Carlos PenaVega and Alexa PenaVega are opening their hearts in a deeply personal way following the devastating loss of their daughter, Indy.
The couple, who experienced the stillbirth of their baby girl in 2024, are now sharing their journey through grief, faith and healing.
Their upcoming book, “Joy Isn’t Canceled: What Grief Taught Us About Pain, Peace, and Purpose,” is set for release this fall through Thomas Nelson imprint Nelson Books.
All About the Upcoming Book
In the book, the pair reflect on how the unimaginable loss reshaped every part of their lives—from their marriage to their faith and their roles as parents.
The story is told through both of their perspectives, offering an honest look at how they processed grief while continuing to show up for their family, including sons Ocean, 9, and Kingston, 6, and daughter Rio, 4.
“We never could have imagined how much Indy’s life would change ours and touch so many others,” the couple shared in a joint statement with PEOPLE.
Despite the heartbreak, they describe Indy’s life as profoundly meaningful. “She’s been such a gift to us in every way. She’s brought us closer as a couple, closer as a family, closer to our community — and closer to God, who’s shown us a kind of peace and purpose we didn’t know was possible.”
Their reflections don’t shy away from the complexity of grief.
The Two Have Occasionally Opened Up About Losing Their Daughter
The book is described as “their vulnerable, deeply honest account of navigating unimaginable pain while discovering the faithful nearness of God.”
It will move between both of their perspectives as the two navigate the difficult tragedy.
The two “share how worship carried them when words failed, how community showed up before they knew how to ask for help, how grief reshaped their marriage and family, and how vulnerability became the unexpected doorway to strength.”
Instead, they emphasize the coexistence of sorrow and joy—something the Hallmark alum poignantly expressed in a tribute shared on social media marking the second anniversary of Indy’s passing.
“Two years ago today we lost our beautiful daughter Indy,” she wrote. “Her little life transformed ours and will always be a gift to us. Never in a million years did we ever fathom having to walk through the death of our own child.”
She went on to describe the emotional duality they now live with: “But here we are today navigating grief and joy like a little dance. Never did we know that out of deep pain a joy could spark within us. A miraculous joy that can only come from God.”
