Celebrity parents are just like us, celebrating those major milestones at this time of year — high school graduations!
Dwyane Wade was one proud parent on June 12 when his daughter Zaya, 18, graduated and scooped up more than just a diploma. According to the former NBA star’s Instagram Stories, Zaya was honored with the “2024-2025 Head of School’s Award.” Dad was so proud that he made sure his followers had a close-up look at his daughter’s accomplishment.
Wade also held Zaya’s diploma up in the air and commented on the snapshot, “We did it, Joe!” He was so happy to share her big moment as he captured a video of her graduation march onstage in her cap and gown and an enthusiastic, “ZAYA!!!!” written across the clip. (You can see the photos here.)
Zaya and son Zaire, 23, are Wade’s children with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches. He also is the father to son Xavier from his former relationship with Aja Metoyer. He shares daughter Kaavia, 6, with wife Gabrielle Union while continuing to be the legal guardian of nephew, Dahveon Morris, 21.
Zaya Wade and Gabrielle Union.
Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images
The tight father-daughter bond between Wade and Zaya was revealed in her 2023 feature for Harper’s Bazaar where she described him as her “biggest advocate” after coming out as transgender in February 2020.
“My dad is who truly inspires me the most,” she explained. “Kids always tend to look up to their parents, but not only did I idolize him growing up and see him as a real person, I realize that he has played such an essential role in supporting me and the ways I choose to present myself to the world.”
“He’s been so supportive and my biggest advocate,” she added. “He took the time and learned and grew. I want to have that same mentality going through anything in life.”
Union also shared a tribute to her stepdaughter in a June 2 Instagram post, just a few days after her May 29 birthday.
“Your transparency should be studied,” wrote Union. “They say parents are the ones to raise and show their children “the way”, but you’ve been the one to show us what true strength, vulnerability, and love really look like. At just 18, you’ve already shown the world what it means to be brave. Your courage lights the way for so many to follow, and we’re right beside you every step of the way.”
Zaya is one lucky teen to have so much support and love guiding her into the next stage of adulthood.
Before you go, click here to see celebrity moms who are close with their stepkids.
