Nearly a year after their story captured hearts nationwide, Dustin and Daniel Johnson’s family has grown once more — proving that love knows no limits.
For Dustin and Daniel Johnson, love isn’t just the foundation of their family — it’s what has shaped their extraordinary journey, one unexpected “yes” at a time. Since we last shared their story, the Johnsons have received national attention for their extraordinary journey as two dads who brought six siblings back together through adoption. Their story touched hearts across the country, earning them invitations to the White House and headlines from Good Morning America to People Magazine. But beyond the spotlight, their family has continued to grow — in more ways than one.
A Surprise Addition
Their growing family became even more special when, just after they visited the White House, they received a call from a local hospital that would forever change their lives once more. The birth parents of their adopted children had a seventh child and, knowing their baby would be in loving hands, left Dustin and Daniel’s names and contact information with the hospital staff.
“She was born premature and with complications, spending a month and a half in the NICU,” Dustin shared. “Every single day, Daniel and I were there — holding her, feeding her, and making sure she felt safe and loved from the very beginning.”
In May 2024, the adoption was finalized, making the Johnsons a family of nine. Their home is now filled with even more laughter, milestones, and the boundless energy of seven children whose lives have been forever changed by the power of family.
A Community of Love
Managing a household of nine is no small task, but Dustin and Daniel credit their incredible support system for helping them juggle school schedules, extracurricular activities, and everything in between.
“We’re beyond blessed,” Dustin said. “My parents live nearby, and they’re always stepping up when we need an extra hand. And then there are the moms from our local PFLAG chapter — we joke that our kids have 36 moms because everyone jumps in to help.”
That support became even more critical when, in September 2024, Hurricane Helene flooded their home. But the same community that had celebrated their growing family rallied around them in their time of need.
“Our kids’ teachers, the adoption resource center, PFLAG moms, even people we’d only met in passing just showed up,” Dustin said. “They helped us clean out our home, rebuild, and reminded us how much love surrounds our family.”
Navigating the World as Two Dads
While their home is overflowing with love, the Johnsons remain mindful that not everyone is familiar with a family like theirs.
“If just one of us takes the kids to the store, people assume the other parent must be home sick,” Dustin laughed. “I once had a woman flat-out refuse to believe they were all mine. She was convinced I ran a daycare.”
Most of the time, they take these assumptions in stride, chalking them up to outdated ideas about family. But other times, especially when traveling through less accepting areas, their awareness heightens.
“Day-to-day life where we live is great. But when we’re on the road, especially in rural areas, we’re more cautious,” Dustin explained. “We’ve even had to talk to our older kids about safety — when to ignore comments, when to walk away, and when to let us know if something doesn’t feel right.”
Sadly, their children have already faced moments of ignorance, including classmates making comments that assume having two dads somehow defines their future.
“One of our kids had another student say, ‘Your dads are gay, so you must be gay too,’ as if that’s how this works,” Dustin said. “It was a good teaching moment, but you wish they didn’t have to deal with that at such a young age.”
Standing Strong in Florida
With ongoing legislative attacks on LGBTQ+ rights, many families have considered leaving less welcoming states in search of a safer environment. But for the Johnsons, staying and being visible is part of their fight.
“I grew up in rural Minnesota. You’re going to find ignorance everywhere,” Dustin said. “Leaving isn’t the answer for us. Being involved, staying engaged, and making sure our kids know they’re safe and loved. That’s what matters.”
Daniel is involved in their local PFLAG chapter, and both dads work hard to ensure their children know their family isn’t just valid — it’s something to be celebrated.
“Our kids’ biggest fear is that someone is going to tear our family apart,” Dustin shared. “When they hear anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, that’s what they worry about. So we focus on what we can control, reassure them, and keep showing up.”
Joy in the Chaos
For all the challenges, the Johnsons wouldn’t trade their life for anything. The joy of raising their seven children far outweighs the negativity they sometimes face.
“There are so many moments that make us belly laugh,” Dustin said. “One of the kids will say something completely off-the-wall in the car, or we’ll sit around the dinner table swapping stories from the day, and it just reminds us why we do this.”
Being dads is one of the greatest joys of their lives, and no amount of hate can take that away.
When people ask why they chose to adopt a large sibling group, their answer is simple: “Because they needed us, and dang, they’re worth it.” In a house filled with lots of laughter, bedtime stories, and unconditional love, one truth is undeniable. Love makes a family. And the Johnsons have more than enough to share.
Kent Love-Ramirez (he/him)
Principal Strategist and Founder, Capacity Communications