You’ve probably heard "Friends" at every graduation or church camp for the last forty years. Michael W. Smith is basically the architect of modern worship music. But while the three-time Grammy winner is busy selling out arenas on his Kingdom Come Tour 2026, there’s a much bigger story happening behind the stage lights. It's the story of a guy who almost lost it all to a drug overdose in the late 70s and decided to build a legacy that actually lasts.
Honestly, the "Smitty" most people see on stage—the one with the piano and the perfectly coiffed hair—is only half the picture. The real work happens on a farm in Franklin, Tennessee.
Michael W. Smith and Family: The 45-Year Love Story
Michael and his wife, Deborah "Debbie" Kay Davis, are a bit of an anomaly in the entertainment world. They got married in 1981. That’s over four decades in an industry that tends to chew up and spit out relationships.
Debbie isn't just a "supportive spouse" either. She’s a songwriter in her own right. She actually co-wrote "Friends" with Michael. Think about that next time you're humming that melody. They’ve built a massive life together, moving from those early, lean years in Nashville to raising five kids who are all following their own creative paths today.
The Five Smith Children
The Smith kids—Ryan, Whitney, Tyler, Anna, and Emily—grew up in the thick of the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) boom. But Michael has always been pretty vocal about not forcing his kids into the spotlight.
- Ryan Whitaker Smith: He took a different creative route. Ryan is a filmmaker and writer. He’s worked on projects like the film The 24 and has collaborated with his dad on several book projects.
- Whitney Katherine Smith-Mooring: She’s married to Jack Mooring, who you might know from the band Leeland. They’ve kept the musical tradition alive, blending their families into the Nashville worship scene.
- Tyler Michael Smith: If you’ve seen Michael live recently, you’ve probably seen Tyler. He’s an incredible keyboard player and composer. In fact, he co-produced the 2023 holiday album Every Christmas with his dad.
- Anna Elizabeth Smith: Anna (now Anna Van Rennes) often pops up in Michael's social media feeds. She’s part of the vocal ensemble on many of his records.
- Emily Allison Smith: The youngest of the bunch, Emily has largely kept a lower profile but remains a fixture in the tight-knit family unit in Franklin.
The "G-Daddy" Era and 19 Grandkids
Life changes fast. Michael recently shared that he’s now a grandfather to 19 grandchildren. Just this past year, he welcomed Natalie Ann Van Rennes and William Paul Hancock into the fold.
He calls himself "G-Daddy." It’s a hilarious image—a CCM legend being chased around a farm by nearly twenty kids. But for Michael, this is the point. He’s often said that the music is great, but the family is the prize.
During the 2026 tour, Michael has been performing new tracks like "Arms Around The Sun" and "Your Love Is A Flood." Even with a career spanning over 40 years and 36 number-one hits, he’s still finding ways to weave his family into his work. On his most recent projects, you can hear his daughters' voices in the background and his son's production polish.
Why the Franklin Farm Matters
The family farm isn't just a place to sleep. It’s the headquarters for Rocketown, the youth outreach Michael founded in Nashville. It’s also where the family gathered to support Michael’s mother through her battle with dementia, a journey he documented in his book The Way of the Father.
He learned about being a dad from his own father, Paul Smith, who passed away in 2015. Michael often tells the story of how his dad never missed a game or a performance, even when things got crazy. That’s the blueprint he’s using today.
What Most People Miss About the Smith Legacy
People think the "Smith family business" is just music. It’s not. It’s actually humanitarian work. Through Compassion International, Michael has helped sponsor over 70,000 children. This isn't just a tax write-off; it’s something the whole family participates in.
They don't just talk about faith; they treat it like a craft.
Whether it’s Whitney’s work in ministry, Ryan’s storytelling, or Tyler’s compositions, there’s a clear thread of "doing the work" that runs through the house. They’ve managed to avoid the "celebrity kid" pitfalls that sink so many other famous families.
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Moving Forward With the Smith Family
If you're looking to follow the family’s current journey or get a deeper look at their life in 2026, here are the most effective ways to stay connected:
1. Check out the "Every Christmas" Sessions
If you want to hear the family's synergy, listen to the Every Christmas album. It features Tyler's production and vocals from Anna and Whitney. It’s the closest you’ll get to sitting in their living room during the holidays.
2. Follow the 2026 Kingdom Come Tour
Michael is currently on the road. If you attend a show, keep an eye on the band. Tyler is frequently on keys, and Michael often shares personal stories about the grandkids between songs. It's less of a "concert" and more of a family update with a soundtrack.
3. Read "The Way of the Father"
For anyone struggling with family legacy or caring for aging parents, Michael’s book offers a raw look at his relationship with his dad and how he’s trying to pass those lessons down to his five children.
4. Support Rocketown or Compassion
The family is still heavily involved in these organizations. Engaging with these causes is the best way to see the "actionable" side of their faith.
The music might be what made Michael W. Smith famous, but the family is what has kept him grounded. In an era of "disposable" celebrity culture, a 45-year marriage and 19 grandkids isn't just a nice story—it's a massive achievement.