Erin Paine

### Siblings

Zachary, Lawson, Nathan, Trace, Jackson, Warden, Isaiah, Judson & Jeb (brothers)
Michaela, Alyssa, Tori, Carlin, Josie, Katie, Addallee, Ellie & Callie-Anna (sisters)

### Children

Carson & William (sons)
Brooklyn, Everly, Holland & Finley (daughters)

### Other(s)

Bates Family
Paine Family (in-laws)

### Social media

Instagram
Facebook
YouTube
Website

**Erin Elise Paine** (née **Bates**) (born May 2, 1991) is the third child and second daughter of Gil Bates and Kelly Bates.

She is the sister of Zachary Bates, Michaela Keilen, Lawson Bates, Nathan Bates, Alyssa Webster, Tori Smith, Trace Bates, Carlin Stewart, Josie Balka, Katie Clark, Jackson Bates, Warden Bates, Isaiah Bates, Addallee Bates, Ellie Bates, Callie-Anna Bates, Judson Bates, and Jeb Bates.

She is the wife of Chad Paine and the mother of their six children, Carson, Brooklyn, Everly, Holland, Finley, and **William**.

## Early life

Erin Elise Bates was born on May 2, 1991, in Lake City, Tennessee, to Gil Bates and Kelly Bates. She was the couple's third child, and they went on to have sixteen more children after her.

*"We have a lot of fun together,"* Erin said of having so many siblings. *"We do everything together. We laugh together. We cry together. It's like having best friends around all the time."*

As a young adult, Erin said that she felt she matured faster than most kids do, due to the role she played in helping take care of her younger siblings. She also spoke highly of her childhood, saying:

*“Looking back on my childhood and the way that my parents raised me, I can't think of anything that was negative. Everything, looking back, is really positive, and we made the best memories, and yes, we may not have had a television or things that most kids might have, but at the same time, we substituted that for playtime with dad. Or, you know, playing games as a family or making memories. So, I don't feel like we missed out on anything and, actually, I think we were smarter because of it. Instead of watching TV and being consumed with video games and stuff like that, we would read books and now all of us kids really have such a love for reading and I think that was very wise of my parents."*

Along with her siblings, Erin was homeschooled growing up. She and her siblings were raised as active participants of Bill Gothard's Institute in Basic Life Principles, and regularly attended the yearly Advanced Training Institute conferences in Big Sandy, Texas. She has denounced this institute as an adult. As part of her schooling, Erin took piano lessons.

Erin was saved when she was thirteen years old.

## Personal life

### Courtship

Erin met Chad Paine at an IBLP Valentine's Banquet on February 11, 2011. Over the next two years, the couple got to know each other. In Fall 2012, Chad asked Erin's father, Gil, for permission to court Erin, and he said yes. On December 4, 2012, Chad took Erin to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, where he asked her to court while riding the SkyLift. Afterwards, they had dinner at The Peddler Steakhouse and he gave her a double-heart necklace.

### Engagement

On August 5, 2013, Erin and Chad had lunch at Calhoun's with Erin's parents. They then took a stroll on a dock that led to a swing. After swinging for awhile, they headed to Whitestone Country Inn in Kingston, Tennessee. They went on a canoe ride before getting dressed up and going on a horse and buggy ride to a gazebo where Chad had set up flowers, his guitar, and the ring box. In the ring box, Erin found a note that said *"I finally worked up the courage!"*. When she read it, he knelt down and pulled the ring out of his pocket. He proposed, and Erin said yes.

### Marriage

On November 2, 2013, Erin married Charles "Chad" Stephen Paine III at Clear Springs Baptist Church in Corryton, Tennessee. The couple shared their first kiss at the altar. The wedding was attended by nearly 1,000 guests. The wedding was officiated by Erin's father Gil Bates and Don Savell. The wedding was coordinated by Kim Nafziger. Erin's aunt, Kim Adkins (who works at Gallery Florist in Mebane, North Carolina), provided all of the floral arrangements, wedding bouquets, and reception decor. Another aunt, Kay Mount, from Ringgold, Georgia, made the cakes. A number of other family friends contributed and prepared food. Erin's maid of honor was her sister Tori. Her bridesmaids were her sisters Alyssa and Carlin, Chad's sister Abigail, and her friend Rebecca Keilen. Although Erin also asked her older sister, Michaela, to be in the wedding, Michaela declined because she didn't want to stand up in front of such a large crowd. The flower girl was Erin's sister Callie. Chad's best man was his friend Jordan Webster. His groomsmen were his brothers Thomas, Nathan, and Josiah and Erin's brother Zach. The ring bearer was Chad's brother Johnny. Chad's sister Hannah was the harpist. The pianists were Chad's brother Thomas and Shelly Hamilton. The violinists were Kelsey Lott and Elizabeth Berry. Rachel Leftwich sang a song called "I Don't Know Who Holds Tomorrow". Erin and Chad sang a song called "Close to Thee". Their wedding was featured on the *19 Kids and Counting* episode "Wedding Bells".

