Rickey Smiley learned he has 5-year-old twin daughters around anniversary of son's death

Rickey Smiley is opening up about the surprise of expanding his family in the wake of his son's death.

During an interview on the "Smitty & Dee Podcast" released Friday, the comedian and radio personality revealed he is the father of identical twin daughters.

"That's the first time I saw the sun again," Smiley, 56, told host Toni Dee. "During that dark hour, the sun came back out."

Smiley's son, Brandon Smiley, died in January 2023. The 32-year-old, who struggled with substance abuse, reportedly died of fentanyl and ethanol toxicity, according to People magazine.

Smiley said he learned about his twin daughters shortly before the one-year anniversary of Brandon's death. "The Rickey Smiley Morning Show" host said an ex-girlfriend informed him of his paternity after a court visit with her former partner — the girls' presumed father — revealed Smiley was the twins' biological parent.

"We dated after she ended that relationship," Smiley explained. "Come to find out, I have beautiful 5-year-old identical twin daughters that I am head over heels in love with."

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Smiley for additional comment.

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Despite Smiley's parental discovery, the comedian said he's known his daughters for years through staying in contact with his ex-girlfriend, adding that the girls have attended birthday parties and play dates with his grandson Grayson.

Smiley, a devout Christian, said becoming a parent again has reaffirmed his faith and helped him cope with his grief over Brandon's death.

"You're getting ready to cry about Brandon, and one of them is talking about (how) they want a snack," Smiley said. "You're getting ready to cry about Brandon, and one of them says, 'Hey, I've got to potty.'"

He continued: "God don't make no mistakes. ... I can live off the perspective that I take in this whole situation, and (He) gave me some twins — not to replace Brandon, but (saying), 'Here you go. Here's some joy.'"

Contributing: Elise Brisco, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Rickey Smiley daughters: Host learns he has twins after son's death