Mark Wahlberg’s daughter declares ‘I want to be just like you’ in emotional tribute to famous dad

It was an extra special, celebratory weekend for Mark Wahlberg and his family.

On Friday, June 5, the Ted actor rang in his 55th birthday around the sun, and his daughter Grace shared an adoring tribute in his honor.

In addition to Grace, 16, the former rapper and his wife Rhea Durham, who have been married since 2009, are also parents to daughter Ella, 22, and sons Michael, 20, and Brendan, 17.

In honor of Mark’s special day, Grace, an avid equestrian, took to Instagram and shared a photo of Mark supporting her at one of her horseback riding competitions.

“Happy birthday dad, I love you. You have no idea how much you mean to me,” she wrote in her caption. “I am forever grateful for all your hard work and I’ll always look up to you.”

“I want to be just like you when I grow up. Your work ethic and love for god and everyone around you. I love you so so much dad,” the teen added, and fans were quick to take to the comments section under the post and remark on its tenderness.

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“Super sweet! Well done Grace! Sometimes, it’s the little things like this that are the biggest things to dads,” one wrote, as others followed suit with: “This picture says it all. The quality of a dad’s heart. You’re blessed,” and: “A daughter’s love, no greater power,” as well as: “Beautiful & true words, Grace! Happy Birthday to your dad.”

Grace’s mom Rhea also took to Instagram to commemorate Mark’s birthday, sharing a slew of photos of the pair throughout the years and writing: “Happy Birthday baby. I love you to infinity and beyond.”

Mark and his family are based in Las Vegas, save for eldest daughter Ella, who is a student at Clemson in South Carolina. 

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“She’s just so happy there,” Mark said in 2023 speaking with TODAY, adding: “She’s really thriving so I understand. Obviously, it’s more difficult for moms, because when you have a child, your own existence revolves around taking care and nurturing this child and helping them grow. But you’re giving life and they go off and do their thing, and hopefully, they come back and spend time with you.”

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The Wahlberg-Durham family has been living in Las Vegas since 2022, and have gushed about the decision. Mark, opening up about leaving Los Angeles during an appearance on TODAY in 2023, noted: “You have Las Vegas, and people think automatically, ‘Oh, the Strip.’ But [in] Nevada, there are wonderful communities.”

Though he admitted to missing California and its weather, he added that the kids “are thriving” in their new hometown, and further shared: “I live in a wonderful community that’s really faith-based, great schools. There’s much more to Las Vegas than the Strip.”