Dale Earnhardt Jr. Opens Up About Fatherhood After Birth of Newborn Daughter
Life in 2018 has brought about some big changes for Dale Earnhardt Jr., who retired from professional racing in 2017. Earnhardt, 43, opened a new chapter in his career as a NASCAR analyst for NBC Sports.
His broadcasting debut is set for July 1 at Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet, Illinois.
While Earnhardt is eager for the weekend’s events, a piece of his heart is back home in North Carolina.
The new year also brought a huge change to the former racecar driver’s personal life. He’s now a father, learning the ropes of parenting with his newborn daughter, Isla Rose.
Earnhardt and his wife Amy were delighted to welcome Isla Rose just eight weeks ago. The couple has been married since 2016.
Speaking with reporters from TODAY, Earnhardt was bursting with pride as he talked about baby Isla.
“I miss her terribly,” he said.
Baby and mom stayed home this weekend, which means Earnhardt has had to settle for a steady stream of cute baby photos and videos.
“I’ve been on the phone with mom — with Amy — all weekend,” the new father said.
“Amy’s sending me pictures and videos trying to tide me over until I get to go back home Sunday after the race to see her.”
Earnhardt had grown accustomed to being with his daughter every single day. Clearly, Isla has already worked her way deep into her father’s heart.
“I’ve been with her for the first eight weeks of her life and able to pick her up and hold her at any moment,” Earnhardt said.
“It’s really rough being away from her this weekend, so I can’t wait to get back home and have more time with her.”
Aww! New dad @DaleJr is gushing over his new baby girl! pic.twitter.com/tskyu3VVWA
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) June 30, 2018
In the meantime, Earnhardt is excited to be back at his home away from home — the racetrack. “Going to join some friends and broadcast my first race with @NASCARonNBC today,” Earnhardt wrote on his Twitter page.
“I have been a driver for 20 years but I’ve been a racefan for life,” he said.
“Can’t wait to see this race today, and the next one, and the next.”
We have a feeling that when Isla is old enough, she’ll be there enjoying a few races, too.
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