In 1997, the world’s first surviving septuplets were born to Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey in Iowa, USA. Born nine weeks premature, the seven babies—Kenny Jr., Alexis, Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, Brandon, and Joel—quickly drew global attention. The family appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show for the septuplets’ first birthday and even met President Bill Clinton.
Caring for eight children was demanding; the babies went through about 52 diapers and 42 bottles daily. The McCaugheys received generous donations, including a large home, a van, free diapers, and college scholarships for Iowa state universities. Despite this help, the parents worked hard to stay frugal, even growing their own vegetables.
Two of the septuplets, Alexis and Nathan, were diagnosed with cerebral palsy. Nathan later had surgery that improved his mobility, and both went on to live active lives.
All seven graduated high school and pursued higher education. Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, and Joel attended Hannibal-LaGrange University in Missouri, while Kenny and Alexis studied at Des Moines Area Community College, and Brandon joined the U.S. Army.
College gave the siblings their first real independence. “We’re not just the seven septuplets,” Kelsey said. “We’re becoming our own people.”
Older sister Mikayla married in 2015, and the septuplets became aunts and uncles. Natalie married in 2019, followed by Brandon. Natalie plans to attend graduate school as an athletic trainer, Alexis hopes to teach early childhood education, and Nathan and Joel study computer information systems—Joel dreams of working for Google.
“Having six siblings who are also your best friends is something special,” Natalie told Today.
