There are a lot of parts of being a parent that are challenging, but giving our kids unconditional love isn't one of those things. It just comes naturally to us — or it should. When it comes to some situations, unfortunately not all parents are able to provide that unconditional support. But these celebs' moms and dads, and parents who are celebs, are leading the way by showing how a large part of caring for a child and raising them also means loving them no matter what.
Whether the kids are coming to terms with their sexuality and identity, striking out on their own, exploring a new career path, or even dealing with health problems, a parent's job is to love and support them through anything. And these 15 parents of and to celebrities proved that it's easy to do the right thing and stand by our kids through thick and thin.
Gabrielle Union & Dwyane Wade Love & Support Zaya
Dwyane Wade's daughter Zaya recently came out as a trans woman, and both Dwyane and Zaya's stepmom Gabrielle Union are so supportive of her. "Meet Zaya. She's compassionate, loving, whip smart and we are so proud of her," Gabrielle wrote on Instagram. "It's Ok to listen to, love & respect your children exactly as they are."
Cher Is There for Her Son Chaz
Cher recently admitted that her son Chaz Bono coming out as a trans man was difficult for her initially, but she quickly got over it. Now she wants other people to learn to be more accepting as well. "Chaz is so happy, so unbelievably happy, and I don't know what the people's problems are," Cher said. "They're fearful, and they just don't understand how to react to it. You have one child, but you don't really lose them — they just are in a different shape."
Dan Levy's Mom Stands Up for Him
When Canadian comedian Dan Levy was picked to host Saturday Night Live, his mom, Deborah Divine, tweeted a strong message to her son's childhood bullies. "This goes out to the bully punks at Camp WTF who made life miserable for a certain cabin-mate back in the the summer of '96 – just because he was different. Well, after all these years I have just 7 words to say to you: 'Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!'"
Dan retweeted the message with a heart emoji.
Hilary Swank's Mom Was So Supportive of Her Daughter's Career
When Hilary Swank decided that she wanted to be an actress, her mom was so supportive. Judy Swank immediately moved them out to Los Angeles where they even had to live out of their car for a bit while Hilary got her foot in the door. All their struggles paid off, as Hilary is now an A-list star.
Martin & Charlie Sheen Are So Close Now
After Charlie Sheen was diagnosed with HIV, he said that his relationship with his dad, Martin Sheen, actually improved. "We are such better friends than we've ever been,” Charlie said. "We don’t judge each other. [It's] nothing but fun when we hang out — He's a special cat. And I'm really lucky to have him.”
Diana Ross Always Prioritized Her Daughter Tracee Ellis Ross
It can't be easy being a famous celebrity and still making time for family, but that's what legendary singer Diana Ross always did when raising her children. In a recent interview, her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross praised her mother for that ability to prioritize family. "I was beyond spoilt with love," Tracee said. "My mother is a mother first and foremost. She really instilled in all five of her children, family first, care for other people, go after your dreams and never be afraid of authority figures."
Sally Field Supported Her Son Through Some Tough Struggles
Actress Sally Field said it was hard to watch her son Sam struggle with his sexuality. "His journey to allow himself to be what nature intended him to be was not an easy one," she said. "When I saw him struggling, I wanted to jump in. But his older brothers held me back. They told me I couldn't travel that road for Sam … I could make it easier only by standing visibly to the side, clearly loving him, always being there and always letting him know."
She may not have been able to take on those struggles for him, but Sally let him know that she was always there to lend an ear or a shoulder when Sam needed it.
Beyoncé's Mom Helped Sew Destiny's Child Costumes
When Beyoncé's girl band Destiny's Child was starting out, she said it was difficult to get designers to make them performance costumes. That's where Beyoncé's mom came in. "My mother and my uncle, God rest his soul, made all of our first costumes, individually sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into every small detail," the singer said.
So sweet.
Kurt Russell Is the Best Stepdad to Kate Hudson
Kate Hudson's dad isn't in the picture, so she's so grateful that her stepdad Kurt Russell has always treated her like his own daughter. Kate praised him for his birthday: "This is a man who made his family his number one priority his whole life. Never missed a school play, a soccer game, a hockey game, a dance recital, and the list goes on and on."
Angelina Jolie Is Supportive of Shiloh
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's child Shiloh has been pictured in suits and with short hair, but that's never fazed Angelina. In 2010, the actress told Vanity Fair that when Shiloh asked for short hair, they went to the hairdresser. And when Shiloh wanted to wear tracksuits and suits, that's what they bought. Angelina just wants to support whatever Shiloh feels best in.
Charlize Theron Is Fiercely Protective of Her Kids
As any mom would be, Charlize Theron is really protective of her children — especially her daughter Jackson, who is transgender. "My job as a parent is to celebrate them and to love them and to make sure that they have everything they need in order to be what they want to be," Charlize said. "And I will do everything in my power for my kids to have that right and to be protected within that."
Blake Lively's Dad Jump-Started Her Career
Blake Lively's first ever acting role was in the 1998 movie Sandman. Her father Ernie Lively was the director, and he cast his daughter as the Tooth Fairy. In the process, he ended up jump-starting Blake's career. He later played her dad in the movie Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, which was her second-ever performance.
Selena Gomez Is Grateful for Her Mom
Mandy Teefey was just 16 when she had Selena, but even though that made her life challenging, Mandy did everything she could to help Selena achieve her dreams. "My mom gave up everything for me and had, like, three jobs," Selena praised her mother. "She supported me, sacrificed her life for me." Mandy even co-produced 13 Reasons Why alongside Selena.
Kris Jenner Helps All of Her Children
Managing the Kardashian and Jenner children is a full-time job, but Kris Jenner wouldn't have it any other way. She's incredibly hands-on with all of her children's careers, and she's so supportive even when many other parents wouldn't be. For example, Kris didn't shame Kim when her sex tape was leaked. Instead, Kris helped Kim re-shape the narrative.
Magic Johnson Is Always There for His Son
When Magic Johnson's son EJ came out as gay, the NBA star was so supportive. "I think it's all about you not trying to decide what your daughter or son should be or what you want them to become," Magic told Ellen DeGeneres. "It's all about loving them no matter who they are, what they decide to do. When my son came out, I was so happy for him and happy for us as parents. We love him. EJ is amazing."
