Songwriter Shane McAnally, 51, Welcomes Baby and Launches Standup Comedy Career

In a surprising move, acclaimed songwriter Shane McAnally, who turned 51 this month, is welcoming his third child via surrogate in the coming days. This unconventional family decision comes as McAnally is also embarking on a new career as a standup comedian.

McAnally, known for writing numerous #1 hits for country artists like Sam Hunt, Miranda Lambert, and Keith Urban, has long resisted letting "the rules" dictate his life or career. Now, he and his husband Michael Baum are expanding their family, which already includes 12-year-old twins, in their new home of Santa Barbara, California, after recently relocating from Nashville.

While McAnally's songwriting prowess has earned him four Grammys, he's now taking the stage himself, performing a one-hour comedy show that debuted in May at the iconic Bluebird Café in Nashville. Described as a "natural showman," McAnally will soon join country star Walker Hayes on tour, opening for him on 10 dates this fall.

As McAnally embraces these major life changes, he's determined to find joy and purpose, whether it's in caring for his newborn or sharing his stories with audiences through standup comedy. With a fearless spirit, the acclaimed songwriter is redefining what it means to have a "second act" in mid-life.