Garrett Hedlund explains how Tim McGraw became his and Emma Roberts' son's godfather

"The first thing he said was, 'I'm the godfather.' So how can you argue?"

ByCarena Liptak via logo
February 22, 2021, 12:05 PM

Actor couple Emma Roberts and Garrett Hedlund welcomed their baby boy, Rhodes Robert Hedlund, in late 2020, and in a recent interview the proud new papa revealed his son's unexpected country connection.

Grammy Award-winning country artist Tim McGraw is their son's godfather.

"He's somebody that I admire and respect not only as an amazing father, an amazing husband and amazing musician, amazing actor -- and his name is Tim McGraw," Hedlund said during an appearance on "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

"I've seen his children, his daughters, from the time they were 1, 3 and 5 [years old]," the actor continued, as host Kelly Clarkson joked that it must be exciting for McGraw to have a parental connection to a boy after parenting three girls.

"He's the best. And when ... after 12 weeks ... of Emma being pregnant, I called him, and the first thing he said was, 'I'm the godfather.' So how can you argue?" Hedlund added.

As it turns out, Hedlund and McGraw's friendship dates back almost two decades, when they were on set together filming the 2004 film "Friday Night Lights," where they played a father and son.

In addition to enjoying his new role as godfather, McGraw has been busy on the musical front, too.

In January, he released a duet with Florida Georgia Line's Tyler Hubbard called "Undivided."