comment reflected “a mix of genuine happiness and a natural pang of nostalgia,” given her and Duhamel’s decade-long marriage and shared history with Axl. The source added, “Fergie’s in a great place, focusing on her music and Axl, but moments like this can stir complex emotions.”
The Duhamel-Mari Love Story: From Fargo to Family
Josh Duhamel and Audra Mari’s romance has been a modern fairy tale with a touch of humor. First linked in 2019, the couple’s 21-year age gap raised eyebrows, but they’ve leaned into it playfully, dressing as Anna Nicole Smith and J. Howard Marshall for Halloween 2022. Their engagement in January 2022, marked by a message-in-a-bottle proposal, was met with Fergie’s supportive “Congrats!!!” comment. Their wedding, held atop Fargo’s Jasper Hotel, was a nod to their North Dakota roots, though Duhamel’s slipped disc from “wild dance moves” the night before added a comedic twist. Mari told Vogue Australia, “We’re just two small-town kids from North Dakota who found each other in Los Angeles.”
Their first son, Shepherd, arrived in January 2024, with Duhamel praising Mari as “a great mother”. The couple’s move to Minnesota, as Duhamel told Parade in April 2025, reflects their desire to raise their kids away from Hollywood’s chaos. He hopes to pass their woodland home to Axl and Shepherd, and now Everly, emphasizing legacy over luxury. Mari’s role as a stepmom to Axl has been seamless, with Duhamel noting their “beautiful relationship” in a 2023 Fatherly interview. The arrival of Everly strengthens their family bond, but it also highlights the delicate balance of their blended dynamic with Fergie.
Fergie’s Journey: Strength Amid Speculation
Fergie’s “bittersweet” comment has thrust her personal journey back into the spotlight. Since her divorce, she’s focused on raising Axl and reviving her music career, with rumors of a new solo album circulating in 2025. Her 2023 Instagram tribute to Axl’s 10th birthday, calling him her “super hero enthusiast,” showcased her devotion as a mom. She’s also been open about the challenges of co-parenting, telling Entertainment Tonight in 2017, “We’re just not a romantic couple anymore, but we have fun with each other”. Her support for Duhamel’s milestones, from his engagement to his first child with Mari, has been consistent, earning her praise as a co-parenting role model.
However, the emotional weight of her latest comment suggests a human side to her resilience. A music industry insider told Yahoo that Fergie’s upcoming work may reflect her experiences, with lyrics exploring love, loss, and growth. Fans on X have rallied around her, with @FergieFan4Life posting, “Fergie’s heart is gold. That ‘bittersweet’ just shows she’s real. Keep shining, queen! ✨.” Whether her reaction hints at lingering feelings or simply a moment of vulnerability, it’s clear Fergie remains a pillar of strength for Axl and a gracious figure in Duhamel’s new chapter.
What’s Next for the Duhamel Family?
The arrival of Everly Grace Duhamel marks a joyous milestone for Josh and Audra, but Fergie’s reaction has added a layer of intrigue. As Ransom Canyon Season 2 looms, Duhamel’s on-screen drama as Staten Kirkland—facing a mysterious daughter in Lila Monroe—eerily mirrors his real-life headlines, fueling fan chatter about art imitating life. Off-screen, the Duhamel-Mari family is settling into Minnesota life, with Duhamel hinting at more kids in a Jess Cagle Show interview: “I’m jumping back in at this ripe old age. To me, that’s what it’s about”.
For Fergie, her “bittersweet” comment may spark new music or public reflections, but her priority remains Axl, who’s thriving as a big brother. The blended family’s ability to navigate these milestones with grace, despite the occasional emotional ripple, is a testament to their mutual respect. As @HollywoodBuzz7 posted on X, “Josh, Audra, Fergie, and those kids are proof you can make a blended family work. Love this for them! 🥰.” With Everly’s arrival and Fergie’s surprising candor, the Duhamel saga continues to captivate, proving that in Hollywood, family drama can be as compelling as any scripted show.
