David Eason’s role as a father has been examined, analyzed, and made noticeably more complex over the last few years. His kids, who were all brought up in different situations, provide a window into how parenting is being defined in the public sphere. The tale of his eldest daughter, Maryssa Eason, whose formative years were influenced by public exposure and custody disputes, is especially gripping. Because of substance abuse problems on her mother’s side, Maryssa was taken into David’s custody in 2017 after being raised by her mother Whitney Johnson. However, Maryssa has recently decided to live with her mother once more, reportedly only visiting David on the weekends, driven by her age, maturity, and probably emotional fortitude.
This change in custody is strikingly similar to more general patterns observed in other public figures’ families. Children of celebrities, particularly teenagers, have expressed a growing desire in recent years to leave the spotlight or unhealthy family dynamics behind. Similar to how Shiloh Jolie-Pitt sought her own identity after Brad and Angelina’s tumultuous divorce, Maryssa’s independence represents a subdued yet significant turn toward teen empowerment.
David Eason – Children and Custody Overview
| Name | Age | Mother | Custody Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maryssa Eason | ~16 years | Whitney Johnson | Reportedly lives with her mother; weekends with David | Once in David’s full custody, now seeks independence |
| Ensley Eason | ~7 years | Jenelle Evans | Primarily with Jenelle Evans | Removed from TV appearances by David in 2019 |
| Kaden Eason | 10 years | Olivia Leedham | Full custody with Olivia since 2019 | David lost custody after legal battles |
| Lailah Price | Deceased (7) | Unknown | Was in full care of Olivia Leedham | Died tragically of a seizure on June 7, 2025 |
Maryssa’s case stands out not only because of her age but also because of the way she has managed to stay true to herself in the face of extreme public scrutiny. Many children caught between parental conflict and legal bureaucracy can relate to her stepfather’s description of her as someone who was “failed by the system” but “incredibly bright.”
Another aspect of the family spectrum is shown by Ensley Eason, David’s younger daughter with Jenelle Evans. Her early years appeared to have been incorporated into Teen Mom 2‘s television plot from the outside. But in 2019, when David forbade her from appearing on MTV, that drastically changed. His decision was particularly sudden and, in the opinion of many observers, more about control than protection. It was framed by a profound mistrust of media institutions. Even though Ensley now lives with her mother Jenelle, the legacy of instability remains because of previous events, such as the well-known family dog tragedy that resulted in CPS temporarily removing the children from the home.
It’s difficult to imagine the emotional complexity of growing up with split siblings and parental arguments, even though Ensley’s relationship with her half-siblings is rarely discussed. The frequency with which these kids are portrayed via the prism of their parents’ choices rather than their own evolving identities is especially remarkable. This is gradually starting to change, particularly as older kids like Maryssa start making their own decisions based on knowledge.
Unfortunately, tragedy befell the family in June 2025 when Olivia Leedham, David’s ex-partner, lost her seven-year-old daughter, Lailah Price, to an unexpected seizure. Lailah’s death was a devastating blow to the entire family, even though David was not her biological father. Since then, Olivia—who also has a son named Kaden with David—has gotten a ton of support thanks to a GoFundMe that has raised more than $15,000. She conveyed her sincere appreciation in her statement, calling her daughter “a bright light who loved life and Jesus very much.”
Through the updates from that fundraiser, Olivia had returned to public speaking by the middle of June. Her posts, which were laced with grief and maternal strength, depicted a mother who was exceptionally committed to her children’s welfare, both here on Earth and in the afterlife. Her now-private Instagram featured pictures of birthday cakes, beach walks in Naples, and shared laughter that has since taken on a deeper significance.
Ten-year-old Kaden still resides with Olivia full-time. After a contentious legal battle in 2019, the courts decided in her favor; this ruling has probably been stabilizing. David’s relationship with his son is still mostly hidden from the public, despite his Instagram promise to “never stop fighting” for Kaden.
This web of relationships—fatherhood divided among three mothers, court rulings, and personal tragedies—shows how complicated family dynamics can get, especially when they are emphasized by reality TV and online discussion. David’s kids appear to be following in the footsteps of famous kids who are taking charge of their own stories. Although his actions have had varying effects on each, they do not define them. Rather, they are slowly and silently shaping their lives according to their own decisions and the support of those closest to them.
The universal undercurrent of this story—every child’s need to feel safe, heard, and loved—is what makes it so poignant. That has required Maryssa to move into a more harmonious home setting. Ensley’s upbringing has involved some degree of protection from cameras and perhaps from the mayhem they once represented. The constancy of his mother’s care is what Kaden values most. And it’s the legacy of happiness and brightness that Lailah left behind, whose life ended far too soon.
These stories are repeatedly told in the entertainment industry. The sons of Britney Spears are avoiding the limelight. Drew Barrymore’s openness regarding her difficult upbringing. There is a noticeable trend toward more considerately safeguarding children’s emotional lives, even in political households.
Whether on purpose or as a result, David Eason is gradually being phased out of his kids’ everyday routines. However, they seem to be discovering more of their own voices as a result, which is a positive but bittersweet development.
