Riley Green Shares Sweet Moment with 2-Year-Old Fan Hadley at The American Rodeo
Before taking the stage at The American Rodeo at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, Riley Green gave one young fan a night she and her family will never forget.
The country singer met 2-year-old Hadley during a pre-show meet & greet, and the heart-melting video of their interaction has quickly made its way around social media, gathering nearly 900,000 views so far. Hadley, who has Down syndrome, was all smiles as she confidently made her way over to Green. The artist immediately knelt down to greet her, smiling as the two posed for a few touching photos.
Hadley’s mom, Autumn, shared the backstory. When she first told her daughter they’d be meeting Riley Green, Hadley responded with a bashful smile and a hand over her mouth—clearly excited in her own adorable way.
That moment turned into something magical. As they approached Green, Hadley began waving and beaming. “It brought joy to me seeing how happy she was,” Autumn said. “Everyone around loved her. This sweet gentleman even gave Hadley a Riley Green guitar pick.” It was a moment the family says they’ll never forget.
Green himself posted about the experience on Instagram afterward, sharing photos and noting that Hadley “stole the show.”
The family has a deep connection to Riley Green’s music. His heartfelt song “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” holds a special place in their lives, as it came out shortly after Autumn’s husband lost his grandfather. “It’s always been important to us and one of our favorites,” she said.
Hadley, meanwhile, loves Green’s recent single “Worst Way.” While she’s too young to understand the lyrics, Autumn says she lights up every time she hears it, smiling shyly and dancing to the tune.
Autumn often shares glimpses of Hadley’s life on TikTok, where her daughter’s joy and spirit have touched thousands. “Everyone has been so supportive and excited for Hadley,” she said of the response to the video. “But of course, one of the most special moments was Riley posting their photo together. We feel very blessed.”
Autumn also shared a bit more about her daughter’s journey. Born with Down syndrome, Hadley has already faced and overcome more than most her age. “She’s the happiest little girl and one of the strongest,” Autumn said proudly. “She has a bright, uplifting mindset and is a true inspiration—not just to us, but to everyone she meets. She brings joy wherever she goes.”
In a night full of rodeo excitement and country music, it was a quiet, unscripted moment between a little girl and a kind-hearted country star that truly stole the spotlight.