Heartfelt Messages From Celebrities to Their Kids
There are so many ways to say “I love you” to our kids, and these celebrity parents are pros at delivering emotional, loving, heartfelt messages to their children.
Whether it be for a birthday, a milestone accomplishment, or just because, the likes of Gabrielle Union-Wade, Reese Witherspoon, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and so many more have shouted their love for their babies from the rooftops — or, in most cases, across the internet via social media.
NFL legend Tom Brady never misses the chance to wish his kids the happiest, most heartfelt birthdays on Instagram — the twice-retired quarterback virtually penned lovely messages for each of his three children on their respective birthdays in 2022.
And Vanessa Bryant is always sure to remind her late daughter, Gianna, of her eternal love, sharing emotional tributes in her honor on every birthday, anniversary, holiday, and on the odd day, too, because you don’t need a special occasion to say “I love you” — especially to lost loved ones.
These famous parents love their kids more than words can do justice, but they sure did string together some of the most poignant, touching sentences to express just how much their lives have been impacted by the children who have brought profound meaning to their existence. Grab a box of tissues in preparation for the inevitable teary eyes you’re about to have as you read on.
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Pink
Pink highlighted her sweet son Jameson’s compassion and emotional intelligence when celebrating his 8th birthday in 2024.
“He is funny, kind, goofy, curious, empathetic, loyal and loving, insecure, athletic, gentle, loves hip hop and metal and punk rock and ‘mamas music’, Fortnite and dancing, trampolines and prat falls, cart racing, skateboarding, skiing, baseball, drawing and making faces,” the “Raise Your Glass” singer wrote.
“[He] tells me he loves me randomly throughout the day for no reason, always says thank you and I’m sorry,” she continued. “ … My heart just explodes when I look at him.”
Sharna Burgess
Sharna Burgess made us teary-eyed when she wrote about her and Brian Austin Green’s son Zane and how time is a “thief.”
“I find myself holding onto [Zane] even more now with this silent wish that time would slow down just a little,” she said in 2023. “But it doesn’t, it’s a thief and a reminder to be present not just for him but for myself. These moments will never happen again. I only get a few years of being his everything, 10 at most, and I’m gonna make the most of every single one.”
Andy Cohen
Andy Cohen gave his son Ben the highest compliment when he celebrated his birthday in 2025.
“6 years ago today, his life began and so did mine,” the Bravo star wrote, making us melt. It doesn’t get much sweeter than a celebrity telling their eldest that life didn’t start until they were born. (We’re not crying, you’re crying!)
Bode Miller
In 2023, Bode Miller had the most gut-wrenching display of love for his late daughter Emeline. The Olympic skier shared a photo of his 18-month-old daughter, Scarlett, wearing a precious hand-me-down.
“Scarlet’s Easter dress was extra special this year,” he wrote. “I love my little princesses.”
A few months later, he honored the fifth anniversary since Emmy tragically drowned.
“On the night of her birth our midwife noted that Emmy was ‘here to change the world,'” he shared. “5 years after her loss, I can see it. Emmy was fearless, determined and fierce from the moment she was born. We miss you Emmy. 19 months was never going to be long enough to hold you in our arms.”
Miller and his wife Morgan Beck have since become dedicated advocates for water safety.
“I wish I could have one more day to hold you, but until that day comes, continue to work through me and give me the strength to bring awareness, my love,” Beck shared in an ultra-vulnerable post soon after Emmy passed away. “I told you … you could still change the world, you could still move mountains. … Your footprint will forever be left on this world. I love you, My baby girl.”
Jessica Alba
On her eldest daughter’s 13th birthday in 2021, Jessica Alba penned an emotional tribute on Instagram. The actress and brand founder wrote, “My teenager!!!! This is 13! Honor -yes you are way taller than me already, which you love to remind me of on the daily. You have a heart of gold, you are filled with compassion, you are wicked smart, silly, hilarious, and so kind… I’m just so proud of you ??”
She continued, “I’m sorry that whenever I look at you too long, I burst into tears – they are happy tears because the love is so deep and so profound and sad that I can’t push pause. So you are gonna have to accept my emotional outbursts boo. You choosing me to be your mama has been one of the greatest gifts in life baby girl! I hope your teens are everything you hoped for and more, remember to soak up every moment. I love you with my whole heart and soul. ~your mom”
Jennifer Garner
Jennifer Garner took to her Instagram Story the day before her 50th birthday to share what she felt most grateful for ahead of a new decade of life: Her kids.
