You probably remember the massive hit "If I Die Young." It was everywhere. But while the spotlight was firmly on The Band Perry, the lead singer’s personal life was going through a much quieter, more intense transformation. For a long time, fans only knew Kimberly Perry through the lens of her music or her previous, high-profile marriage to an MLB player. Then came Johnny Costello.
Honestly, the way they got together sounds like something straight out of a Nashville songwriter’s notebook. It wasn't a big, flashy media event. In fact, most people didn't even know they were dating until they were already husband and wife.
Who Is Kimberly Perry and Husband Johnny Costello?
So, who is the guy? Johnny Costello isn't a household name in the way some country stars are, but he’s deeply embedded in the creative world. He’s a singer-songwriter and a producer, which basically means they speak the same language.
They met back in October 2020 at a brunch in Dallas. Kimberly has been pretty open about the fact that she felt "love at first sight," which she used to think was totally irresponsible. Apparently, he walked in—all 6'5" of him—and she just knew. She even admitted to People magazine that she had to force herself not to say "I love you" for the first week.
The Midnight Vegas Wedding
Most celebs plan these massive, million-dollar weddings with flower walls and security guards. Kimberly Perry and husband Johnny Costello did the exact opposite. On June 17, 2021, they hopped into a black Corvette in Los Angeles and drove straight to Las Vegas.
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They got married at midnight.
No fanfare. No paparazzi. Just them. They actually kept the whole thing a secret for six months, finally dropping the news on Instagram during the Christmas season of 2021. Kimberly signed her post as "Mrs. Costello," and the country music world collectively gasped.
A Season of "Superbloom"
Life moved fast after the "I dos." By early 2023, Kimberly was announcing her first solo project, Bloom, and a massive personal milestone: she was pregnant.
If you’ve followed her career, you know that her solo journey happened right as The Band Perry went on hiatus. It was a lot of change at once. But having Johnny by her side seemed to give her a different kind of stability. She’s mentioned in interviews that she finally felt like she didn't have to choose between a career and a family.
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On August 26, 2023, they welcomed their son, Whittaker James Costello. They call him "Whit."
- Birth Date: August 26, 2023
- Location: Nashville, TN
- The Name: "Whitaker" was found on a Google list of names, and "James" honors both of their grandfathers.
The arrival of Whit changed everything. Kimberly often refers to this era as her "Superbloom." It’s a mix of being a "bus baby" mom and a solo artist. You’ll often see Johnny in the background of her tour life, supporting the transition from the trio she started with her brothers to this new, independent chapter.
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Relationship
There’s this misconception that Johnny is just "the husband" in the background. That's not really the case. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, Johnny started appearing more frequently in the professional side of Kimberly's world. When The Band Perry reunited for a homecoming show in late 2024 to help with hurricane relief, Johnny was right there with the siblings, helping organize and support the effort.
He’s a "follower of Jesus," which is a huge part of their bond. They often talk about starting their days with prayer. It's a grounded, spiritual foundation that seems to have helped Kimberly navigate the "ashes" of her past—including a difficult divorce in 2018 and the professional stress of disbanding a world-famous group.
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The "If I Die Young Pt. 2" Connection
You might not know this, but Johnny played a huge emotional role in the creation of "If I Die Young Pt. 2." Kimberly revealed that she wrote the sequel after going through a miscarriage. During that heavy time, her relationship with Johnny was the thing that kept her tethered. The song wasn't just a follow-up to a hit; it was a manifestation of the family they were trying to build.
Moving Into 2026
As of early 2026, the couple is still going strong in Nashville. They’ve managed to do what a lot of celebrity couples fail at: keeping the private stuff private while still being authentic with fans. They aren't trying to sell you a perfect life; they're just living a very real, very busy one.
If you’re looking for a roadmap on how to rebuild after a public "ending," Kimberly's story is a solid example. She didn't just jump into a new marriage; she found someone who aligned with her spirit and wasn't intimidated by her success.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators:
- Prioritize Alignment: Kimberly emphasizes that she knew Johnny was "the one" because their spirits felt aligned, not just their careers.
- It’s Okay to Pivot: You can change your career (going solo) and your life (starting a family) simultaneously if you have the right support system.
- Privacy is a Choice: You don't owe the public every detail of your "I do." Sometimes, the secret moments are the ones that last the longest.
- Embrace the "Superbloom": Hard seasons (like her 2018 divorce) often provide the "soil" for the most beautiful growth later on.
Keep an eye on Kimberly's social media for updates on Whit and her upcoming tour dates, as she continues to balance the "bus baby" life with new music.