Mario has officially entered a new chapter of life. On Monday, January 26, 2026, the R&B star and his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, welcomed their first child together — a healthy baby boy.
Mario shared the news with fans on social media, posting a heartfelt message while dressed in hospital scrubs and jokingly referring to himself as “Doctor Barrett.” Clearly overwhelmed by the moment, the singer reflected on the experience with awe and gratitude.
“Women are God’s greatest creation [because] what I witnessed today was ONLY GODS work!” he wrote. “Healthy baby boy!”
The couple first announced the pregnancy back in August, when Mario posted a photo with his hand resting gently on Rios’ baby bump. “It’s a whole universe in there! 🥹 I can’t wait,” he captioned the image, hinting at how deeply he was already embracing the journey ahead.
A Deliberate Journey to Parenthood
The arrival of his son represents a milestone Mario has spoken about thoughtfully for years. The Baltimore native has often shared that he wanted to approach fatherhood with intention, shaped by his own upbringing. Growing up without a father and witnessing his mother’s struggles with addiction left a lasting impact, influencing his decision to wait until he felt emotionally and spiritually ready.
In a 2023 interview with V-103 Atlanta, Mario explained why he never rushed into having children. “I don’t take having kids lightly,” he said. “Everybody I know has kids… and it comes with a lot of pros and cons. I also grew up without a father. So, I want to do it right when I do do it. I got time. I’m not rushing into that.”
Now, that moment has arrived. As he steps into fatherhood, fans are celebrating alongside him — welcoming not just a baby boy, but a new era for an artist who has long emphasized growth, healing, and purpose.
