Mattie Denise Jackson’s tale is one of faith, family, tenacity, and purpose. Many know her as the eldest daughter of country music superstar Alan Jackson, but her life is a captivating narrative of strength and service. Through terrible loss, happy repair, creative work, and philanthropy, she has created a legacy while keeping deeply connected to her loved ones.
Basic Information
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mattie Denise Jackson |
| Also Known As | Mattie Jackson Smith, formerly Mattie Jackson Selecman |
| Date of Birth | June 19, 1990 |
| Age (2026) | 36 years |
| Birthplace | Nashville area, Tennessee |
| Parents | Alan Jackson and Denise Jackson |
| Siblings | Alexandra Jane “Ali” Jackson Bradshaw and Dani Grace Jackson |
| Education | Franklin Road Academy, University of Tennessee |
| Degree | Creative Writing |
| Profession | Author, speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur, philanthropist, Master Blender |
| Previous Career | Certified sommelier and wine bar owner |
| Current Spouse | Connor Smith |
| Children | Wesley Alan Smith and Charlotte “Charlie” Ann Smith |
| Books | Lemons on Friday, Through the Valley of Grief |
| Residence | Nashville, Tennessee |
Growing Up in a Remarkable Family
I find Mattie’s childhood especially interesting because it balanced extraordinary circumstances with ordinary values. Born on June 19, 1990, she grew up while her father, Alan Jackson, was becoming one of country music’s biggest stars. Yet her parents intentionally created a home centered on humility, faith, and strong character rather than celebrity.
Her mother, Denise Jackson, played an equally important role in shaping the family’s values. Together, Alan and Denise emphasized kindness, wise choices, and genuine relationships. Their marriage, which began in December 1979, became an enduring example of commitment for their daughters.
Although fame surrounded the family, Mattie has often described her upbringing as surprisingly normal. Family dinners, church, close friendships, and time together mattered more than red carpets or public attention. Those early years became the roots of the resilience that would later define her life.
Education and Early Career
I appreciate how Mattie pursued interests that reflected both creativity and curiosity. She attended Franklin Road Academy before earning a Creative Writing degree from the University of Tennessee around 2012.
Rather than immediately entering publishing or media, she developed expertise in hospitality and wine. Becoming a certified sommelier required discipline, study, and practical experience. Her education even included work experiences in Greece and California’s Napa Valley.
Eventually, she owned the Nashville wine bar Salt & Vine, combining entrepreneurship with her passion for hospitality. This chapter of her career demonstrated that she wanted to establish her own professional identity rather than rely on her family’s well known name.
The Jackson Family
I cannot tell Mattie’s story without appreciating the remarkable family surrounding her.
Her father, Alan Jackson, built one of country music’s most respected careers through decades of songwriting and recording. His influence reached beyond music by modeling humility, generosity, and steadfast faith.
Her mother, Denise Jackson, became an author and speaker whose own testimony encouraged countless families. Mattie has frequently credited her mother’s wisdom and spiritual guidance during difficult seasons.
Mattie also shares a close relationship with her younger sisters.
Alexandra Jane “Ali” Jackson Bradshaw, born around 1993, has built her own family and welcomed her son, Jackson Alvie Bradshaw, around 2022.
Her youngest sister, Dani Grace Jackson, born around 1997, has remained close to both sisters throughout adulthood. The three women continue celebrating major milestones together, including Alan Jackson’s final headlining concert during 2026.
The Jackson family often appears less like celebrities and more like a tightly woven quilt, with every thread strengthening the others.
Love, Heartbreak, and Extraordinary Grief
Her bond with Samuel Benton “Ben” Selecman shaped Mattie’s life.
Friends brought the pair back together, and they rapidly became close. Their brief courtship ended in a magnificent Jackson family estate wedding in October 2017.
Only months later, disaster struck.
Ben, 28, died of a severe brain injury after falling on a Florida boat dock while helping someone during a family vacation on September 12, 2018.
Become a widow before your first wedding anniversary must be emotionally draining. Mattie has publicly discussed how loss broke her expectations and strengthened her faith. She used her pain to minister and encourage others.
Turning Pain into Purpose
Rather than allowing grief to silence her voice, Mattie began writing from the pages of her personal journals.
In 2021, she released Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak. The book became a USA Today bestseller, inviting readers into the difficult realities of sorrow while pointing toward enduring hope.
Her work avoids easy answers. Instead, it encourages honesty before God, faithful community, and the slow process of healing.
