Mark Wahlberg moved by emotional birthday message from daughter Grace

Mark Wahlberg spent his 55th birthday with the heartiest tributes, including one from his daughter Grace Wahlberg.

Taking to Instagram, 16-year-old Grace posted a photo of the actor supporting her during 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." 

In her note, the teenager also praised her father’s work ethic, faith and dedication to family, telling him she hoped to one day be “just like” him.

"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.

Fans quickly reacted to the touching tribute. "Super sweet! Well done Grace! Sometimes, it's the little things like this that are the biggest things to dads," one wrote, as another wrote, "This picture says it all. The quality of a dad's heart. You're blessed".

Mark shares Grace, daughter Ella and sons Michael and Brendan with wife Rhea Durham, whom he married in 2009.

Rhea also marked the occasion online by posting several photos of the couple together over the years and sharing a loving birthday message for her husband. "Happy Birthday baby. I love you to infinity and beyond."

The actor has previously spoken openly about family life and his close relationship with his children, particularly after the family relocated from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in 2022.

Speaking in earlier interviews, Wahlberg said the move had been positive for his children and called their new community family-focused with strong schools and values.