Alan Jackson’s Daughter, Mattie, Is Releasing Her Second Book

Caitlin Floyd Photography via Mattie Jackson Smith / Facebook

Alan Jackson’s Oldest Daughter, Mattie Jackson Smith, Reveals Title & Release Date For Her Brand-New Book

After successfully releasing her first book in 2021, Alan Jackson’s daughter, Mattie, plans to share a new piece of work later this year.

Mattie has experienced a lot of heartbreak in her nearly 34 years of life. On October 7, 2017, she married her longtime love, Ben Selecman, in a stunning ceremony at the Jackson family estate in Tennessee.

In September 2018, Ben suffered a serious brain injury after falling while helping a woman onto a boat in Florida. He passed away just three weeks before his and Mattie’s first wedding anniversary.

Alan Jackson's daughter Mattie will open up about the loss of her first husband, Ben, in her new book
Alan Jackson’s oldest daughter, Mattie, with her late husband, Ben Selecman, in 2016. Photo Credit: Mattie Jackson Smith / Facebook

After having many great dreams her and Ben’s future together, Mattie found herself living life as a young widow. She turned to her faith to help her cope with her grief.

Mattie started sharing her story on social media. Her messages offered support to others coping with the loss of their loved ones.

In 2021, Mattie released her first book, Lemons on Friday: Trusting God Through My Greatest Heartbreak. Mattie’s official website describes the premise of the book as such:

In Lemons on Friday, readers walk with Mattie Jackson Selecman during the first years of grief following Ben’s tragic death as she grapples with her loss and leans on a steadfast God. Based on Selecman’s journal writings, Lemons on Friday will speak to all readers who must carry on without their loved ones and take a hard look at faith when their lives have not gone as planned.”

 

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RELATED: 11 PHOTOS OF ALAN JACKSON’S DAUGHTERS: MATTIE, ALI, & DANI

Mattie’s parents, Denise and Alan Jackson, wrote the foreword for Lemons on Friday. Alan and Mattie also co-wrote a song about Ben’s death, titled “Racing the Dark.” Alan recorded the track and released it in 2021.

Mattie Jackson’s New Book Will Be Released This Fall

Lemons on Friday was based on Mattie’s journal entries after losing Ben. She’s now preparing to release a second book inspired by those journal entries.

Mattie shared the news about her latest project in an Instagram post on Sunday (June 2). She said, “I am so thankful that I can finally share this BIG NEWS!!! BOOK #2 is releasing this SEPT 10, 2024.”

Mattie’s new book is titled Through the Valley of Grief: A 365-Day Devotional of Spiritual Practices for Hope in Suffering. She explained its premise as such:

Through the Valley of Grief was first and foremost small letters of hope I wrote to myself in those early years of grief. It’s daily reminders of what I so desperately needed from God and wanted to hear from someone else ahead of me on the grief journey. It’s the single resource I longed for in the first year after losing Ben. And now it’s a reality…I have prayed for years now that this book be a companion of truth and call to hope for all suffering loss or hardship of any kind.

Mattie Jackson showcases her new book
Mattie Jackson Smith / Instagram

Mattie said she’ll share more information about the book throughout the summer.

It’s sure to be a busy summer for Mattie. On top of getting ready to release her new book, she’s about to welcome her first child.

After praying for years that she’d one day be able to love someone with her whole heart again, Mattie met her now-husband, Connor Smith. They married in a gorgeous beachside wedding on May 12, 2023.

Now, the couple is expecting their first child, a boy, and he’s due to arrive this month. We’re so happy for Mattie as she celebrates this exciting season in her life!

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