In 1997, Kenny and Bobbi McCaughey of Iowa made world headlines when they welcomed the first surviving set of septuplets — Kenny Jr., Alexis, Natalie, Kelsey, Nathan, Brandon, and Joel.

Born nine weeks premature, the seven babies captured global attention, and the family received thousands of interview requests. They celebrated the septuplets’ first birthday on The Oprah Winfrey Show, where each child had their own cake and met President Bill Clinton.

Caring for eight children was no small feat — the newborns went through 52 diapers and 42 bottles daily. Generous donations poured in, including a 5,500-square-foot home, a van, two years’ worth of diapers, and college scholarships. Despite the help, the McCaugheys lived modestly, even growing their own vegetables. Two siblings, Alexis and Nathan, were born with cerebral palsy but thrived through determination and treatment. After graduating high school, all pursued college or military service, making the McCaughey septuplets an enduring story of faith, resilience, and family unity.