Ups and downs. Jessie James Decker’s family has made headlines through the years, from their once-tight reality TV bond to a years-long rift.
The Just Jessie author is known for her infectious country songs, Kittenish fashion brand and her busy brood. The “Should Have Known Better” songstress — who wed former football player Eric Decker in June 2013 — became a reality TV personality in 2013 when E! ordered an Eric & Jessie docuseries to document their Colorado wedding plans. As the married couple — who share daughter Vivianne and sons Eric and Forrest — chronicled their relationship milestones, her family came along for the ride, including mom Karen Parker, sister Sydney Rae Bass (née James) and brother John James.
“I got some shirts printed and one says ‘Maw Maw’ for my mom, and one says ‘Lala’ for my sister,” Bass — who wed baseball player Anthony Bass in January 2017 — said during a September 2017 episode of the reality TV series, revealing the sex of her first baby. “My mom is called ‘Maw Maw’ because that was her grandmother’s name and that was one of her favorite people. And my sister [is] ‘Lala.’ I called her ‘Lala’ growing up, I have no idea how I came up with that, doesn’t sound like Jessica at all, and we both actually have ‘Lala’ tattoos.”
While Jessie and Sydney’s close sibling bond has been showcased on and off camera, their connection with young brother John has been rocky.
“I did not think there was a chance we would all be together in one room. Not a chance at all,” John — who is married to Ali James (née Green) — said during an appearance on the “Spillover” podcast in May 2022, revealing he hadn’t spoken to his siblings in several years. “[My mom] wanted us to all be together for our birthday and I was really on the fence about going because I just didn’t want to go and then it be awkward — granted, you know, some of us haven’t talked in years.”
He added: “We decided to do that for her. And it was honestly amazing. It was amazing, not only for us, but for the kids as well, like seeing all the kids play together was … it sounds silly to say, but it felt like a dream come true.”
The siblings’ relationship had previously made headlines after Jessie and the family matriarch seemingly unfollowed John and Ali, who share daughters Emmy and Callie, on social media.
Jessie, for her part, seldom addressed the falling out before breaking down in an emotional Instagram message in June 2022.
“I’ve had some family issues a couple years ago that I have struggled with tremendously and still to this day make me break down and cry,” the cookbook author wrote in a lengthy social media statement. “I would’ve never chosen to deal with that publicly and open that door to such a personal family matter, but it happened, and it still hurts my heart.”
She continued: “I have a very blessed life with healthy children and an incredibly loving rock of a husband. But I have definitely struggled these past couple years. My anxiety has gotten worse [as has] my self-esteem [and] my confidence.”
Scroll below for a complete timeline of the family’s relationship highs and lows:
Parker gave birth to her eldest daughter on April 12. Courtesy of Karen Parker/Instagram
Three years later, Sydney joined the brood. Courtesy of Karen Parker/Instagram
The sisters got a little brother in John. Courtesy of Karen Parker/Instagram
As Eric and Jessie planned their dreamy nuptials, E! captured their fairytale plans on Eric & Jessie. Renewed for two more seasons, fans saw a glimpse of the pair’s home life with their three children as well as Jessie’s relationship with Sydney and John. Henry Lamb/Photowire/BEI/Shutterstock
Eric & Jessie wrapped for good that October as Jessie’s career hit a new high: singing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Debby Wong/Shutterstock
“Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful mama who showed me the perfect example of a great mother. We love you more than you’ll ever know mommy💗,” Jessie captioned an Instagram tribute to Parker, sharing a holiday snap with both her mom and sister. John, for his part, was notably absent. Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
Jessie, Sydney and their mom did not speak with John for several years, though that didn’t stop the two sisters from remaining close. “Happy Birthday my beautiful amazing sister @sydneyraebass. I texted her before midnight that the moment I met her at 3 years old, she took my breath away💖 I knew we would be best friends the moment she came into the world. Sydney you’re my favorite person,” the musician gushed via Instagram. “I feel so lucky that God made us sisters and we have grown up together living this life always by each others’ side. You are the definition of a good human. My ride or die always. Your heart, smile, dimples, great ass, curly hair, your laugh, humor, thoughtfulness, creativity, incredible mother, the list goes on. I love you Nene! Can’t wait to grow old together in our little house once the dudes die off😂💖🥰.” Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
The fitness trainer opened up about his estranged relationship with his sisters on the “Spillover” podcast after their children all posed together for Mother’s Day. “Super grateful for this moment. My girls loved hanging with the family so much and it was honestly an incredibly special day to experience,” John captioned an Instagram snap of Parker and her grandchildren. “All my nieces and nephews are so cool and special in their own unique ways and that’s thanks to 4 great mothers. Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there! It’s easily the most underappreciated job out there.” Courtesy of Jessie James Decker/Instagram
Jessie made headlines nearly one month later, admitting it has been difficult dealing with her “private family” drama. Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
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