J Balvin’s birthday message for Valentina Ferrer arrived only days after the actress and model confirmed their split. Rather than awkward silence, the reggaeton star marked Ferrer’s 33rd birthday with a warm tribute celebrating her character, motherhood and place in his life.
“Today I celebrate your life, Vale,” Balvin wrote in Spanish on Instagram on September 19. “I celebrate the woman you are, your light, your strength, the way you love, your wisdom and that heart of yours that makes life more beautiful for those fortunate enough to know you.”
The post included three photographs, among them an older picture and an image of Ferrer with the former couple’s 5-year-old son, Río. It was unusually affectionate by celebrity breakup standards, which often involve carefully neutral statements drafted with the warmth of an insurance policy.
Balvin praised Ferrer as a mother
The 41-year-old singer, whose real name is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín, thanked Ferrer for what he called the greatest gift of his life.
“Thank you for giving me the greatest gift in life: Río,” he wrote. “Watching you be his mom is one of the things I admire most about you. There are people who deserve all the flowers, not just for what they do, but for who they are. And today, all the flowers are for you.”
Balvin closed the post with a blessing for his former partner: “May God watch over you, bless you, and return to you, multiplied, all the love and light you give. Happy birthday, Vale.”
The message followed Ferrer’s confirmation that the pair had ended their relationship after nearly 10 years together. They began dating in 2017 and later welcomed Río.
Their son remains the priority after the split
When confirming the separation, Ferrer said the decision had been made with the family’s interests at the centre of it.
“It was a decision made out of love, respect and the desire to do what is best for our family,” she explained. “Our priority will be continuing to be there for Rio with all our love.”
Balvin and Ferrer generally kept their relationship and family life away from public view. The “Ay Vamos” singer has, however, previously discussed the values he hopes to pass on to his son.
“I don’t want him to be the best of something, I want him to enjoy what he does and be happy,” Balvin said in a 2023 interview with E! News. “That’s my number one rule. Because once you’re a happy person, it makes life feel better.”
His birthday tribute suggested the former couple intend to keep that focus on Río as they adjust to life apart.
