6 Emotional Mother’s Day Posts From Celebrities We Love

Gabrielle Union

Gabrielle wrote on Instagram:

"My journey to motherhood was long, arduous and at many times extremely painful. Mother's Day will always be a challenging day to celebrate for me. I know I'm not alone in this feeling. For many reasons, so many of us have a rough time today and to these good people, I send all my love, light and compassion. To all the Moms, Stepmoms, Bonus Mom's, Folks who Mother those that need it, Grandma's, House Mothers, I celebrate you today and everyday. Be good to yourselves."

The 45-year-old actress has been vocal via social media and in her 2017 book, We're Going to Need More Wine, about her struggles with infertility and failed IVF treatments. She had multiple miscarriages before having her daughter Kaavia via surrogate. Her honesty about Mother's Day being a "challenging day to celebrate" for not just her, but so many others is a sentiment not often expressed.

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama once the First Lady and mom of this country. She is beloved by many so much so she's earned the nickname "our forever FLOTUS." In true Obama fashion, Barack honored not just her this Mother's Day, but all versions of moms including his in a beautiful message that represents inclusivity. The former POTUS captioned a photo shared on Instagram:

"On this Mother's Day, I want to thank Michelle for being such an incredible mom to our girls. And I hope you'll take a moment to thank the women in your life who love you in that special way that mothers do: biological moms, adoptive moms, and foster moms; single moms, grandmoms and godmothers; aunts and mentors—all the people who come to mind when you think about Mother's Day. Or take a moment, like I will, to remember the moms who raised and sustained us, and who we miss every day—no matter how long it's been. All of these amazing people deserve our gratitude, today and every day."

Jada Pinkett Smith

Jada Pinkett Smith captioned her Mother's Day post:

"That three generational #throwback for those sweet Mother's Day vibes❣️Check out our very special Mother's Day celebration at the Red Table."

Not only did this trio honor the holiday with a necessary Red Table Talk that honored coronavirus heroes, but Jada also shared this photo of their collective beauty that spans three generations. This throwback is a reminder of the legacy Black mothers build.

Vanessa Bryant

Vanessa Bryant wrote in a caption under a photo spending Mother's Day with her three daughters and remembering the daughter she lost:

"My babies~ Mother's Day❤️ Thank you for making me a mama @nataliabryant, Gianna, Bianka and Capri."

Vanessa lost her 13-year-old daughter Gianna last year as well as her husband Kobe Bryant. As matriarch to her family, she's led their other three girls through unbearable grief, and seeing them spend the day at Disneyland together, is hope to anyone who's ever experienced a loss that there will be better days.

Diana Ross

As a daughter to one of the greats and being a "great" in her own right, Tracee Ellis Ross reminds us all to honor the nurturing spirit within us courtesy of the mothers in our lives. She said about her mom, Diana Ross:

"MAMA ~ I love you beyond! @dianaross

Sending Happy Mother's Day wishes to all those who Mother, who nurture and teach us about mothering and what it is [to] be mothered. A special embrace to those who need extra love today. I see you and send love to you. May we honor the mother within each of us."

Chrissy Teigen

In a Mother's Day post, John Legend shared about his wife, Chrissy Teigen:

"Happy Mother's Day to my wonderful wife! It's been a year that tested you in so many ways but you've come through stronger, wiser, happier and a better mother than ever. I'm so fortunate to have you as my partner, my inspiration and my best friend. I love you forever."

The mom of two touched us all when she shared the loss of her and John Legend's son Jack, which she was still carrying. Her transparency during what we're sure was one of the most difficult times of her life is something that sparked a fire in other women to open up about similar experiences. The same way John is inspired, so are we.