In a stunning and shocking revelation, legendary frontman of the Foo Fighters and former Nirvana drummer, Dave Grohl, has shared a profound update about his personal life: he has become a father to a baby daughter, born outside of his marriage. This unexpected confession not only lets a little light into the notoriously private family life of the rock star but also serves as a setup for what might just be the most talked-about story in his personal life. Grohl, now 55, took to his Instagram account to share the late-breaking news, accompanied by a sweet shot of himself and his new daughter. By now, not much is known about the new addition to the Grohl family other than the speculation that the news has sparked an irresistible urge in fans and media to dig up more dirt on the famously secretive rock star and his family.

The writer states, “I have recently become a father to a baby girl born outside of my marriage. I’m going to be a loving, committed father. At this time, I do ask for some respect for the private matters of my life,” and on my thrust into this whole parenting thing, particularly because I’ve already got three other kids to think about. All this is very polite of Mr. Grohl. And very rock ‘n’ roll is the way a divorced rock star announced his new single status when he had baby news to share. Still, the whole situation has quite a few intrigued, including yours truly. Who is the mysterious lady? And what does this all mean for Grohl’s current marital situation?

Grohl and Blum had been together for over two decades—a deeply rooted family life that seemed a solid bastion in rock’s terrible, tumultuous world. Blum had been a model; Grohl has described her as the anchor in his wildly careening, high-octane life. In 2007, when he was interviewed by The Guardian, Grohl was all affection when he talked about his wife and how they manage to keep the home fires burning with their two young daughters even when he’s off being a rock god. He mentioned how he even spent part of the time during Nirvana’s insane run in the ’90s and Foo Fighters’ never-ending tours since then at home in Virginia. Now—Blum has been keeping a low profile since this news broke and hasn’t given any public interviews; perhaps she will talk in the future—this partnership seems less serene than was previously thought.

In a note posted on Instagram, Grohl states, “I love my wife and children, and I am doing everything I can to regain their trust and earn their forgiveness.” Ever the straight shooter, the Foo Fighters frontman lays it all out on the table. His words suggest that this is neither an easy nor a quick journey and that he is mostly responsible for the heavy lifting in making things right again. But on the human side of the half-lit story, there is something to be said for Grohl’s pathologically sunny disposition as he takes it. If Grohl should be anything, he should be someone who is decent and humble. On this front, at least, Grohl gets high marks.

Thank you for understanding our desire for privacy, he finishes, expressing the public’s undeniable interest while requesting, with the lightest of touches, that everyone respect their space. The reason for the ask is, of course, pretty big potatoes: the first family of rock ‘n’ roll is under duress, with the breadwinner and lead figure, Dave Grohl, facing an unspecified health challenge that, by all appearances, has knocked him flat. And one can’t help but look here for a little insight on the principles of love and compassion that Grohl, as a father, is likely calling upon.

It is still unclear how this surprising announcement will affect Grohl’s career or personal life, but what is beyond doubt is the extent to which the candidness of this rock icon has resonated with fans and admirers. Taking an open-book approach, Grohl seems to be inviting people onlookers—if not directly into his private life, then at least into the emotional realm of his music-making. Seen in this light, his parenting across uncharted territory becomes not just a personal journey but a life path rife with the artistic potential of a “real” story that could score some seriously poignant songs in the lead-up to the next big Foo Fighters album.