Blake Lively thanks her mother for inspiring her lifelong creative passion and fearless empowerment

In a heartfelt Instagram tribute and a moving TIME 100 Gala speech, Blake Lively opens up about how her mother’s unwavering support and encouragement ignited her creative spirit and shaped her resilience, even amid personal and legal challenges.

A mother’s encouragement, a daughter’s deep gratitude

Blake Lively, the actress beloved for her roles in Gossip Girl and recent acclaimed films, has always carried a creative spark that her mother, Willie Elaine McAlpin, helped nurture from a young age. Recently, Lively took to Instagram Stories to share a touching tribute to her mother, showcasing the profound impact of her mother’s encouragement on her life and career.

The 37-year-old actress posted a joyful photo of herself holding a vibrant bouquet of flowers, smiling radiantly as she laid a heartfelt message for her mom. “Grateful to my mama for always doing creative things with me,” she wrote. “Even when she was working nonstop and had zero time. She always told me I ‘couldn’t mess it up,’ when I very much could.”

This simple yet powerful phrase became a foundational mantra for Lively, instilling in her the confidence to experiment, fail, and grow creatively without fear of judgment or failure. “What a lifelong gift that creative empowerment and trust has been,” Lively reflected. “Most of my passions come from, or thanks to, her.” Her mother’s steadfast belief in her abilities gave Lively a unique freedom to explore her creativity—whether it was arranging flowers, crafting stories, or pursuing acting roles—knowing she had a safe place to fall back on. This maternal trust became a wellspring of inspiration and courage that has carried Lively through many chapters of her life.

Flower power: Creativity passed down and a playful spirit

Before her emotional tribute, Lively shared a close-up of the floral bouquet she had carefully arranged herself. The mix of pink, magenta, and white blooms was affectionately called her “flower babies,” a nod to the nurturing process she enjoys—from planting seeds to cutting and finally arranging the flowers.

“My flower babies, from seeds to cutting, to arrangement,” she captioned the photo with a wink, followed by a lighthearted offer: “@me for your next graduation funeral or wedding.” This playful side of Lively reveals how her creativity is not only a personal passion but also a gift she happily shares with others. This moment of playful creativity highlights how Lively honors her mother’s influence beyond serious achievements. It’s about celebrating the small, everyday moments that keep a creative spirit alive—moments of joy, humor, and connection that make life richer.

A powerful moment at the TIME 100 Gala

Lively’s admiration for her mother was on full display at the recent TIME 100 Gala in New York City, where she was honored as one of the world’s most influential people. Accompanied by her husband, Ryan Reynolds, Lively delivered a deeply personal speech that went beyond gratitude to speak about womanhood, survival, and the importance of resilience.

“It is surreal and deeply significant to be an honoree in a time where the most valuable currency seems to be anger,” she said. “It feels like an act of defiance to commune and celebrate all the good that is alive in the world.” Despite the gravity of the moment, Lively chose to focus on hope and empowerment. “I have so much to say about the last two years of my life, but tonight is not the forum,” she shared. Instead, she emphasized the strength found in women who use their voices for good, including her mother.

The story that saved her mother’s life

Lively’s speech revealed a harrowing episode from her mother’s past, which had a profound impact on her family’s legacy of strength. Before Lively was born, her mother survived a violent attack by a work acquaintance who attempted to take her life. The trauma was compounded by a lack of justice or accountability afterward.

Yet, what ultimately saved her mother was an anonymous woman who courageously shared her own survival story on the radio. This woman’s powerful testimony gave Lively’s mother the hope and knowledge to escape her dangerous situation. “My mom never got justice from her work acquaintance who attempted to take her life,” Lively explained. “She was saved by a woman whose name she’ll never know—a woman who painfully and graphically shared her own story on the radio.”

This story underscored the importance of breaking silence around trauma and the incredible power of survivor stories to inspire hope and healing. It also aligned deeply with the theme of the evening, which celebrated the resilience and voices of women worldwide.

Navigating legal battles and maintaining privacy

While Lively’s public statements have focused on empowerment and gratitude, her private life has recently been overshadowed by a high-profile legal battle. Earlier this year, she filed a sexual harassment complaint against Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of It Ends with Us, alleging misconduct on set and retaliation.

In a recent legal development, Lively requested to dismiss claims of intentional and negligent infliction of emotional distress against Baldoni, calling it a “routine part of the litigation process.” However, her legal team emphasized that she continues to allege emotional distress as part of ongoing claims, including sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni, in turn, countersued Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicists with accusations including defamation and extortion. The case has drawn intense media attention and is scheduled for trial in March 2026.

Despite the public scrutiny, Lively has remained focused on her values and the importance of supporting others who face adversity, a testament to the lessons she learned from her mother.

A legacy of strength, support, and gratitude

Closing her TIME 100 speech, Lively extended heartfelt thanks to the men in her life who quietly and consistently support women. “Thank you to every man, including my sweet husband, who are kind and good when no one is watching,” she said.

Through moments of joyful creativity on Instagram and moments of profound vulnerability on a global stage, Blake Lively continues to honor the woman who gave her more than just creativity. She gave her courage, resilience, and the strength to rise above challenges and inspire others. Her tribute to her mother reminds us all that the foundation of true empowerment often begins at home with trust, encouragement, and unconditional love.