Ever since that heartbreaking 2009 episode of 16 and Pregnant, the world has been somewhat obsessed with the story of Carly. You know the one. Catelynn Lowell and Tyler Baltierra, two teenagers in a cycle of poverty and addiction-riddled family life, made the gut-wrenching decision to place their firstborn for adoption. It was the "open adoption" heard 'round the world.
But where is Carly Tyler and Caitlin's daughter now?
Honestly, the "open" part of that adoption has become more of a legal and emotional battlefield than anyone ever predicted back when Catelynn was sobbing in the back of that car. As we hit 2026, the situation has shifted from "occasional awkward visits" to something much more final.
The Reality of Carly's Life in 2026
Carly—whose full name is Carolyn Elizabeth Davis—turned 16 years old in May 2025. She’s not a baby anymore. She’s a teenager with her own opinions, her own social life, and likely, her own smartphone. While Catelynn and Tyler have three other daughters (Nova, Vaeda, and Rya) who they raise in the public eye, Carly lives a world away with her adoptive parents, Brandon and Teresa Davis.
Basically, the "now" for Carly is a state of total privacy.
For years, fans watched the annual summer visits on MTV. We saw the scrapbooks Catelynn would painstakingly put together. But that door has largely slammed shut. By late 2024 and heading into 2026, Catelynn and Tyler confirmed that communication has essentially been "blocked."
The Rift That Changed Everything
What went wrong? It wasn't one single event. It was a slow burn of boundaries being crossed.
- Social Media: Tyler and Catelynn often shared photos of Carly, even when Brandon and Teresa asked them not to.
- The "Sister" Dynamic: Catelynn has been vocal about Carly's relationship with her biological sisters. Apparently, Teresa wasn't thrilled about Carly being told she had "sisters" in another state while she was trying to build a life in her primary family unit.
- Publicity: Brandon and Teresa never signed up to be reality stars. Catelynn and Tyler are reality stars. That friction was always going to spark a fire.
Why the Adoption Is "Closed" Now
If you're looking for a happy update about a big 16th birthday reunion, I’ve got some bad news. The relationship is at an all-time low. Tyler recently went on a bit of a tear on social media, admitting he actually regrets the adoption now. That's a huge shift from the "it was the best thing for her" narrative they pushed for a decade.
He mentioned that they now have the money and the mental health resources they lacked at 17. It’s a tragic kind of hindsight.
Recently, a "letter" to Brandon and Teresa was made public where the couple expressed their heartbreak. But the reality is that in the state of Michigan—where the adoption took place—open adoption agreements are not legally enforceable. If the adoptive parents want to change the locks, they can. And they did.
The Mystery of the "Church Song"
One of the weirdest updates to surface recently involved a recording of Carly singing in church. During a Teen Mom reunion, Dr. Drew mentioned he had heard a recording of Carly's voice. Catelynn and Tyler were crushed.
They hadn't heard her voice in years.
To find out that the adoptive parents shared a recording with a TV doctor but not with the biological parents? That felt manipulative to Tyler. It highlighted the massive power imbalance that defines their "open" adoption today.
What's Next for Carly?
Carly is currently thriving, according to the few updates that trickle out from mediators. She’s an accomplished singer, she’s tall, and she’s reportedly "very opinionated."
The big question everyone is asking: What happens when she turns 18?
In May 2027, Carly will legally be an adult. At that point, Brandon and Teresa can’t "block" the communication anymore. It will be entirely up to Carly. Will she reach out to the parents who have spent 18 years talking about her on television? Or will she prefer the quiet, private life she’s been raised in?
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Actionable Takeaways for Following the Story
If you're following this saga, it's easy to get caught up in the "Team Catelynn" or "Team Brandon" drama. Here is how to look at the situation with a bit more nuance:
- Understand Adoption Law: Remember that "open adoption" is usually a "good faith" agreement, not a contract.
- Respect the Privacy: There is a reason you won't find Carly’s Instagram. Her parents have worked overtime to keep her away from the Teen Mom spotlight.
- Wait for 2027: The next real update won't come from a producer or a social media rant. It will come when Carly is an adult and chooses whether or not to step into the public eye.
The saga of Carly Tyler and Caitlin's daughter now is a cautionary tale about the intersection of private trauma and public entertainment. For now, the "now" is silence.