In a heartwarming announcement that has sent waves of excitement through their fanbase, Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, have welcomed their first child, a baby girl, through adoption. The couple shared the joyous news via a joint Instagram post on August 21, 2025, marking a significant milestone in their lives as they embark on the journey of parenthood. This announcement comes just over a year after their private wedding ceremony in May 2024, further solidifying their commitment to building a family together. As one of Hollywood’s most beloved young couples, their decision to adopt has sparked widespread admiration and conversation, highlighting their maturity and dedication to creating a loving home.

A New Chapter Begins

The announcement was made with a touching message accompanied by a sketch of a willow tree, a symbol often associated with growth, strength, and resilience. The couple wrote, “This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy. And then there were 3. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi.” While the couple chose not to disclose their daughter’s name, the understated elegance of the announcement reflects their desire to maintain a sense of privacy amid their high-profile lives.

Millie Bobby Brown, 21, and Jake Bongiovi, 23, have been in the public eye since their relationship began in 2021. Their love story has captivated fans, not only because of their individual accomplishments but also due to their shared values and grounded approach to fame. Brown, best known for her role as Eleven in the Netflix sci-fi phenomenon Stranger Things, has grown from a child prodigy to a global icon, while Bongiovi, the son of legendary rockstar Jon Bon Jovi, has carved his own path in the entertainment industry. Together, they have cultivated an image of authenticity and commitment, making their announcement of parenthood all the more meaningful.

A Journey to Parenthood

The decision to adopt a child is a deeply personal one, and Brown has been open about her desire to become a mother at a young age. In a March 2025 appearance on the SmartLess podcast, hosted by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, and Will Arnett, she spoke candidly about her aspirations for family life. “My mom actually had her first child at 21, and my dad was 19,” Brown shared. “And you know, it’s been my thing since before I met Jake. Since I was a baby, I told my mom, like, with baby dolls, I wanted to be a mom just like the way my mom was to me.”

This sentiment was echoed in earlier interviews, such as one with the Call Her Daddy podcast in 2024, where Brown discussed her and Bongiovi’s shared vision for a family. She noted that both of their parents married young and served as role models for their own relationship. “We had really great role models. We didn’t see any different,” she said. The couple’s decision to adopt aligns with Brown’s expressed interest in building a large family, a dream she has held since childhood. In the SmartLess interview, she also hinted at the possibility of adoption, stating, “Jake knows how important it is to me [to have a child].”

Adoption is a significant and meaningful choice, and Brown and Bongiovi’s announcement has been met with praise for its emphasis on providing a loving home to a child in need. Their decision reflects a growing trend among young celebrities who are using their platforms to advocate for adoption and foster care, shining a light on the importance of family beyond traditional paths.

A Love Story in the Spotlight

Brown and Bongiovi’s relationship has been a source of fascination since they were first spotted together in 2021. Their romance blossomed quickly, and by April 2023, they announced their engagement on Instagram. Brown shared a black-and-white photo of herself being embraced by Bongiovi, her engagement ring prominently displayed, with a caption quoting Taylor Swift’s “Lover”: “I’ve loved you three summers now, honey, I want ‘em all.” Bongiovi, in turn, posted a photo with the simple caption, “Forever.” The engagement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike, who admired the couple’s genuine affection and commitment.

Their wedding, which took place in May 2024, was a private affair, with only close family in attendance. Jon Bon Jovi confirmed the nuptials in an interview with BBC’s The One Show, describing the event as a “very small family wedding” where “the bride looked gorgeous, and Jake is happy as can be.” The couple’s choice to keep their wedding low-key was consistent with their approach to their relationship, which has often been characterized by a desire for privacy despite their public personas.

Since their marriage, Brown and Bongiovi have settled into life in Georgia, where they reportedly live on a farm. A Vanity Fair cover story from February 2025 detailed their life together, noting that Brown has been focusing on balancing her career with her personal goals. The couple’s decision to adopt a child further underscores their commitment to creating a stable and nurturing environment, even as they navigate the demands of their careers in the entertainment industry.

Millie Bobby Brown: From Child Star to Multifaceted Talent

Millie Bobby Brown’s rise to fame began at the age of 12 when she was cast as Eleven in Stranger Things. Her portrayal of the telekinetic teenager earned her critical acclaim and nominations for two Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series. The role catapulted her to international stardom, making her one of the most recognizable young actresses in Hollywood.

Beyond Stranger Things, Brown has built an impressive career as an actress and producer. She starred in and produced the Netflix films Enola Holmes (2020) and Enola Holmes 2 (2022), showcasing her ability to take on complex roles and contribute creatively behind the scenes. Her performance in Enola Holmes 2 earned her a reported $10 million, cementing her status as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid young actresses. She also appeared in the monster films Godzilla: King of the Monsters (2019) and Godzilla vs. Kong (2021), further diversifying her portfolio.

