Bristol Palin gives birth to a son

PALMER , Alaska, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- Bristol Palin's great aunt has confirmed the 18-year-old daughter of former U.S. vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has given birth to a son.

People magazine said Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston was born Sunday in Palmer, Alaska.

Baby Tripp is the first child for Bristol Palin and her apprentice electrician boyfriend, Levi Johnston. The couple have been together for three years and reportedly plan to marry next year.

"We think it's wonderful," Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol's grandmother Sally Heath, told People when confirming Tripp's birth. "The baby is fine and Bristol is doing well. Everyone is excited."

Sarah Palin is the governor of Alaska and the former running mate of defeated Republican presidential candidate John McCain.