Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith took to their personal Instagram accounts to commemorate one of the most joyous occasions in their lives that falls every Halloween: their daughter Willow Smith‘s birthday.
Willow turned 22 on Oct. 31. On that special day, the singer’s parents each wrote a meaningful message to her. Jada, who wished Willow a happy birthday earlier in the day, shared a throwback image of her in what appears to be a witch Halloween costume.
The actress expressed in the caption that despite Willow getting older, she will always consider the “Whip My Hair” vocalist as her “baby.” Jada wrote, “Happy Birthday to my favorite spooky girl in the whole wide world!!! It may be your 22nd Willoween, but you are still my baby. Forever and for always.”
An hour following Jada’s upload, Will shared a compilation video that featured throwback and present-day images of the father-daughter duo spending quality time together.
Alongside the clip, Will disclosed in the caption that his intention of becoming a father was to teach his children everything he could about the world. The “Bad Boys” star claimed that his thoughts changed after his children started schooling him.
While addressing Willow by her nickname “Bean,” he wrote, “Happy Born Day, Ma Bean! When I was younger, I couldn’t wait to have kids cuz I thought I had so much stuff to teach them. Who knew that y’all were the ones who were gonna school me?! I am becoming a better human everyday because you are my daughter. Thanx for teaching an old dog new tricks!”
As fans viewed Will’s post, many sent their well-wishes to the 22-year-old.
“Happy Birthday Willow!”
“This is beautiful happy birthday Willow.”
“Willow is amazing. Happy birthday to her.”
“Happy birthday to your beautiful daughter.”
Last year, Will revealed the meaning behind Willow’s nickname. On Nov.1, 2021, Will recalled, while reading a line from his best-selling book “Will,” the first time he held Willow in his arms.
While mentioning that Willow’s original due date was scheduled the same day as his oldest son Trey Smith, he said, “Willow Camille Reign Smith was born on Halloween, 2000. Her due date had been November 11, which is Trey’s birthday. But even in the womb, she knew she was not sharing no birthday with nobody. She showed up two weeks early in dramatic fashion.”
The father of three added, “I was the first person to hold her. She was so tiny. Her whole body fit in one hand. Her limbs dangling off the edges of my palm. Within 15 seconds she had her nickname, something I call her to this day, ‘My Bean.'”