Gigi Hadid Rings in 26th Birthday with Intimate Celebration, Zayn Malik, and Heartfelt Tributes from Family & Celebrity Friends
Supermodel Gigi Hadid marked her 26th birthday on April 23rd with a beautiful blend of private celebration and public adoration. The milestone occasion saw the fashion icon showered with love from her closest family and friends, including her devoted boyfriend Zayn Malik, creating a memorable day that resonated across social media. The outpouring of sweet messages and nostalgic photos not only celebrated Gigi’s quarter-century mark but also highlighted her incredible journey from a budding model to a global superstar and a loving mother. Throughout the special day, a significant number of birthday tributes flooded social media platforms, allowing fans and followers to relive some of Gigi’s most cherished and memorable moments, offering a glimpse into her personal life and career highlights.
Leading the heartfelt tributes were Gigi’s beloved mother, Yolanda Hadid, 57, and her equally famous sister, Bella Hadid, 24. Both took to Instagram to share a series of adorable pictures and emotional messages that perfectly captured their deep familial bond. Beyond her immediate family, a host of celebrity pals also joined in the chorus of birthday wishes. Among them were close friends like actress Blake Lively, 33, and former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, 28, who didn’t hesitate to share their own unique and touching tributes, demonstrating the wide circle of affection Gigi commands in the entertainment world. These personal messages painted a vivid picture of Gigi’s impact on those around her, celebrating not just her accomplishments but also her warm personality and enduring friendships.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by YOLANDA (@yolanda.hadid)
Yolanda Hadid, Gigi’s proud mother, shared a touching series of throwback photos on her Instagram, creating a beautiful tribute to her eldest daughter. Among the collection were heartwarming snapshots from Gigi’s childhood, including a particularly sweet image capturing a tender moment between mother and daughter, where they shared a loving kiss. Another photo showed them joyfully smiling and posing alongside a horse, reflecting cherished memories from earlier years. Yolanda’s post wasn’t limited to the past; she thoughtfully included more recent pictures of the two of them, showcasing their enduring bond and how their relationship has evolved over time. This blend of nostalgic and current photos emphasized the deep love and admiration Yolanda holds for Gigi, celebrating every stage of her life.
In a deeply moving caption accompanying her post, Yolanda expressed immense pride in Gigi’s growth and achievements. “Happy birthday to you my sweet Angel….. I have always been so very proud of the young woman you grew up to be every step of your life time but watching you give birth and become a mother yourself has given ‘Proud’ a whole other meaning….,” the doting mom wrote. Her words beautifully articulated the profound transformation she witnessed in Gigi as she embraced motherhood. Yolanda then affectionately mentioned Gigi’s seven-month-old baby girl,Khai, highlighting the incredible joy Khai has brought into their lives. “You are extraordinary!!! Thank you for giving me this greatest gift, I wasn’t sure how to get by without my mamma but loving Khai awoke a part in my heart I never knew existed. #HappyBirthday #Gigi.” This powerful message not only celebrated Gigi’s birthday but also underscored the immense love and renewal that the arrival of Khai has brought to the entire Hadid family, demonstrating Gigi’s inspiring journey into her new role as a mother.
Not to be outdone, Gigi’s younger sister, Bella Hadid, also shared a heartfelt birthday tribute, emphasizing the unbreakable bond they share. Bella posted a collection of charming throwback photos featuring her and her big sis, capturing moments from their childhood and early careers. These images beautifully illustrated their journey together, from playful youngsters to powerful figures in the fashion world. Accompanying these nostalgic pictures was a deeply loving message that resonated with warmth and genuine affection. “I wouldn’t be able to do this life without you @gigihadid. Thank you for all that you have taught me and for always supporting me the way you do. Happy Birthday bestie. I love you so much,” the message read, complete with a heartfelt red heart emoji. Bella’s words highlighted Gigi’s role not just as a sister but also as a mentor and constant source of support, showcasing the profound impact Gigi has had on Bella’s life and career. Their sisterly bond is clearly a cornerstone of both their personal and professional lives, celebrated openly on this special day.
