Alice Cooper guitarist Nita Strauss shared some exciting and important news on Wednesday.
The 39-year-old musician announced that she and her husband, Josh Villalta, who is also a musician, welcomed their first child, Maxwell James Villalta, last Thursday. Strauss shared the news with People magazine , and also posted photos of her new family of three on Instagram.
«"He was born surrounded by so much love, and he will be loved even more with each passing day. Max is already so special, and we truly believe he is destined for a great future," Strauss wrote in her caption. "He has a piece of both of us in him, and no matter what path he chooses, he will leave his mark on the world and become a force to be reckoned with. We look forward to watching him grow into the man he is destined to be, and in the meantime, we will cherish every moment along the way.".
In 2023, Strauss and Villalta became engaged after more than 11 years of dating. Villalta, who also manages her, met her in 2011 through mutual friends in the driveway of the Rainbow Bar and Grill in Los Angeles's West Hollywood neighborhood. The couple officially married on May 4, 2024, and announced Strauss's pregnancy earlier this year.
Although Strauss said the birth was "the hardest thing she's ever had to do," the musician told the publication People , that the birth of her son also became «the most primal experience» for her.
«"I've always heard people say, 'You don't know true love until you put your baby on your chest for the first time,' but I never fully understood that until it happened to me!" she told the magazine. "It was like the rest of the world dissolved, and we found ourselves in a whirlwind, bringing new life into this world.".
Meanwhile, Villalta describes the day before Max's arrival as "magical," saying "time stood still" as the new parents eagerly awaited the arrival of their son.
«"I was by her side every second of the day, holding her hand and supporting her through the birth," Villalta said. "The wave of uncontrollable emotions that washed over us in the next few days is beyond words. As wonderful as it was to welcome our son into this world, it was equally wonderful to watch Nita transform from my wife into a mother. Witnessing this transformation and the unconditional love she revealed for Max is something I will never forget. The pure, positive, and loving energy he brings into our lives filled our hearts in ways we could never have imagined. We are truly blessed.".
Nita Strauss and Josh Villalta pose at the Marshall Amplifiers booth on the first day of the 2025 NAMM Show at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 23, 2025, in Anaheim, California. Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
Strauss began her musical career as a teenager, forming her own band, Lia-Fail. In 2014, she became the full-time guitarist for the LA Kiss American football team, performing the national anthem and providing musical accompaniment at games with the stadium band.
In the summer of 2014, Strauss replaced Orianiti as Alice Cooper's touring guitarist and remained with the rock band until July 2022. She returned in March 2023 and has remained with the band since. In between performing with Alice Cooper, Strauss joined Demi Lovato's band as a guitarist during her Holy Fvck tour.
Chuck Garrick, Alice Cooper, and Nita Strauss of the band Alice Cooper perform on stage at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater on October 18, 2025, in Chula Vista, California. Photo: Daniel Knighton/Getty Images
«"We're so excited about every step of this new chapter, from learning how to care for a newborn to taking our son on tour when the time comes! It's going to be amazing, chaotic, and exciting, and we wouldn't want it any other way," Strauss concluded in her Instagram post. "May you always live life to the fullest, baby 💙.".
Related: Millie Bobby Brown poses with her daughter in a rare photo to celebrate her 22nd birthday.
This article was originally published by Parade on June 4, 2026, in the News section. Add Parade to your list of recommended sources by clicking here.