Alexa PenaVega and her husband, Carlos PenaVega, are sharing a deeply personal chapter of their family story through their memoir, Joy Isn’t Canceled: What Grief Taught Us About Pain, Peace, and Purpose. Released in November, the book explores their experiences as parents, including the heartbreak of losing their youngest daughter, Indy Rex, during pregnancy. The couple have spoken about how their faith, marriage and three living children have helped them navigate grief while continuing to celebrate their family.
Alexa PenaVega has two daughters, Rio Rey PenaVega and Indy Rex PenaVega. Rio, born in May 2021, is the couple’s only living daughter, while Indy was stillborn in April 2024. Alexa and Carlos also have two sons, Ocean King and Kingston James. Their family story has attracted renewed attention as the actors discuss the emotional experiences behind their new book.
Who Is Alexa PenaVega’s Daughter?
Rio Rey PenaVega is Alexa and Carlos PenaVega’s eldest daughter and third child.
She was born on May 7, 2021, joining her older brothers, Ocean and Kingston.
Rio is five years old as of November 2026.
Her arrival was particularly emotional for the family because she was born slightly premature and required additional medical care.
After her birth, Rio spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit, commonly known as the NICU.
The experience was difficult for her parents, who had been looking forward to bringing their daughter home.
Alexa and Carlos shared updates about Rio’s early health challenges while expressing gratitude for the medical professionals caring for her.
Following her hospital stay, Rio was eventually able to return home and join her brothers.
Rio Rey’s Early Life
Rio’s arrival brought a new experience to the PenaVega household, where Alexa and Carlos were already raising two young boys.
Her brothers, Ocean and Kingston, became older siblings to a baby sister for the first time.
The couple occasionally shared photographs and family moments showing their children spending time together.
Rio grew up surrounded by the outdoor activities and family traditions that became an important part of the PenaVegas’ lifestyle.
During her early childhood, the family lived in Hawaii, where they enjoyed spending time near the ocean.
Alexa has frequently spoken about the importance of raising her children in a supportive environment that encourages family connections.
Although the couple share selected moments from their parenting experiences, they also maintain boundaries around their children’s private lives.
Who Was Indy Rex PenaVega?
Indy Rex PenaVega was Alexa and Carlos PenaVega’s fourth child and second daughter.
The couple announced that they were expecting another baby in November 2023.
Their pregnancy announcement brought excitement to the family, particularly because Rio was preparing to become an older sister.
However, the pregnancy later involved serious medical complications.
In April 2024, Alexa and Carlos announced that their daughter Indy had been stillborn.
The couple shared the heartbreaking news publicly while asking for understanding as they processed their loss.
They described Indy as a beloved member of their family and emphasized that her life would always remain meaningful to them.
Although Indy never had the opportunity to grow up alongside her siblings, her parents continue to acknowledge her place in their family.
The Loss of Indy Rex
The loss of Indy was an emotionally difficult experience for Alexa and Carlos.
The couple had been preparing to welcome their fourth child when complications changed the course of the pregnancy.
After Indy’s stillbirth, they spoke about the emotional challenges of returning home without their daughter.
Their grief also involved helping their three living children understand what had happened.
Alexa and Carlos have explained that mourning a child can involve many different emotions, including sadness, confusion and moments of unexpected joy.
Rather than avoiding conversations about Indy, they have continued to include her in their family’s story.
The couple consider themselves parents of four children, including their daughter Indy.
Their willingness to discuss pregnancy loss has resonated with families who have experienced similar circumstances.
Their New Memoir
Alexa and Carlos PenaVega have shared their experiences in ** Joy Isn’t Canceled: What Grief Taught Us About Pain, Peace, and Purpose **.
The memoir, released in November 2026, examines how the couple navigated the loss of Indy while continuing to raise their children.
The book also discusses the role of faith in their marriage and family life.
For Alexa and Carlos, writing about their experiences provided an opportunity to reflect on grief without suggesting that painful memories simply disappear.
They explore how moments of happiness can continue to exist alongside sadness.
Their story also addresses the challenges of supporting each other as partners while experiencing loss differently.
The memoir has brought renewed attention to the family’s journey and the importance of discussing pregnancy loss with compassion.
How Their Children Helped
Alexa and Carlos have spoken about the important role their three living children played during their grieving process.
Ocean, Kingston and Rio continued to need everyday care, attention and reassurance.
Parenting responsibilities gave the couple reasons to maintain familiar routines even during emotionally difficult periods.
The children also provided opportunities for laughter and meaningful family moments.
However, Alexa and Carlos have been careful not to suggest that their living children replace Indy or erase the pain of losing her.
Instead, they have described learning to appreciate their family while acknowledging the absence of their youngest daughter.
Rio remains their only living daughter, while Indy continues to hold a permanent place in their family.
Meet Ocean and Kingston
Alexa and Carlos PenaVega have two sons in addition to their daughters.
Their eldest child, Ocean King PenaVega, was born in December 2016.
Ocean is approaching his tenth birthday in December 2026.
Their second son, Kingston James PenaVega, was born in June 2019.
Kingston is seven years old.
Both boys have appeared occasionally in family photographs and videos shared by their parents.
The brothers have grown up alongside Rio, experiencing family adventures and changes in their parents’ professional lives.
Alexa and Carlos have emphasized spending meaningful time with their children while balancing acting, music and other responsibilities.
Alexa and Carlos’s Marriage
Alexa PenaVega is widely recognized for playing Carmen Cortez in the Spy Kids film series.
She has also appeared in television productions, family films and romantic comedies.
Her husband, Carlos PenaVega, is an actor and singer best known as a member of the pop group Big Time Rush.
Alexa and Carlos married on January 4, 2014, in Mexico.
Following their wedding, they combined their surnames and began using PenaVega professionally.
Their relationship has frequently been associated with shared family values, faith and collaborative entertainment projects.
The couple have worked together on several productions while raising their children.
Their marriage has also been shaped by significant personal experiences, including the premature birth of Rio and the loss of Indy.
Where Does the Family Live?
Alexa and Carlos previously lived in Maui, Hawaii, where they raised their children for several years.
The island provided opportunities for outdoor activities and a lifestyle centered on family time.
They frequently shared photographs of beach visits, swimming and other experiences with their children.
The family later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee.
Their move marked another chapter as they adjusted to a different community and environment.
Despite changes in location, the couple have continued emphasizing family routines and spending time together.
They have also remained active professionally while prioritizing their responsibilities as parents.
Alexa PenaVega’s Daughters Today
Alexa PenaVega continues raising her three living children with Carlos while honoring the memory of their youngest daughter.
Rio Rey, now five, is growing up alongside her brothers Ocean and Kingston.
Indy Rex, who was stillborn in April 2024, remains an important part of the family’s identity.
Through their memoir, Alexa and Carlos have offered a personal account of how they have navigated grief, marriage and parenthood.
Alexa PenaVega is the mother of four children, including two daughters, Rio Rey and Indy Rex. Her family’s story reflects both the happiness of raising children and the lasting emotional significance of remembering a child they lost.