The actress wrote, “On the eve of a new decade there is no doubt that the center of my gratitude stems from the health, humor, challenge, wisdom, silliness, patience, cozy-ness, strength, intelligence, kindness, frustration, and adorable-ness of my kids. I can’t believe I get to know them and hold their hand through life, and I am prayerfully grateful for each of them is mine.”
Vanessa Bryant
On what would have been her late daughter’s 18th birthday, Vanessa Bryant shared the most heartbreaking tribute to Gianna “Gigi” Bryant on Instagram.
“2024 was your year,” Vanessa wrote to her daughter who tragically died along with Kobe Bryant in a fatal helicopter crash in 2020. “You would’ve been graduating high school and choosing which college to go to. ( I would’ve been trying my hardest to convince you to stay close to home).”
“I’m proud of the change in sports you and daddy worked so hard on,” she continued alongside a touching montage of videos of Gigi and Kobe. “You continue to motivate me and inspire young women and girls daily. I love you always, mommy.”
In 2020, soon after the accident that changed her and her other daughters’ worlds forever, Vanessa wrote “Happy 14th Birthday to my sweet baby girl, Gianna. Mommy loves you more than I can ever show you. You are part of MY SOUL forever. I miss you so much everyday. I wish I could wake up and have you here with me. I miss your smile, your hugs and your giggles. I miss EVERYTHING about YOU, Gigi. I LOVE YOU so much!!!!!!”
Gabrielle Union-Wade & Dwyane Wade
Both Gabrielle Union-Wade and Dwyane Wade took to Instagram on their daughter Zaya Wade’s 13th birthday.
The Bring It On alum wrote, “[You] are such an inspiration and motivation to get my butt up everyday and fight. When I’m weary, frustrated, full of rage, I see your face and your joy and you living your best life and I want that for all of us. I love you sooooo much kid!! Enjoy this day and everyday knowing you are loved, protected, respected, admired and celebrated. ????????”
The former NBA player shared, “I hope you feel all of my love today and every day of your life. You’re Bold, You’re courageous, You are Zaya. Happy Birthday we LOVE you??”
In 2023, the couple was honored by the NAACP for the way they advocate for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. In their acceptance speech, Wade gave Zaya a touching shoutout.
“I’ve sat back and watched how gracefully you have taken on the public scrutiny,” the proud father of four said. “And even though it’s not easy, I watched you walk out of that house every morning as yourself. I admire how you’ve handled the ignorance in our world. I admire that you face every day.”
Ketanji Brown Jackson
During her confirmation hearing in 2022, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson addressed her daughters directly: “Girls, I know it has not been easy as I have tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood. And I fully admit that I did not always get the balance right. But I hope that you have seen that with hard work, determination, and love, it can be done. I am so looking forward to seeing what each of you chooses to do with your amazing lives in this incredible country. I love you so much.”
Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon wished her doppelganger daughter, Ava, a happy birthday on Instagram in 2022. The actress and producer wrote,”Happy Birthday to my favorite daughter, Ava !! Every day that I get to watch you become the most amazing woman is such a gift. Your gigantic heart, generous spirit, and endless creativity inspire me every day. I love you so much.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
Proud papa of three girls, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson took to Instagram in 2021 to wish his youngest daughter a happy birthday. The Black Adam actor wrote, “Happy Birthday to my sweetest lil’ Tia Giana ?????? Loving, kind, tenacious and tough (like your mama;) and my greatest joy is being your daddy. I always, ‘got you.'”
Tom Brady
In 2022, Tom Brady wished his eldest son, Jack, a happy birthday with a heartfelt message on Instagram. The NFL legend wrote, “Happy Birthday my beautiful son. What a blessing you are in our life. We love you so much and are so proud of the amazing young man that you are. You make every day of our life more joyful and fun. Have a great 15th Birthday Jack.”
Similarly, the Super Bowl champ dedicated a birthday post to his youngest son, Benjamin, on his 13th birthday: “Happy 13th birthday to the newest teenager. You are so special and loved. There is no greater gift than being your dad. We love you so much Benny ??????”
And for his daughter’s 10th birthday, the quarterback posted, “Happy 10th Birthday Vivi! We adore you and your beautiful heart ??! You bring so much joy to our life! We love you ??”
