If you spent any time on the "wholesome" side of Facebook or YouTube circa 2015, you definitely remember the tiny girl with the giant personality, crushing Zumba routines and singing her heart out to Selena Gomez. Audrey Nethery wasn't just another viral kid; she became the face of resilience for millions. But the internet has a short memory. People see those old clips and wonder, how old is Audrey Nethery now that years have passed? It feels like just yesterday she was this pint-sized powerhouse, yet time moves on even for our favorite viral stars.
The Short Answer: How Old Is Audrey Nethery Right Now?
Let’s get the numbers out of the way first because that’s why you’re here. Audrey Nethery was born on October 20, 2008. As of right now, in early 2026, Audrey Nethery is 17 years old. She’ll be hitting that massive milestone—her 18th birthday—this coming October.
It’s kind of wild to think about, right? The girl we all remember as a 6-year-old dancing in her living room is basically an adult now. She’s navigating her late teens, likely thinking about the things every other seventeen-year-old deals with: finishing high school, future plans, and just existing in that weird limbo between childhood and "real life."
A Quick Timeline of Audrey’s Journey
- 2008: Audrey is born in Kentucky.
- 2010s: Her parents, Scott Nethery and Julie Haise, start sharing her videos to raise awareness for DBA.
- 2015-2016: The "Zumba" era. Audrey goes global, appears on Rachael Ray, and meets Selena Gomez.
- 2020-2024: She maintains a lower but steady profile, continuing to advocate for her health community.
- 2026: Audrey enters her final year as a minor, still acting as a beacon for the Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA) community.
Why Audrey’s Age Matters More Than You Think
Usually, when people Google a celebrity’s age, it’s just curiosity. With Audrey, it’s different. Her age is actually a testament to her strength. You see, Audrey was born with Diamond-Blackfan Anemia (DBA).
For those who don't know the medical jargon, DBA is a rare bone marrow failure syndrome. Basically, her body doesn't produce enough red blood cells. Without those cells, oxygen doesn't get where it needs to go. When she was just a toddler, Audrey was undergoing blood transfusions every few weeks.
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So, when we talk about how old is Audrey Nethery, we aren't just counting birthdays. We are counting victories. Every year she hits is a "take that" to a condition that often presents massive life-expectancy hurdles and grueling treatment schedules.
The Reality of Growing Up with DBA
Growing up in the spotlight is hard enough. Doing it while managing a chronic illness is a whole other level. Audrey’s growth was naturally affected by her condition and the treatments she received. Specifically, the steroids often used to treat DBA can impact height and physical development.
Honestly, this is why she stayed looking "younger" than her peers for a long time. It’s also why some people get confused about her actual age. They see a recent video and think she’s much younger than 17 because of her stature. But make no mistake—she’s got the maturity of someone who has seen more hospital walls than most people twice her age.
Where Is Audrey Nethery in 2026?
You won't see Audrey on the front page of every tabloid, and that’s probably a good thing. Her dad, Scott, still runs the "Audrey’s DBA Photo Booth" pages, and they still post updates.
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She isn't just "the Zumba girl" anymore. She’s a teenager with her own interests, though her love for music hasn't faded. She still uses her platform to raise money for the DBA Foundation. It’s pretty cool to see a kid who gained fame for being "cute" turn that into a legitimate lifelong mission.
Is she still dancing?
While she might not be doing the same viral Zumba routines that made her famous at age six, movement and music remain a big part of her life. The energy hasn't changed. If you watch her more recent appearances—like the fundraisers she attends in Louisville—that same spark is there. She just wears it with the confidence of a young woman now.
Common Misconceptions About Audrey
Because the internet is, well, the internet, there’s a lot of bad info out there. Let’s clear some of it up.
- "She's still a little kid." Nope. She’s 17. The videos you see of her in a blue dress dancing to "You're the One That I Want" are a decade old.
- "She's cured." Sadly, there is no "cure" for DBA yet, though some patients find success with bone marrow transplants. Audrey has managed her condition through various treatments, including steroids and transfusions, over the years.
- "She's a professional dancer." While she’s better than most of us, she’s always viewed dancing as a way to have fun and spread a message rather than a career path.
The Impact of a 17-Year-Old Advocate
It’s easy to dismiss viral stars as "flashes in the pan." But Audrey Nethery’s longevity is impressive. By being open about her life, her parents helped de-stigmatize rare blood disorders. They showed that a diagnosis doesn't mean a lack of joy.
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When people ask how old is Audrey Nethery, they often find themselves falling down a rabbit hole of learning about bone marrow research and the importance of blood donation. That’s a pretty heavy legacy for a 17-year-old to carry, but she seems to handle it with more grace than most Hollywood A-listers.
What Can You Do?
Knowing Audrey's age is one thing, but her story is really a call to action. Since she is still living with DBA, the fight for a cure continues.
- Donate Blood: Since many people with DBA rely on transfusions, your local blood drive is the most direct way to help people like Audrey.
- Support the DBA Foundation: They fund the research that Audrey has been dancing for since she was in kindergarten.
- Stay Updated: Follow their official channels (like Scott Nethery’s YouTube or the "Audrey’s DBA Photo Booth" Facebook) to see her actual updates rather than relying on outdated viral re-posts.
Audrey Nethery is 17, nearly 18, and still proving that a small stature doesn't mean a small life. She’s outgrown the "viral kid" label and stepped into the role of a seasoned advocate. That’s worth more than any number of "likes" or "shares."