The Untold Story: 5 Shocking Facts About Tanner Adell's Biological Father And Her Adoption Journey

The identity of country-pop sensation Tanner Adell's biological father remains one of the most compelling and private stories in modern music, yet the details she has shared are nothing short of shocking. As of December 12, 2025, while the name of her birth father has not been publicly disclosed, Adell has openly discussed the emotional journey of discovering his identity through a DNA test, revealing he is a '90s Atlanta rapper whose career significantly influences her genre-blending sound. This revelation forms the core of her personal narrative, directly inspiring her most vulnerable and successful music, including the track "Going Blonde."

Tanner Adell's unique background—growing up in a transracial, Mormon adoptive family before discovering her Black heritage and biological roots—provides a powerful lens through which to view her artistry. The quest to understand her origins, particularly the identity of her birth father, became a pivotal moment that redefined her sense of self and her musical direction, solidifying her status as a 'Glam Country' trailblazer.

Tanner Adell: Biography and Profile

The journey of Tanner Adell Anderson, known professionally as Tanner Adell, is a fascinating blend of diverse upbringings and a relentless pursuit of musical identity. Her story is a testament to the power of self-discovery and embracing a complex heritage.

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• Full Name: Tanner Adell Anderson (Born Tanner Jaekel)
• Date of Birth: June 27, 1996
• Age: 29 (as of December 12, 2025)
• Birthplace: Lexington, Kentucky
• Raised In: Manhattan Beach, California, and Star Valley, Wyoming
• Adoptive Parents: Mormon parents (transracial adoption)
• Education: Utah Valley University (UVU)
• Occupation: Country Music Singer, Songwriter, Rapper
• Genre: Country-Pop, Glam Country, Country-Trap
• Debut Album: Buckle Bunny (2023)
• Viral Hits: "Buckle Bunny," "Whiskey Blues"
• Notable Features: Featured on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album ("Blackbiird")
• Musical Style: Often described as "Beyoncé with a lasso," blending country, pop, and hip-hop elements.

The Shocking Discovery: DNA Test and the Atlanta Rapper

The mystery surrounding Tanner Adell's biological father began to unravel not through a dramatic search, but with a simple Christmas gift: an AncestryDNA kit from her adoptive parents. This test was the catalyst for a profound journey of identity that reshaped her life and career.

1. The DNA Test Was a Gift That Changed Everything

Adell's adoptive parents, who raised her in a supportive transracial environment, gave her the DNA kit. They had already adopted two boys, making Adell's adoption part of a larger, unique family story. The test results quickly connected her to biological family members, providing the first real clues about her birth heritage.

2. Her Birth Was the Result of an Affair

One of the most heartbreaking revelations from her journey of discovery was learning the circumstances of her birth. Adell was the product of an affair, which is the primary reason she was placed for adoption barely a day after she was born in Lexington, Kentucky. She revealed that her birth mother was married with children at the time, a fact that added layers of complexity and emotion to her identity search.

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3. The Biological Father is a '90s Atlanta Rapper

After connecting with her birth family, Adell was able to find her biological father on Facebook. She has publicly described him as a rapper in the '90s in Atlanta who also managed other rappers. While his name has been kept private, this detail is a significant piece of her personal puzzle, directly linking her to the world of hip-hop and the vibrant Atlanta music scene.

4. The Rap Career Directly Influences Her 'Glam Country' Sound

The discovery of her biological father's background provided a clear explanation for Adell's natural musical inclinations. Her unique "Glam Country" style, which boldly blends traditional country storytelling with the rhythmic swagger of hip-hop and pop, is a direct reflection of her mixed heritage. She has stated that her father's rap career and her adoptive father's love for Black divas in disco and jazz both contributed to her genre-bending approach.

5. She Found a Full Sibling and Formed a Relationship with Her Father

Tanner Adell's DNA journey led to the discovery of a full sibling, meaning they share both biological parents. Tragically, she never got the chance to meet her biological mother. However, Adell has been able to form a relationship with her birth father, stating she is "very fortunate" to have received these answers, as not everyone in her situation does. This connection has been a source of healing and inspiration, though the relationship remains a private matter.

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The Emotional Impact: From Adoption Story to 'Going Blonde'

Tanner Adell's entire identity journey, from her transracial adoption to the discovery of her birth father, has been channeled into her music, making her one of the most authentic voices in the country genre. Her single, "Going Blonde," is perhaps the most direct and poignant artistic expression of this emotional fallout.

The song was born from a period of grief, self-doubt, and identity crisis following the shocking discoveries about her birth parents. Adell used the act of "going blonde" as a metaphor for shedding her old identity and embracing the complicated, yet beautiful, new version of herself. The track speaks to themes of transracial adoption, identity, and the search for belonging, resonating deeply with fans who have complex family histories.

By openly sharing the details of her adoption, her search for her biological parents, and the surprising identity of her Atlanta rapper father, Tanner Adell has transformed a deeply personal and often painful experience into a powerful message of self-acceptance. Her music, which she describes as country for people who love pop, is a vibrant tapestry woven from all the threads of her past—the Mormon upbringing, the California/Wyoming duality, and the '90s Atlanta hip-hop roots passed down from her birth father.

Ultimately, while the name of the '90s Atlanta rapper remains a closely guarded secret, the story of his influence and the emotional journey of discovery is public knowledge. This narrative has solidified Tanner Adell's place as a groundbreaking artist ready to tell her own story, on her own terms, to the world.