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Matthew McConaughey celebrates his mom’s birthday after years of strained ties

McConaughey and his son Levi shared a photo with Kay McConaughey

JANUARY 8, 2026 4:23 PM ESTJAN 8, 2026, 4:23 PM EST

Matthew McConaughey is proof that relationships can be mended. The Texan actor and writer is celebrating his mother's birthday with a sweet post, showing that their relationship was fixed after eight years of estrangement.

While McConaughey and Alves’ bond is thriving, family continues to play a big role in the actor’s life on screen. — McConaughey shared a sweet tribute celebrating his mother

McConaughey shared the birthday message on his Instagram, showing him and his son Levi alongside his mother, Kay, who yesterday celebrated her 94th birthday. "proof that 94 years of joy age well," he captioned the post, adding some celebratory emojis.

The image shows Levi holding on to his grandmother's hand, as McConaughey stands by them, with the three of them laughing. Kay is seen with an arm wrapped around McConaughey's waist.

The family appears to be on a film set or a stage, with Kay wearing a lanyard around her neck.

McConaughey celebrated his mother's birthday with a sweet photo that showed him, his son, and her on set

McConaughey's complicated history with his mom

Last year, Matthew McConaughey opened up about one of the most challenging moments in his relationship with his mother. In an interview with PEOPLE, McConaughey and Kay opened up about their close relationship and how it took some work to get there.

McConaughey revealed that there were about eight years of their lives where the two only exchanged very basic pleasantries. “We had about an eight-year period where I had to have short conversations with her on our Sunday phone calls because she was sharing a lot of that information,” he said.

“I’d tell her something on Sunday between son and mom, and Tuesday I’d read about it in the news or see it in the local paper. She couldn’t help herself.”

"We were on a hiatus," added Kay, making McConaughey laugh.

Matthew McConaughey, Camila Alves McConaughey, Mary Kathlene McCabe, and Levi Alves McConaughey attend the premiere of "The Lost Bus" — The McConaugheys were featured in a movie called "The Lost Bus"

“We had some boring conversations on Sunday. I wouldn't tell you s-," said McConaughey.

According to McConaughey, it took him some time to get used to his mom sharing details about his life, and him growing more comfortable with his fame. "And we go to red carpets, and she said, 'Any rules?' I was like, 'No rules at all. Tell all the raunchiest things you want.' And she did, and it was fine. It's much more fun now," he said.

The two starred in "The Lost Bus" together, alongside Levi, who made his acting debut and wants to follow in his dad's footsteps. McConaughey is the father of three kids: Levi, Vida, and Livingston, whom he shares with his wife, Camila Alves McConaughey.