R&B singer Mario is officially a father.
The 39-year-old “Let Me Love You” hitmaker has welcomed his first child, a baby boy, with his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios. The singer shared the happy news on Monday, January 26, through his Instagram Stories.
Mario, whose real name is Mario Dewar Barrett, posted a selfie wearing medical scrubs and jokingly referred to himself as “Doctor Barrett.” He also expressed deep admiration for women after witnessing the birth of his son.
“Women are God’s greatest creation because what I witnessed today was only God’s work,” he wrote. “Healthy baby boy!”
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The singer first revealed that he and Rios were expecting a child in late August 2025. At the time, he shared a photo on Instagram showing his hand resting on Rios’ baby bump, writing, “It’s a whole universe in there! I can’t wait.”
Mario has previously spoken openly about his thoughts on fatherhood. In a 2023 interview with V-103 Atlanta, the Closer to Mars artist said he takes the responsibility of having children very seriously.
“I don’t take having kids lightly,” he said, noting that he grew up without a father and wants to do things the right way when raising a child.
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