Having kids changed Zac Hanson’s outlook on his music career. The MMMBop singer married his wife, Kate Hanson, in 2006, and two years later, they welcomed their first child, Shepherd. In 2010, the couple had their second child, Junia, followed by Abraham in 2013. Lucille was born in 2016, and their youngest, Quincy, arrived in 2021. Despite the enduring popularity of Zac’s band Hanson, which he formed with his brothers in 1992, Zac says his kids see him as Dad before anything else. “My kids don’t really think about our career at all,” he said in 2022. “Some of my kids love music—one of my daughters is even singing at a local festival—but she doesn’t care that her dad sings. She’s just like, ‘I want to sing, so I’m going to sing.
Zac and Kate welcomed their first child, John Ira Shepherd, who goes by Shepherd, in May 2008.“I am so overjoyed,” Zac told at the time. “There is no audience or concert that could ever compare to meeting your baby for the first time.” Kate added, “Shepherd is the most wonderful gift we could ever receive. We’re already enjoying every second of this great adventure.” Shepherd is a huge gaming fan, a hobby he shares with his dad and sometimes the whole family. In January 2022, Zac posted a selfie of him and Shepherd picking up new Nintendo Switch consoles. The family also bonds over Pokémon Go sessions, as seen in a February 2022 photo of the family gaming together. “The family that plays together… stays REALLY close together!” Zac captioned the post.
Junia joined the Hanson family in December 2010. “In just a short time, she’s enriched our family and our lives beyond measure,” Zac told when announcing her birth. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the season with our family and introducing her to everyone.” Junia enjoys playing Legos with her dad, and Zac shared a video in August 2021 of her and her siblings putting together a Mario and Luigi-themed set. The family also enjoys outdoor activities. In April 2022, Zac posted a picture of Junia and her sister Lucille posing with ATVs, captioning it, “Such a treat to spend a little time with my ladies going fast, having fun.
George Abraham Walker, who goes by Abraham, was born in October 2013.When Zac announced Abraham’s birth, he said, “We are very excited to share the addition of George Abraham Walker Hanson to our growing family. Abraham is healthy, and we’re happily spending some downtime together as a family.” Like his older brother, Abraham enjoys gaming and often plays with Zac. In October 2021, Zac shared a video of the two playing with toy cars, joking, “This is what play sounds like. Funny how we both want the same thing for our birthdays, even though he’s turning 8, and I’m turning 36.
Mary Lucille Diana, known as Lucille, was born in August 2016. Zac shared his joy with after her birth, saying, “We are overjoyed to share the arrival of Mary Lucille Diana Hanson. It is such an inspiration to meet her and imagine all the adventures we will take together as a family of six.” Lucille’s name carries special significance—“Lucy,” a song from Hanson’s Middle of Nowhere album, was the only track Zac sang lead on, and “Diana” is his mother’s name. For her 5th birthday in August 2021, Lucille wore a shirt that read “Everybody dance now” as she celebrated with a donut cake. Zac captioned a photo from the celebration, “You won’t live forever, and this won’t last very long. It’s good to be 5, make sure to enjoy the little things while they last.
Quincy Joseph Thoreau, Zac and Kate’s youngest, was born in March 2021. Zac announced Quincy’s arrival on Instagram with a photo of Kate holding the newborn and another humorous shot of himself pretending to scream. “Marveling at the superpower women are uniquely gifted with… as well as freaking out over the fact that I’m now responsible for raising another person,” Zac captioned the post. Quincy enjoys spending time with his family, as seen in an October 2022 Instagram post where Zac shared a photo of Quincy with his siblings “soaking up the magic” during a trip to Walt Disney World. Quincy also seems to be following in his dad’s musical footsteps. In 2022, Zac posted a photo of Quincy playing a small drum set, captioning it, “You know what they say about apples and trees… who knew it was true!
In June 2024, Zac Hanson celebrated his 18th wedding anniversary with a heartfelt tribute to his wife, Kate. Sharing a smiley selfie of the couple on Instagram, Zac reflected on the significance of the milestone. “18 years ago today, my wife and I were married—the best thing I have ever done!” he wrote. Zac expressed his gratitude for Kate, saying, “I hope for every man, that they would be so lucky to find a woman of such quality and character and beauty as my Kate. Someone to help you become more than you are, and lead you back to safe harbor when you go astray, someone who will love you more than you will ever deserve.