Gwyneth Paltrow is feeling all the emotions as her daughter Apple Martin turns 21, and she's sharing the love with the world.
The Goop founder and Oscar-winning actress took to Instagram to celebrate her look-alike daughter’s milestone birthday with a touching video slideshow filled with never-before-seen family moments.
“To the light of my life, my ray of sunshine, my hilarious, brilliant, best buddy — happy 21st birthday!!” Paltrow, 52, wrote in a heartfelt caption. “You are exceptionally kind and utterly wonderful.”
Overflowing with pride, Paltrow praised Apple’s "strength" and "intellect," while also highlighting the fun, playful side of her daughter that fans rarely get to see.
“Your goofiness, your giant laugh — you are just the best. The absolute best. Thank god for you, Apple Martin,” she continued. “I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings for you. Love, Mama.”
The sentimental video montage took followers on a journey through the years, from Apple’s baby days to her young adult life. The post featured sweet mother-daughter selfies, adorable childhood throwbacks, and rare glimpses of Apple with her dad, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, as well as Paltrow’s husband, producer Brad Falchuk.
Paltrow’s famous friends didn’t miss the chance to celebrate. Reese Witherspoon chimed in with a cheerful “Happy birthday!” while Kate Hudson added, “Oh honey, this gets me right in the tummy 😢 Happy 21st Apple sweet!!!! 🍎”
Apple, born in May 2004, is the eldest child of Paltrow and Martin, who married in a private Santa Barbara ceremony in 2003. They welcomed their second child, son Moses, in 2006, before famously “consciously uncoupling” in 2014. Today, the former couple continues to co-parent their kids with warmth and intention. With Moses now attending Brown University and Apple a college student at Vanderbilt, both Paltrow and Martin are embracing life as empty nesters.
Still, this milestone marks a poignant moment for Paltrow — a mix of pride, nostalgia, and a mother’s endless love.