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Mark Wahlberg and his wife, Rhea Durham, recently celebrated a significant milestone as their eldest daughter, Ella Rae Wahlberg, turned 21. The proud parents marked the occasion on social media by sharing a series of touching throwback photos that captured Ella’s journey from infancy to adulthood.
On September 2nd, Rhea, 46, kicked off the celebrations by posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. Her post began with a recent picture of Ella beaming with joy, followed by a collection of nostalgic images. These included a snapshot of Ella meeting her younger brother, Michael, for the first time, as well as a precious Halloween memory where she was dressed as Glinda from ‘The Wizard of Oz’. Rhea’s caption was filled with love and pride, as she reminisced about the day Ella was born and expressed her enduring affection for her daughter, calling her a "twin" due to their striking resemblance.
Mark, 53, also shared his own set of throwback photos, which included sweet moments of him and Rhea holding baby Ella. The actor, who is known for his deep commitment to his family, penned a brief yet emotional message in the caption, expressing his pride and love for Ella as she reached this important age.
The celebration of Ella’s 21st birthday is especially poignant for Mark, as her birth coincides with the anniversary of his sister Debbie’s tragic passing in 2003. Despite the bittersweet nature of the day, the Wahlbergs ensured that the focus remained on the joy and pride they feel for their daughter.
The couple, who share four children—Michael, 18, Brendan, 15, Ella, 21, and Grace, 13—have always been open about their devotion to their family. Mark’s dedication to fatherhood was recently highlighted by his ‘The Union’ co-star, Halle Berry, who praised his ability to balance his professional life with being an attentive and involved parent.
As Ella continues to thrive, currently studying at Clemson University and a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority, her parents’ unwavering support remains a constant in her life, as seen through their touching birthday tributes.