Gigi Hadid via Blake Lively’s Instagram stories. pic.twitter.com/uDpreHYQCn
— Gigi Hadid News (@GigiHadidIT) April 24, 2021
“Too bad you’re just super hot and no fun at all.” — Blake Lively via Instagram Stories, wishing @GiGiHadid a happy birthday! 🎈👯♀️ #HappyBirthdayGigiHadid pic.twitter.com/UVRBEyk6ie
— Blake Lively Updates (@blakelivelyf) April 24, 2021
Adding a touch of characteristic humor, actress Blake Lively’s birthday shout-out for Gigi was both sweet and playfully teasing. Her tribute included a charming picture of herself and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, 44, happily seated and posing alongside Gigi, showcasing their close friendship. “Happy Birthday @gigihadid…I think you and I make a much better couple,” Blake joked in a caption playfully overlaying the pic, highlighting her signature wit. Beyond the witty banter, Blake also shared a lively video clip featuring Gigi exuberantly dancing at a concert, clearly having the time of her life. Over this energetic footage, Blake cheekily wrote, “Too bad you’re just super hot and no fun at all.” This lighthearted remark, delivered with affection, perfectly captured the playful dynamic of their friendship, underscoring the genuine bond and mutual admiration between the two stars. It was a testament to Gigi’s ability to be both a stunning supermodel and a fun-loving friend.
@GiGiHadid via oliviaculpo’s Instagram Stories. pic.twitter.com/Xkvg2w69an
— Gigi Hadid News (@TheHadidNews) April 24, 2021
Olivia Culpo’s tribute to Gigi further highlighted the fun-loving side of the birthday girl. Her post featured an entertaining video of herself and Gigi enthusiastically lip-syncing to a song while dancing in a vibrant room, surrounded by celebratory drinks and delicious food. The clip radiated a joyful atmosphere, capturing a candid moment of pure friendship and celebration. “Love you so much and will still start a girl band w you if you’re down,” Olivia affectionately wrote in the caption, accompanied by three vibrant red hearts. This playful declaration perfectly encapsulated the strong bond and shared sense of humor between the two, suggesting a friendship built on genuine camaraderie and a readiness for spontaneous adventures. It was a lovely testament to the vibrant and energetic nature of Gigi’s friendships.
Gigi Hadid via haileybieber’s Instagram Stories. pic.twitter.com/joDmAp3OTS
— Gigi Hadid News (@TheHadidNews) April 24, 2021
Hailey Baldwin, 24, also took to Instagram to send her warm wishes, celebrating Gigi’s special day with a charming black and white picture of the two supermodels. The adorable snap captured a sweet, intimate moment: Hailey was seen giving a gentle kiss to Gigi on the outer edge of her cheek, while Gigi playfully had her finger raised to her mouth, a gesture often used to playfully advise others to be quiet. This endearing pose highlighted their close bond and shared sense of humor. “happy birthdayyyyyy to the most beautiful @gigihadid,” Hailey wrote in her caption, paired with a sophisticated black heart emoji. The message, though concise, conveyed deep affection and appreciation for Gigi, underscoring the strong and supportive friendships Gigi maintains within her elite circle of industry peers. It was a simple yet powerful acknowledgment of Gigi’s beauty and character, from one close friend to another.
#IG | Zayn bringing over Gigi Hadid’s birthday cake.
via Laura Polko’s IG story pic.twitter.com/Z5JFRdgRtV
— Zayn Malik News (@ZaynJMNews) April 24, 2021
Beyond the numerous public tributes, Gigi’s birthday celebration included an intimate party where she was surrounded by her nearest and dearest. A heartwarming Instagram video, shared by partygoer Laura Polko, offered a delightful glimpse into the festivities. The clip, which quickly circulated online, showed Gigi’s devoted boyfriend, Zayn Malik, 28, making a special entrance. He was seen tenderly carrying a piece of birthday cake adorned with flickering lit candles towards his lady love. The scene unfolded in a cozy setting, with a group of friends and family gathered around them, both indoors in a lively room and outdoors on an inviting patio area. The atmosphere was filled with warmth, laughter, and the palpable joy of shared companionship. This private moment beautifully highlighted the strong and loving relationship between Gigi and Zayn, who welcomed their daughter Khai just a few months prior. The gesture of Zayn personally bringing the cake emphasized the personal and heartfelt nature of the celebration.
The celebratory mood extended beyond the party venue. Earlier in the day, the beloved couple, Gigi and Zayn, were spotted enjoying a casual yet charming outing. They were seen indulging in grilled cheese sandwiches from a food truck situated just outside Gigi’s apartment in New York City. This delightful snack run included Gigi’s sister, Bella, further underscoring the close-knit family environment surrounding the birthday girl. The apartment itself served as the main setting for Gigi’s birthday gathering, transforming into a hub of joyous activity. This blend of intimate family moments, playful outings, and heartfelt tributes truly made Gigi Hadid’s 26th birthday a special occasion, celebrating her journey as a supermodel, a loving partner, and a proud mother, surrounded by an incredible network of support and affection.