In addition to her acting career, Brown has ventured into entrepreneurship with her beauty brand, Florence by Mills, launched in 2019. The line, available at retailers like Boots in the UK and Walmart in the United States, reflects her commitment to creating products that resonate with her generation. She has also made strides as an author, releasing her debut novel, Nineteen Steps, in September 2023. The book, inspired by her grandmother’s experience during the 1943 Bethnal Green tube disaster, sparked some controversy over its ghostwriting but was praised for its personal connection to Brown’s family history.

Brown’s accomplishments extend beyond entertainment. In 2018, she was named the youngest-ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a role that highlights her commitment to advocacy and philanthropy. Her ability to balance her professional achievements with her personal life has made her a role model for young people around the world.

Jake Bongiovi: A Rising Star with a Famous Legacy

Jake Bongiovi, the son of Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley, has largely stayed out of the spotlight compared to his wife but is beginning to make his mark in the entertainment industry. Born on May 7, 2002, Bongiovi has pursued acting, with roles in projects like the upcoming time-travel rom-com The Electric State, in which he stars alongside Brown. His decision to forge his own path, separate from his father’s musical legacy, has earned him respect among peers and fans.

Bongiovi’s support for Brown’s career and their shared vision for their future have been evident in their public appearances together. From attending the premiere of The Electric State in Madrid to supporting Brown’s various projects, Bongiovi has proven to be a steadfast partner. Their joint announcement of their daughter’s adoption further highlights their unity and shared values.

Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact

The announcement of Brown and Bongiovi’s adoption has sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, particularly on X, where fans have expressed both excitement and surprise. One user commented, “Millie Bobby Brown is married and adopted a child at 21… I need to get my life together,” reflecting the awe many feel at the couple’s accomplishments at such a young age. Another fan humorously noted, “Millie Bobby Brown got married and has a kid now and Stranger Things season 5 STILL hasn’t dropped,” tying the announcement to the anticipation surrounding the final season of the Netflix series, set to premiere on November 26, 2025.

The timing of the announcement, just months before the premiere of Stranger Things Season 5, has led some to speculate about whether Brown deliberately chose this moment to share the news. However, the couple’s emphasis on privacy suggests that their primary motivation was to share their joy with fans while maintaining boundaries around their personal lives. Brown disabled comments on her Instagram post, a move consistent with her past efforts to shield herself from online negativity.

The couple’s decision to adopt has also sparked broader conversations about young parenthood and adoption in Hollywood. By choosing to adopt at such a young age, Brown and Bongiovi are challenging traditional expectations and demonstrating that family-building can take many forms. Their announcement has been praised for its positive messaging and for highlighting the importance of adoption as a pathway to parenthood.

Navigating Fame and Privacy

Despite their fame, Brown and Bongiovi have made concerted efforts to maintain privacy in their personal lives. Brown, in particular, has faced significant challenges in the public eye, including online bullying and sexualization. In 2020, she addressed these issues in an Instagram post on her 16th birthday, writing, “There are moments I get frustrated from the inaccuracy, inappropriate comments, sexualisation and unnecessary insults that have ultimately resulted in pain and insecurity for me.” After turning 18 in 2022, she faced an influx of inappropriate content on her social media, prompting her to take further steps to protect her mental health.

In March 2025, Brown responded to media scrutiny over her appearance, posting a video on Instagram criticizing journalists for body shaming and bullying. She specifically called out former Great British Bake Off host Matt Lucas, who later issued an apology. These experiences have shaped Brown’s approach to fame, leading her to prioritize her well-being and that of her family.

Looking Ahead

As Brown and Bongiovi embark on this new chapter of parenthood, they continue to balance their personal and professional lives. Brown’s role in Stranger Things Season 5 is highly anticipated, with fans eager to see how Eleven’s story concludes. Her recent work in The Electric State, alongside Chris Pratt, further demonstrates her versatility as an actress. Meanwhile, Bongiovi’s career is gaining momentum, and their collaboration on The Electric State suggests that they may continue to work together in the future.

The couple’s adoption announcement is a testament to their commitment to each other and their shared values. By choosing to adopt, they are not only expanding their family but also sending a powerful message about love, responsibility, and the many ways to build a family. As they navigate the joys and challenges of parenthood, Brown and Bongiovi are likely to continue inspiring fans with their authenticity and dedication.

In a world where celebrity culture often feels fleeting, Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi’s story stands out as one of enduring love and purpose. Their journey from young love to engaged couple to new parents has been marked by grace and resilience, and their announcement of their daughter’s adoption is a beautiful new chapter in their lives. As they embrace this “beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy,” fans around the world are celebrating alongside them, eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable couple and their growing family.