Carrie Underwood is expecting first child with hockey player husband Mike Fisher

FORMER American Idol winner Carrie Underwood is expecting her first child with her husband, hockey star Mike Fisher.

FILE - SEPTEMBER 01: Singer Carrie Underwood is pregnant with her first child with husband Mike Fisher. LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 23: Mike Fisher and singer Carrie Underwood arrive at Fox's "American Idol 2012" Finale Results Show at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 23, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

FORMER American Idol winner Carrie Underwood is expecting her first child with her husband, NHL star Mike Fisher.

The country star posted a picture to Twitter of her sitting with her two dogs Ace and Penny wearing T-shirts saying: “I’m going to be a big brother,” and, “I’m going to be a big sister.”

Alongside the photo, Underwood tweeted: “In honour of ‘Labour’ Day ... Ace & Penny would like to make an announcement. Their parents couldn’t be happier! ”

Underwood and Fisher started dating in 2008 after meeting at one of her concerts, were engaged in December 2009, and married six months later in Georgia in front of 250 guests.

Underwood has often spoken about the calming influence her husband has on her before a big performance.

Mum-to-be ... Underwood and Fisher married in 2009 after meeting at one of her shows. Picture: Getty

“If I’m nervous, he’ll be like, ‘C’mon, you have nothing to be nervous about.’

“’Just go do what you do and take a deep breath and say a little prayer and you’re good to go.’ Just being able to get a little kiss and go about my way, it definitely has a calming effect.”

Originally published as Carrie Underwood is expecting first child with hockey player husband Mike Fisher