Jennifer Lopez
In honor of her twins’ 13th birthday in 2021, Jennifer Lopez wrote on Instagram, “My beautiful babies are teenagers today!! OMG!! I can’t believe it’s been 13 years since I carried them both home in my arms in the middle of a snowstorm. Out of that blizzard came two perfect lil’ coconuts who rearranged my life and taught me the true meaning of love. It has been the most magical journey full of adventure and joy ever since…”
She continued, “I’m feeling so many emotions this morning… so very emotional today… so proud and happy and heartbroken that I can’t freeze time. To my two caring, sensitive and special souls… who I know will change and rearrange the world in your own very unique ways… your mama loves you beyond forever.. and ever and ever…”
Terry Crews
In 2014, Terry Crews wrote a loving letter full of vulnerable wisdom to his four kids’ “future selves” to be read when they have met the “loves of their lives” and want to start a family. It was featured in Redbook and reads:
“The most important advice I can give you is to make a home where everyone feels heard and respected … I didn’t always understand this, but thankfully I had your mom to teach me.
For much of my life, I focused on being the tough guy … When my acting career took off, I started to get an attitude … you know, some big star. Your mother put up with it for a little while, until one night, before a party, I had the nerve to tell her how she should dress. … As soon as we left, she set me straight.
… She had the courage to call me out and keep me real …
I hope you, my daughters, never take a backseat to any man. I’ll always be there to remind you of your value.
I hope you, my son, never buy into the lie that your physical strength somehow puts you above the woman in your life … a truly strong man is able to admit when he is wrong.
I hope that you all find a love like your mother and I have been lucky enough to share. It is so much more valuable than any success you can ever achieve.”
Jason Biggs
Jason Biggs also wrote a sweet letter to his son Sid in 2014 for Redbook. His emotional message, laced with his signature humor, reads:
“I wanted to write you a note on our progress as a father/son team now that you’re 4 months old. I, for one, am having a blast. Judging by your chuckles and coos and general inability to control your bowels when I’m around, I’d say you’re having fun too.
But I want to prepare you for a time when things won’t be as easy between us. You see, your daddy — despite his very best efforts — will make mistakes. … Now, I know what you’re thinking: Impossible! Not my daddy! He’s so strong and handsome and funny… and handsome! … But your daddy is also human … learning as he goes.
… These mistakes will be subtle or obvious. You will shrug them off or you may never forget them. … I can’t predict how I will mess up. But I assure you that everything I do, every decision I make, will be filled with love. And if you are ever unhappy with me, I encourage you to let me know, so that I may make the necessary changes.
I leave you with an apology, for my future missteps: Sorry, kiddo. I promise to do better next time.”
Tori Spelling
Tori Spelling congratulated and praised her daughter Stella for graduating middle school in the face of a slew of challenges in 2022. The actress wrote on Instagram, “My girl graduated from middle school today. Bittersweet. So proud of how hard she fought to graduate amongst bullying, COVID, adversity, migraines, severe anxiety, and sadly teachers and counselors who didn’t believe she could do it all in time to graduate… she proved them all wrong!”
She continued, “So beyond proud but I still look up at that stage and see my tiny little buggy running around. You have such drive and such a kind spirit! You can do absolutely anything you want to do! love you [Stella] with all my heart and soul bff.”
Elton John
Elton John penned an emotional tribute to his sons Zachary and Elijah on his 75th birthday, which was published in Time in 2022. The iconic musician wrote, “I have had an incredibly fortunate 75 years. … But know this: the most rewarding journey in my life has been the one I began 12 years ago with your Papa, when we decided to start a family.”
He continued, “… you two are the greatest gifts I have ever been given. You have filled my heart with love and my life with purpose and meaning in ways I didn’t think were possible. You are my proudest achievements, and I love you both so, so much.”
He concluded with three bits of advice: “Be yourself. Push the envelope a bit, and ruffle some feathers where you need to. … Remember that what unites us is far greater than what divides us. … Take care of one another — and try to be part of something bigger than yourself.”
“And never forget how much your Papa and I love you. Love, love, love, Daddy,” he closed the sweet letter.
Bindi Irwin
Already nostalgic for her daughter’s youth and innocence, Bindi Irwin wrote on Instagram in 2022, “My love, there are countless adventures waiting for you on the horizon, a whole world for you to create positive change within. Until then, I will carry you and be there to encourage every one of your dreams.”
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