HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — The first baby of 2026 at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville was born Thursday evening.

Gracie Rose Kendall was born at 7:52 p.m. Jan. 1 to Morgan and Levi Kendall, of Fletcher. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and measured 21 inches long. Gracie was due Jan. 13, according to the hospital.

For the Kendall family, Gracie’s New Year’s Day arrival held special meaning. Morgan Kendall said her grandmother, who died two years ago, was also born on New Year’s Day.

“Losing her was very hard on our family,” Kendall said in a statement. “Gracie being born on New Year’s Day felt like an extra special gift.”

Levi Kendall said he is proud of his wife and described the birth of their first child as more meaningful than he had imagined.

Hospital officials said welcoming the first baby of the new year is a milestone for staff.

“Welcoming the first baby of a new year is always a special experience for our team,” said Chloe Harden, director of The Baby Place at AdventHealth Hendersonville. “We are honored to care for families as they begin this next chapter.”

AdventHealth Hendersonville provides comprehensive maternity and labor-and-delivery services focused on care for mothers, babies and families.