She later expanded this mission through her In Joy Life Podcast, formerly known as She’s in the City. Episodes explore faith, resilience, relationships, and finding joy even when life feels uncertain.
In 2024, she published Through the Valley of Grief: A 365-Day Devotional of Spiritual Practices for Hope in Suffering. The devotional offers daily Scripture readings, reflections, and practical spiritual habits for people navigating loss.
I admire that her message never minimizes suffering. Instead, it treats hope like a steady lantern that continues shining through the darkest valleys.
NaSHEville and a Heart for Service
Another meaningful chapter of Mattie’s life began in 2018 when she co-founded NaSHEville.
The philanthropic apparel company supports organizations serving orphans, widows, and women escaping human trafficking. Its mission reflects both Mattie’s Christian faith and Ben Selecman’s commitment to prosecuting trafficking cases during his legal career.
Rather than existing simply as a clothing brand, NaSHEville became a practical way to invest in vulnerable communities.
For me, this demonstrates how personal loss can become fertile ground where compassion grows into meaningful action.
A New Beginning with Connor Smith
Life eventually brought another unexpected blessing.
Mattie became engaged around 2022 before marrying Connor Smith in May 2023 during a ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida.
Together they welcomed their son, Wesley Alan Smith, around 2024.
Their family grew again on February 13, 2026, with the birth of their daughter, Charlotte “Charlie” Ann Smith.
Mattie has frequently expressed gratitude for Connor’s kindness, support, and partnership. Their growing family represents not the replacement of past love but the beautiful possibility that healing and joy can coexist with treasured memories.
Expanding Her Professional Journey
Mattie’s career evolves.
Her sommelier and bourbon professional credentials equipped her for a unique opportunity.
She became Master Blender at Silverbelly Whiskey in 2025. The job involves quality control, research, product creation, and blending.
A rare blend of creative writing, hospitality, entrepreneurship, and workmanship. However, it shows her willingness to learn and try new things.
Music and storytelling were extremely personal when she co-wrote “Racing the Dark” with her father.
A Timeline of Major Life Events
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1990 | Born on June 19 |
| Around 2012 | Graduated from the University of Tennessee |
| Mid 2010s | Became a certified sommelier and owned Salt & Vine |
| October 2017 | Married Ben Selecman |
| July 2018 | Helped launch NaSHEville |
| September 12, 2018 | Ben Selecman passed away |
| 2021 | Published Lemons on Friday |
| Around 2022 | Became engaged to Connor Smith |
| May 2023 | Married Connor Smith |
| 2024 | Published Through the Valley of Grief |
| Around 2024 | Son Wesley born |
| 2025 | Joined Silverbelly Whiskey as Master Blender |
| February 13, 2026 | Daughter Charlie born |
| June and July 2026 | Attended Alan Jackson’s final headlining concert |
FAQ
Who is Mattie Denise Jackson?
Mattie Denise Jackson is an American author, speaker, podcaster, entrepreneur, philanthropist, certified sommelier, and Master Blender. She is also the eldest daughter of country music star Alan Jackson and Denise Jackson.
When was Mattie Denise Jackson born?
She was born on June 19, 1990, in the Nashville area of Tennessee.
Who are Mattie Denise Jackson’s parents?
Her parents are country music singer and songwriter Alan Jackson and author and speaker Denise Jackson.
Who are her siblings?
Mattie has two younger sisters, Alexandra Jane “Ali” Jackson Bradshaw and Dani Grace Jackson.
What happened to Ben Selecman?
Ben Selecman, Mattie’s first husband, died on September 12, 2018, after suffering a traumatic brain injury caused by a fall on a boat dock in Florida while helping another person.
Who is Mattie Denise Jackson married to now?
She is married to Connor Smith. The couple married in May 2023.
How many children does Mattie Denise Jackson have?
As of 2026, she has two children with Connor Smith: Wesley Alan Smith and Charlotte “Charlie” Ann Smith.
What books has Mattie Denise Jackson written?
She wrote Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak in 2021 and Through the Valley of Grief: A 365-Day Devotional of Spiritual Practices for Hope in Suffering in 2024.
What is NaSHEville?
NaSHEville is a philanthropic apparel and merchandise company that Mattie co-founded in 2018. It supports organizations serving orphans, widows, and women affected by human trafficking.
What is Mattie Denise Jackson doing now?
As of 2026, she continues writing, speaking, hosting the In Joy Life Podcast, supporting charitable work through NaSHEville, raising her family in Nashville, and serving as Master Blender for Silverbelly Whiskey.