For their honeymoon, Erin and Chad spent the first few days at a cabin called "Moonlight and Roses" in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. They then flew to Shannon, Ireland, where they stayed at the Oak Wood Arms Hotel for a night. They spent the rest of their honeymoon in a rented house on the Dingle Peninsula in County Kerry, Ireland. While there, they explored the scenery, visited the Cliffs of Moher, visited the Bunratty Castle for a banquet, and went sightseeing. The two were struck by the beauty of all of their locations.

### Motherhood

Erin got pregnant soon after getting married, with a due date in October 2014. However, in March 2014, they discovered that the baby had stopped developing early on. Erin had to have a D&C. They named their miscarried child **Angel Paine**. Erin suffered two more miscarriages after that. Doctors were able to determine that Erin suffered from a blood clotting disorder and would require medication to carry pregnancies to term. Erin spoke of her struggles in an interview:

> *"Going through a miscarriage is one of the hardest things. You build up all these expectations, and you prepare, and you have the date in your mind, and it's just heartbreaking when that ends. It's like your world's been crushed. When you go through something difficult, it just makes you all the more strong and it makes you look to each other for comfort. It made us look to the other people who had gone through difficult situations and really, hopefully, encouraged them through it, as well."*
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On January 23, 2015, Erin and Chad announced that they were expecting their first child. Erin suffered from a lot of morning sickness during this pregnancy: *"For the first four or five months, I was completely incapable of doing anything. I was so sick that I had to stop teaching piano lessons, stop doing pretty much everything. I pretty much stayed in bed the whole time. I told Chad, 'I felt like I’ve had the flu for months and months!'"* On March 6, 2015, they revealed that they were expecting a boy to be named **Charles Stephen Paine IV** and be called **Carson**. Charles "Carson" Stephen IV was born on May 14, 2015, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He weighed 6 pounds, and was 19 inches long.

> *"Words cannot describe the joy we feel, the pregnancy has been filled with times of excitement and gratitude, but also with many fears about Carson's safety."*
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On February 14, 2016, Erin and Chad announced that they were expecting their second child, due Summer 2016. They later revealed that they were expecting a girl to be named **Brooklyn Elise Paine**, due August 2016. Brooklyn Elise was born at 5:42 a.m. on August 6, 2016, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She weighed 6 pounds and 6 ounces.

On October 17, 2017, Erin and Chad announced that they were expecting their third child, a girl to be named **Everly Hope Paine**, due April 28, 2018. *"We are overjoyed to be adding baby Everly Hope to our family this April. She is already loved and adored so much. Our hands are full with two little ones-the giggles, slobbery kisses, and yes, the diapers! We know it will be quite an adventure, and we are definitely anticipating her arrival. We are grateful, so very grateful."* Everly Hope was born at 4:12 a.m. on March 30, 2018, at Tennova Physicians Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee. She weighed 5 pounds and 4 ounces, and was 18 inches long.

> *"She has already been smothered with love and kisses, and our hearts are so thankful to God for a healthy little baby girl. Seeing Carson and Brooklyn's faces light up at the sight of their sister brought us to tears. It feels like we are experiencing a little bit of heaven on earth right now."*
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On June 6, 2019, Erin and Chad announced that they were expecting their fourth child, due December 2019. On July 25, 2019, they revealed that they were expecting a girl to be named **Holland Grace Paine**. Holland Grace was born at 5:24 a.m. on November 26, 2019, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She weighed 5 pounds and 5 ounces.

> *"Our hearts are overflowing with happiness and love as we embrace our newest gift, Holland Grace. The thrill of welcoming a baby into a family never gets old, and with the added excitement of big brother and sisters, the thrill has only escalated! We are especially grateful this Thanksgiving season with the delivery of a healthy baby, surrounded by a loving family and friends. We are already so in love with this new chapter in our lives! We're blessed."*
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On August 24, 2021, Erin and Chad announced that they were expecting their fifth child, due January 2022. This news comes after the couple thought they would not be able to have any more children after Erin had 1 ⅔ of her ovaries removed. On October 21, 2021, they announced that they were expecting a girl to be named **Finley Marie Paine**. On January 17, 2022, they posted on Instagram stating that it was "baby day". Finley Marie was born at 4:51 a.m. on January 18, 2022, in Knoxville, Tennessee. She weighed 5 pounds and 4 ounces.

On May 13, 2023, Erin and Chad announced that they are expecting their sixth child, due late 2023. On June 10, 2023, they revealed that the due date is December 6, 2023. On June 17, 2023, they released a gender reveal to YouTube revealing the baby to be a boy. On August 18, 2023, Erin and Chad did a Q&A on YouTube revealing that their son's name would be **William Gage Paine**. William Gage was born at 5:49 a.m. on October 30, 2023, at Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies in Orlando, Florida. He weighed 5 pounds and 10 ounces. After his birth, William was transferred to the NICU, due to being born prematurely. He was released from the NICU on November 3, 2023.

