The first moments of 2026 brought something extra special to Southern Utah.
A baby girl named Valley officially became Utah’s first baby born in 2026, arriving just after midnight at Intermountain Health St. George Regional Hospital. Her arrival gave one local family an unforgettable way to begin the new year.
Valley entered the world at 12:09 a.m., weighing 6 pounds, 1 ounce and measuring 20.5 inches long.
A New Year Surprise for the Zohner Family
Valley’s parents, Kenedi and Zach Zohner of Cedar City, did not expect their New Year’s Eve plans to change so quickly.
The couple had scheduled an induction for later that night. However, when they arrived at the hospital, Kenedi learned she was already in active labor. The timing made Valley’s birth even more memorable.
The Zohners were in St. George visiting family for the holidays, and because their OB-GYN works at the hospital, they chose to deliver there.
A Smooth Delivery and a Special Welcome
Kenedi shared that the delivery went faster and easier than she expected.
She described the experience as smooth and praised the hospital staff for their care and support. Nurses helped make the moment calm and positive as their daughter made her first appearance in the new year.
To mark the occasion, the family received a gift basket filled with baby items donated by Utah-based brands, including Minky Couture, Loulou and Company, and Over the Moon.
St. George Starts 2026 With New Life
Valley’s arrival continues a strong tradition of births at St. George Regional Hospital.
In 2025, the hospital welcomed more than 2,700 babies, making it one of the busiest maternity centers in Southern Utah. Many families from surrounding communities also choose St. George for their deliveries.
Because of that, it was no surprise that Utah’s first baby of 2026 made her debut right here.
A Meaningful Start to the New Year
For the Zohner family, Valley’s birth turned New Year’s celebrations into a lifelong memory.
While fireworks marked the start of 2026 across Utah, a brand-new life quietly began in St. George, giving the community its first baby of the year.
