Teen Mom’s Jenelle Evans is honoring her eldest son, Jace, on his 17th birthday amid her family’s public struggles.
“I HAVE A 17 YEAR OLD! 🎉🫶🏼😭,” Evans, 34, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, August 2, while sharing a series of photos of the pair through the years. “Being a teenager can be hard, but you seem to handle it well.”
She continued, “You’re so smart, curious about life, and handsome. Hope today is everything you’ve wanted and more! I love you @jace_vahn ♥️.”
Evans welcomed her son in 2009 with ex Andrew Lewis. After the pair split, Evans welcomed son Kaiser in 2014 with ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith. She has since added to her family with the arrival of daughter Ensley in 2017, whom she welcomed with David Eason.
Earlier this year, news broke that Jenelle’s mother, Barbara Evans, filed for emergency custody of Jace. (Barbara’s motion for custody was ultimately denied.)
TMZ reported at the time that Jace had been placed in a mental health facility after allegedly pulling a gun on Barbara in late February, claiming that the incident occurred while he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol. (Jace was living with Barbara in North Carolina at the time.)
Months later, Jenelle shared that Jace was in a good place.
“I’ll let you know something that I haven’t told anyone,” Jenelle said during an episode of the “La Femme Talk” podcast in April. “You know I’ve been very quiet online, and behind the scenes, I’ve been actually getting help for my son as needed, and he’s in a safe place [in a] holistic approach.”
Jace was “very happy right now” and “very focused on himself,” according to Jenelle.
“I think that’s the most important thing,” she explained. “A lot of people, they think since I’m being so quiet that I might not be doing anything and not taking action. But just know that if I’m quiet, I’m up to something.”
Jenelle shared a subsequent update on Jace in July, while posting several images of her son. In one photo, Jace smiled as he strummed a guitar.
“And here’s a real update about Jace. From what I choose to share, he’s working on himself and focusing on his emotions. He’s obviously had ups and downs but I’m hoping for the best in his future. Here’s some awesome pictures of his progress,” Jenelle wrote via Instagram at the time.
She continued, “I’ve had countless night of crying over the past 6 months because i want him to be happy and will do whatever it takes to help him mentally and physically. As his mother I WILL NOT give up. 🥹❤️🩹 #TeamJace.”
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