## Health

In August 2020, Erin contracted COVID-19 and had a hard time recovering. In an interview released in March 2021, she revealed that she had contracted COVID-19 twice.

### Surgeries

On February 7, 2021, Erin shared a life update on her Instagram profile, explaining why she had been absent for so long. She explained that she had undergone three surgeries over the past few months, due to cysts rupturing and causing internal bleeding. As a result of the cysts and the bleeding, she had to have one ovary removed and ⅔ of the other one as well.

In September 2022, Erin had surgery to remove her gallbladder. She reported having complications, but was back to normal two weeks later.

## Career

### Education

Erin attended Crown College of the Bible to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Music Ministry. Erin borrowed $2,000 from her brother Lawson to help pay for her schooling. Erin was said to be a good student. On May 5, 2014, she graduated magna cum laude and was awarded the Brad Askew Award for Music Ministry.

### Music

On August 27, 2010, Erin released her first album, "Merciful and Mighty". It contained 13 tracks, mostly hymns.

In 2012, Erin released her second album, "Down Home Gospel". It contained 11 tracks, mostly hymns.

On November 1, 2015, Erin released her third album, "Comfort & Joy". It contained 12 tracks, all Christmas songs.

On October 27, 2016, Erin released her fourth album, "Lullaby". It contained 12 tracks, mostly children's music.

On February 10, 2023, Erin released her fifth album, "Scripture Meditations".

Erin also plays the piano and sings at a number of events, including weddings.

### Teaching

At some point, Erin taught piano lessons to kids outside of her family. It is unknown if she still does this.

### Paine Construction

Erin assisted Chad by decorating projects for his company, Paine Construction in Knoxville, Tennessee.

### Bates Sisters Boutique

On March 18, 2019, Erin, along with her sister Carlin and sister-in-law Whitney, announced that she was opening a clothing store called Bates Sisters Boutique. The online store officially launched on April 19, 2019. Many of the items sold out within hours. On November 23, 2021, Erin announced that she was stepping back from the boutique to focus on her family, ministry, and entrepreneurship.

### Television

Erin appeared on the TLC show *19 Kids and Counting* many times as a teenager and young adult. Her wedding was the main focus of the April 15, 2014 episode "Wedding Bells".

In 2012, TLC aired one season of the show *United Bates of America*, which focused on Erin's family.

In 2015, UpTV began airing a similar show, *Bringing Up Bates*. Erin was regularly featured on both shows.

## Wedding involvement

Erin was the pianist at her family friend Josh Duggar's wedding to Anna Keller on September 26, 2008.

She was the pianist at her brother Zach's wedding to Whitney Perkins on December 14, 2013.

She was a bridesmaid at her sister Alyssa's wedding to John Webster on May 24, 2014.

She was the pianist at her family friend Jill Duggar's wedding to Derick Dillard on June 21, 2014.

She was the pianist at her family friend Jessa Duggar's wedding to Ben Seewald on November 1, 2014.

She was a matron of honor at her sister Michaela's wedding to Brandon Keilen on August 15, 2015.

She was the pianist at her family friend Joy-Anna Duggar's wedding to Austin Forsyth on May 26, 2017.

She was the matron of honor at her sister Tori's wedding to Bobby Smith on December 16, 2017.

She was the pianist at her sister Josie's wedding to Kelton Balka on October 5, 2018.

She was a matron of honor at her sister Carlin's wedding to Evan Stewart on May 25, 2019.

She was a bridesmaid at her sister-in-law Abigail's wedding to Jeremiah Unruh on August 17, 2019.

She was a pianist at her brother Nathan's wedding to Esther Keyes on October 22, 2021.

She was a pianist at her brother Trace's wedding to Lydia Romeike on October 1, 2022.

## Gallery

* Erin as a baby.
* Chad asking Erin to court.
* Chad proposing to Erin.
* Just married.
* Cutting the cake.
* Honeymoon.
* Pregnancy announcement #1.
* Erin, Chad, Kelly, Gil, and baby Carson.
* Pregnancy announcement #2.
* Erin, Chad, Carson, and baby Brooklyn.
* Pregnancy announcement #3.
* Erin, Chad, Carson, Brooklyn, and baby Everly.
* Pregnancy announcement #4.
* Erin in September 2019.
* Erin, Chad, Carson, Brooklyn, Everly, and baby Holland.
* Erin in April 2020.
* Erin in May 2020.
* Erin in June 2020.
* Erin in October 2020.
* Pregnancy announcement #5.
* Erin in September 2021.
* Gender reveal #5.
* Name reveal #5.
* Erin, Chad, and baby Finley.
* Erin in February 2022.
* Erin in March 2022.
* Erin in March 2023.
* Pregnancy announcement #6.
* Gender reveal #6.
* Erin in July 2023.
* Erin, Chad and baby William.
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