Frances Bean Cobain and Riley Hawk could’ve easily leaned into the chaos of their cultural legacies. That’s an understatement in itself. But instead, the couple has decided to write a different story and focus on love, peace, and happiness. The daughter of late Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain and Courtney Love and the son of skateboarding icon Tony Hawk have decided to take a step back from the flashing lights in favor of a slow, intentional life with their baby boy, Ronin.
Riley, 32, recently opened up to People about how he and Frances, 31, are navigating their first year as parents after welcoming Ronin in September 2024.
“We just do our own thing,” Riley said simply, brushing off the pressure of their last names. “We’re just a very quiet stay-at-home family. We just hang out.”
Their story, while steeped in fame and wonder, has become one about simplicity. It involves simple morning routines, baby milestones, and taking things one day at a time.
A Legacy of Love, Not Pressure
It’s easy to get caught up in the weight of their bloodlines. Cobain, whose influence shaped an entire generation in the 90s, unfortunately didn’t live to see his daughter grow up. It was a tragic story of such a brilliant mind and immense talent, which still lives in the memory of any music fanatic. Tony Hawk, arguably the most recognizable name in skateboarding, is now settling into his role as Grandpa Hawk. Which is honestly such a cool name, if you ask us!
“My dad helps a lot and it’s really cool that we get to all hang out together,” Riley said of his legendary father. “It’s just a cool thing for him to get to hang out with his grandson a lot. That’s kind of where we’re at, just taking it day by day.”
As for how fatherhood has shifted Riley’s own perspective? The new dad is keeping it grounded and honest. “I’m just super grateful that my dad gave me the freedom to do certain things that I wanted to, like skateboarding,” he said. “And that’s all I can hope to do for my son—give him the opportunity if something interests him or he falls in love with a certain sport or hobby.”
Francis Bean Cobain: From Loss to New Life
Frances was just a toddler when she lost her father to suicide in 1994. Since then, she’s led a largely private life, stepping away from the spotlight. She’s openly chosen not to chase fame but instead to focus on healing, art, and now, family. She and Riley tied the knot in October 2023 in a quiet ceremony that echoed their current lifestyle.
When Frances announced Ronin’s birth via Instagram last year, the moment took the internet by surprise and melted the hearts of everyone.
“9.17.2024 Ronin Walker Cobain Hawk. Welcome to the world’s most beautiful son,” she wrote. “We love you more than anything.”
That post quickly set the tone for their approach to parenting, including no big spectacle, just pure, private joy.
A Grandfather’s Heartfelt Wish
Even Tony Hawk has gotten emotional reflecting on the legacy Ronin carries, especially the loss of Kurt Cobain, a man he admired deeply.
In a touching Instagram Story, Tony shared a ticket stub from a 1991 Nirvana concert in Houston and wrote, “It was as transformative as live music can possibly be… I wish Kurt were here so he could see the incredible woman his daughter has become, meet her devoted, caring husband, and hold our wondrous grandchild.”
It was a rare glimpse into the bittersweet reality of generational legacy. Something tells us that both of these powerhouses would have been BFFs and would have ‘Grandpa’d’ so hard! And yet, through that weight, Riley and Frances seem to be doing what many people, famous or not, aspire to do, which is build a peaceful, loving home.
The laid-back parents may have been born into very loud worlds, but they’ve chosen to raise Ronin in a quiet one. No headlines, no chaos, just family, one diaper change and skate session at a time.
And frankly, that might be the most punk rock thing they could’ve done.
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Riley Hawk & Frances Bean Cobain Embrace Quiet Parenthood With Son Ronin [PHOTOS]