Madonna recently celebrated a significant milestone as her daughter, Mercy James, turned 20 years old. The iconic Grammy-winning artist shared a touching tribute on Instagram, expressing her love and admiration for Mercy. “Happy Birthday beautiful Mercy James. 💙” Madonna wrote, revealing that Mercy’s tribal name, “Chifundo,” translates to Mercy, which she described as a fitting name for her daughter.
In her heartfelt message, Madonna highlighted Mercy’s personality, describing her as the quietest among her children but with thoughts that run deep. “You are always thinking, always thoughtful, kind and respectful. I am so proud of the young woman you have become,” she shared. Madonna also praised Mercy’s various talents, encouraging her to pursue her passions. “You can do anything you put your mind to,” she enthused, expressing excitement to witness the path Mercy chooses.
To further commemorate the occasion, Madonna compiled a heartwarming video showcasing Mercy’s journey through childhood, set to Sade’s song “Paradise.” The collection features joyous moments, including dance sessions with siblings and cherished memories with Madonna, capped off with an impressive clip of Mercy playing the piano.
As fans and friends flooded the comments with birthday wishes, including a note from Andy Cohen, many expressed their admiration for Mercy. One commenter hailed her as the “sweetest, beautiful, funniest, most caring, multi-talented young queen.”
Madonna adopted Mercy in 2007 after navigating a challenging legal battle with the Malawian government, which initially denied her request to adopt. Reflecting on her journey, she recounted how she promised to care for Mercy and her brother David Banda, whom she adopted a year earlier. Despite initial rejections due to strict adoption laws, Madonna remained determined. “I never gave up. And I never backed down,” she recalled, explaining that her unwavering dedication ultimately led to a successful adoption.
Mercy is one of six children Madonna is raising, which includes her eldest daughter Lourdes, 29, son Rocco, 25, and twins Stella and Estere, aged 13. Madonna’s commitment to her family and her advocacy for children in need is evident in her poignant reflections on motherhood and the importance of perseverance.
As Mercy embarks on this new chapter of her life, the love and support from her mother and the wider community are clear reminders of the strong bond they share and the incredible journey that lies ahead for her.