The Three Men Who Married Alan Jackson's Daughters: Tragedy, New Beginnings, And A Growing Grandfamily

Country music icon Alan Jackson’s family life has been a subject of public interest for decades, often serving as the inspiration for some of his most heartfelt songs. As of today, December 11, 2025, the narrative around his family is one of resilience and new beginnings, centered around his three daughters and the men who have become his sons-in-law. This story includes a profound tragedy, a journey of healing, and the recent joyous expansion of the Jackson family with new marriages and grandchildren.

The term "Alan Jackson son-in-law" actually refers to three distinct individuals whose lives have become intertwined with the country legend's family: the late Samuel "Ben" Selecman, and his two current sons-in-law, Connor Smith and Sam Bradshaw. Their stories offer a unique glimpse into the private life of one of country music's most enduring figures, highlighting themes of love, loss, and finding hope again.

The Complete Profile of Alan Jackson's Sons-in-Law

Alan Jackson and his wife, Denise, have three daughters: Mattie Denise Jackson, Alexandra Jane "Ali" Jackson, and Dani Grace Jackson. Two of the daughters are currently married, making Alan Jackson a father-in-law twice over, following the immense heartbreak of losing his first son-in-law. The following profiles detail the men who have married into the Jackson family.

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Samuel "Ben" Selecman (Deceased)

• Spouse: Mattie Denise Jackson Selecman (Alan Jackson's oldest daughter).
• Relationship: Married in October 2017.
• Tragedy: Died on September 12, 2018, at the age of 28.
• Profession: Assistant District Attorney for Davidson County in Nashville, Tennessee.
• Cause of Death: Suffered a traumatic brain injury in a slip-and-fall accident on a boat dock in Jupiter, Florida, while helping a woman onto a boat.
• Legacy: His death was a devastating event for the Jackson family. Mattie Jackson Selecman later wrote a book, Lemons on Friday, about her journey through grief and faith following his passing.

Connor Smith (Current Son-in-Law)

• Spouse: Mattie Denise Jackson Smith (Alan Jackson's oldest daughter).
• Relationship: Mattie and Connor became engaged in September 2022 and were married in an intimate ceremony in October 2023, five years after the death of her first husband.
• Children: They welcomed their first child together, a son named Wesley Alan Smith, on June 20, 2024. The middle name "Alan" is a tribute to the country star.
• Life Together: The couple's wedding was a beautiful moment of healing and celebration for the Jackson family. Alan Jackson himself shared his joy on social media, welcoming Connor Smith into the family.
• Profession: While details of his career are kept private, he is a vital part of Mattie's new chapter, supporting her work as an author and entrepreneur.

Sam Bradshaw (Current Son-in-Law)

• Spouse: Alexandra Jane "Ali" Jackson Bradshaw (Alan Jackson's middle daughter).
• Relationship: Ali and Sam were married on July 18, 2020, in a private ceremony at the Jackson family estate in Tennessee.
• Children: They welcomed Alan and Denise Jackson's first grandchild, a son named Jackson Alvie Bradshaw, in December 2022. The baby's name is a clear nod to his famous grandfather.
• Family Connection: Interestingly, Sam and Ali, who both grew up in Tennessee, first met when they were part of the same wedding party for a long-time friend.
• Profession: Sam Bradshaw maintains a low profile, with his professional life not widely publicized, reflecting the family's desire for privacy.

The Tragic Loss of Ben Selecman and a Daughter's Resilience

The story of Alan Jackson’s first son-in-law, Ben Selecman, remains a poignant chapter in the family’s history. Ben Selecman married Mattie Jackson in a lovely ceremony in October 2017. They were a young couple full of promise, with Ben serving as an Assistant District Attorney, a promising legal career ahead of him.

Tragedy struck less than a year later. In September 2018, while on vacation in Jupiter, Florida, Ben Selecman was involved in a devastating accident. He slipped and fell on a boat dock, suffering a severe traumatic brain injury. He passed away a few days later, leaving the Jackson family, particularly Mattie, reeling from the sudden and unexpected loss.

Mattie Jackson Selecman channeled her grief into creative and charitable endeavors. She co-founded the NaSHEville foundation, which aims to help women in need, and later published her book, sharing her raw experience with loss, faith, and the long, difficult path to healing. Her journey is a testament to the strength and faith of the Jackson family in the face of immense sorrow.

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A New Chapter: Connor Smith and the Joy of Grandchildren

In a beautiful turn of events, Mattie Jackson found love and a new beginning with Connor Smith. Their relationship, which began years after Ben’s passing, culminated in a wedding in October 2023. The wedding was a private affair, with Alan Jackson sharing his pride and joy on social media, writing that he and Denise were "thrilled to welcome a new son-in-law into the fold."

The most recent and joyful news for the family came in June 2024 with the birth of Mattie and Connor's son, Wesley Alan Smith. This little boy, named in part after his grandfather, is a symbol of the family’s healing and continuation. The arrival of Wesley further cemented Connor Smith's role as a beloved member of the Jackson clan, bringing happiness after years of struggle.

This new marriage highlights a key aspect of Alan Jackson’s family dynamic: their deep faith and commitment to supporting one another through life's most challenging moments. The acceptance of Connor Smith, not as a replacement, but as a new and cherished addition, showcases the family’s capacity for love and growth.

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The Expanding Jackson Grandfamily: Sam Bradshaw and Ali Jackson

While Mattie’s story is marked by a public tragedy, the marriage of Alan Jackson’s middle daughter, Alexandra Jane "Ali" Jackson, to Sam Bradshaw offers a more private, yet equally joyful, narrative. Ali and Sam got married in July 2020 at a luxurious backyard ceremony at the family's Tennessee estate.

Sam Bradshaw officially made Alan Jackson a grandfather for the first time in December 2022 with the birth of their son, Jackson Alvie Bradshaw. The arrival of Jackson Alvie was a landmark event, bringing immense happiness to the entire family. Alan Jackson has often expressed his love for his daughters, and becoming a grandfather was a deeply moving experience for the country star.

The current generation of Jackson sons-in-law, Connor Smith and Sam Bradshaw, are integral to the family's future. They represent stability and new life, ensuring that Alan and Denise Jackson's legacy continues to flourish through their children and grandchildren. The family’s story, from the devastating loss of Ben Selecman to the recent joy of two new grandsons, is a powerful reminder that even in the brightest spotlight, life is a mix of sorrow and triumphant new beginnings.