Jessie James Decker Shares How Her Young Son Overcomes Asthma and Fills Her with Pride
Jessica James Decker and her son Forrest.
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Nashville-based country singer Jessie James Decker reflects on the early signs of asthma in her son, Forrest, who is now seven years old. Decker noticed that even before he turned two, he would frequently stop to catch his breath while playing with other children. She describes it as if “his lungs couldn’t keep up with him.”
The challenges intensified during cold seasons when Forrest experienced increased wheezing and severe coughing spells, often leading to vomiting. “It would break your heart to watch it,” recalls Decker.
In January 2021, after several emergency room visits, doctors diagnosed Forrest with asthma, a chronic condition characterized by the inflammation of airways leading to difficulty in breathing. “I remember being so scared because you read stories of kids having asthma attacks and the outcomes not being great,” Jessie said.
Today, thanks to a combination of medication and careful monitoring, Forrest is thriving. With an estimated 5.5 million children in the U.S. living with asthma, Jessie and Forrest have become advocates for raising awareness around the condition. “Forrest knows that everybody has something, and asthma is just his thing,” she explains. “Life is what you make of it, and we want to make the best of this.”
When Forrest was born in March 2018, he appeared perfectly healthy. Decker and her husband, former NFL star Eric Decker, had two other children and were unaware of any breathing issues. However, as Forrest grew and began participating in activities like soccer, his shortness of breath became noticeable.
Jessie’s sister, Sydney Rae Bass, who has personal experience with child asthma, played a key role in helping Jessie understand what to look for. “She had me take Forrest’s shirt off, and she said, ‘Do you see this part of his chest that looks like it’s concave? That’s because he’s fighting for air,’” Jessie shared.
Over time, they developed a medication plan to minimize asthma attacks. Forrest uses a daily corticosteroid inhaler and keeps an albuterol inhaler on hand for emergencies. Jessie noted that he now participates in baseball rather than soccer, as the sport is easier on his lungs.
Despite his health challenges, Forrest maintains a passion for music, often singing and performing at home. Jessie describes him as “so musical,” emphasizing that while they manage his condition, it doesn’t define him.
While doctors have indicated that Forrest’s asthma may lessen as he grows, the family is prepared to face whatever challenges arise. “He just deals with it,” Jessie states, drawing attention to the supportive environment fostered within the family. “The kids are very supportive of each other,” she adds.
The Deckers remain committed to prioritizing family amid busy careers. Jessie plans to go on tour later this year, balancing it with family life by opting for shorter travel spans to stay close to her children. “We just love being home,” she concludes.
Jessie James Decker and son Forrest.
