Mother’s Day is a celebration of love in all its forms, and this year, actress and activist Sophia Bush took the opportunity to pour her heart out for someone very special—retired soccer star and fellow advocate, Ashlyn Harris. In a touching tribute that quickly caught fans’ attention, Bush celebrated Harris not just as a friend, but as a remarkable mother, calling her an “angel” in their lives. The heartfelt post, shared on Bush’s Instagram, became an emotional anchor for the day, sending waves through social media and reminding the world of the beauty of chosen family, resilience, and the deep bonds that can form beyond traditional roles.

Both women have gone through transformative chapters in the past year. Sophia Bush filed for divorce from entrepreneur Grant Hughes in 2023, and Ashlyn Harris parted ways with Krieger that same year. Navigating high-profile breakups under public scrutiny isn’t easy, yet both Bush and Harris have handled their personal transitions with poise and strength. It seems that through their individual journeys, they found a supportive, perhaps even healing connection with each other. Whether romantic or platonic, their relationship clearly runs deep, grounded in mutual respect, shared values, and a profound love for children. The idea of building a new family dynamic—one rooted in love rather than labels—is something both women have embraced. On Mother’s Day, Bush’s message seemed to affirm that sometimes, the most beautiful families are the ones we choose.

Fans and celebrities alike flooded the comments section of Bush’s tribute with messages of support. Many praised her vulnerability and openness, noting that her celebration of Harris was a refreshing example of modern, multifaceted motherhood. “Love comes in so many forms. This post is everything,” one fan wrote. Another added, “What a gorgeous way to celebrate chosen family and motherhood. Ashlyn is lucky to have you in her corner.” The public response showed that people are eager for stories like this—stories that challenge the binary, celebrate connection, and acknowledge the strength it takes to be both a mother and a human finding her way through life’s complexities.

For many LGBTQ+ families, Mother’s Day can be bittersweet—especially for those navigating co-parenting, public scrutiny, or societal expectations. Bush and Harris’s public exchange, grounded in love and respect, offered a powerful image of support and shared parenting, one that doesn’t necessarily follow conventional molds. Bush’s use of words like “intention,” “joy,” and “fierce love” reflects the reality of what many mothers—biological or not—bring to their parenting journeys. It’s a nod to the beauty of nurturing relationships that arise from choice and commitment, not just biology. In this way, Sophia Bush’s post became more than just a celebrity shoutout. It was a love letter to modern motherhood, to resilience after heartbreak, and to the strength that exists in redefining one’s life after public upheaval.

As both Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris continue navigating new chapters, it’s clear they’re doing so on their own terms. With grace, with honesty, and with a love for life that’s infectious. Whether their relationship continues to evolve romantically or remains a deep friendship, one thing is certain: they are showing the world what it means to show up—for yourself, for your family, and for each other. In a time when cynicism often dominates headlines, this Mother’s Day tribute reminded us of the power of words, the power of connection, and the healing that can come from being seen—and celebrated—by someone who truly gets you.