Rhys James Carney: A Family and Life Portrait

Updated on: August 4, 2025

Basic Information

Early Life and Family Background

Rhys James Carney, born August 28, 2018, weighed 8 pounds 13 ounces and was 20 inches long. Both parents announced his arrival on Instagram, expanding a musically successful family. At the time of his birth, his mother, Michelle Branch, had earned multi-platinum success and global recognition for her early 2000s singer-songwriter work, while his father, Patrick Carney, played rhythm in The Black Keys.

Carney and Branch married privately in New Orleans in April 2019. Rhys was eight months old when the pair celebrated their personal and parental milestones. Rhys’s family-first upbringing was reinforced by their small wedding.

Milestones and Growth

As of August 2025, Rhys is approaching his seventh birthday and would customarily be enrolled in first grade. However, detailed information regarding his educational institution, curriculum, or extracurricular activities remains undisclosed due to his parents’ intent to maintain privacy.

Key Milestones Timeline

Family Dynamics and Sibling Relationships

Rhys shares his early childhood with two sisters:

• Willie Jacquet Carney, born February 2, 2022, is 4 years younger. Rhys and Willie reportedly engage in typical sibling interactions, although no photographs have been released.
• Owen Isabelle, born in 2003 from Michelle Branch’s previous marriage, is 15 years older than Rhys. As a teenager, Owen provides a familial anchor, fostering a close-knit sibling dynamic across wide age gaps.

Despite numerous fan forums speculating on candid family moments, the Carney–Branch household has released zero official images of the children interacting publicly. The absence of social-media content featuring Rhys or his sisters underscores the deliberate boundary set by his parents.

Parents’ Professional Lives

Michelle Branch

• 2024 Activity: Spent the year writing new material and recording at her Nashville studio.
• Album Teasers: Posted multiple Instagram Stories hinting at an upcoming album, though an official release date remains unannounced as of mid-2025.
• Touring Status: No tour announcements for 2025; priority appears to rest on studio work.

Patrick Carney and The Black Keys

• Latest Release: Ohio Players, released April 5, 2024; Rhys was five years old at the time and present for an informal family “listening party” at Audio Eagle Studios in Nashville.
• Touring: The Black Keys completed a North American tour spanning Summer 2024, but no family photographs have emerged from backstage or VIP areas.
• Producing: Patrick continues to produce for other artists at Audio Eagle, balancing parental duties with studio commitments.

Marital Journey and Privacy Measures

In August 2022, the couple publicly announced their separation amid infidelity allegations. This period included:

• Separation Announcement (August 11, 2022): Michelle Branch cited marital breakdown due to unfaithfulness.
• Domestic Incident (August 2022): An altercation led to Michelle’s brief arrest; charges were dismissed later that month.
• Reconciliation (February 2023): The pair appeared together at the Grammy Awards, effectively signaling the end of divorce proceedings and the resumption of their partnership.

Michelle and Patrick have not discussed personal issues since February 2023. The couple has not divorced or indicated legal disputes. They only post about their professional work and not Rhys’s schoolwork or personal lives.

Current Status as of Mid-2025

As of April 2025, the Carney–Branch family:

• Resides privately, with no new public documentation of vacations, family outings, or celebrations.
• Continues to shield Rhys and Willie from both paparazzi and social-media exposure.
• Maintains professional momentum: Michelle’s forthcoming album cycle remains under wraps, while Patrick’s production slate for 2025 includes several high-profile projects.

Given the duo’s track record of managing high-visibility careers alongside a private family life, it is expected that updates on Rhys will only emerge if his parents elect to share celebratory milestones or creative collaborations—neither of which have occurred to date.

FAQ

Who are Rhys James Carney’s parents?

Michelle Branch is a singer-songwriter known for early-2000s chart-toppers, and Patrick Carney is the drummer for The Black Keys.

Does Rhys James Carney have siblings?

Yes; he has a younger sister, Willie Jacquet Carney (born February 2, 2022), and a half-sister, Owen Isabelle (born in 2003).

What public struggles have Rhys’s parents faced?

In August 2022, Michelle Branch and Patrick Carney announced a separation amid infidelity allegations but reconciled by February 2023.

How is Rhys’s family life described as of 2025?

The family lives entirely out of the public eye, prioritizing privacy and offering no updates on personal or educational details.

References