Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott Share 18th Birthday Tributes to Son

Tori Spelling and estranged husband Dean McDermott both shared lovely tributes to their son Liam McDermott on his milestone birthday.

“They say, ‘Don’t blink,’ because they grow but no one prepares you for how fast it goes,” Tori, 51, wrote to Liam via Instagram on Thursday, March 13.

Tori and Dean, 58, penned separate birthday messages for Liam on their social media accounts to celebrate their son turning 18 on Thursday. In Tori’s message, she recalled how Liam had “forever changed (her) life and view on love” when he was born in 2007.

“You gave me a purpose. A reason. The start of the most magical love story I’ll ever know,” Tori wrote to her son.

Tori acknowledged the “hefty weight” Liam had to carry as the “oldest of five” children in their family, but credited her son with always showing “love, loyalty, perseverance, and stamina.”

“The way you’ve stepped in to protect me emotionally shows how love has no boundaries. A mother and child’s soul bond is unmatched,” she added.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 actress went on: “You’re such a creative force. I love your ideas. You will always be my baby. While I cannot physically hold you in my lap anymore with arms wrapped around you, know that my heart is forever wrapped around you.”

“I cannot wait to see where this journey leads you. You are such a beautiful human,” she wrote, before encouraging Liam to realize that he is “forever blessed.”

“Continue being you. You are amazing. I’m so proud of you. I love you,” Tori concluded.

Dean spurred on Liam to “keep flying (his) freak flag” via his Instagram account, along with sharing a carousel of photos from throughout his son’s life.

“This little man is no longer little. My baby boy Liam is 18 years old today,” he noted. “I can’t believe it. He’s such an awesome dude and I’m so proud of him. Happy 18th Liam. I love you so much!!”

The few past years have undoubtedly been tough for Tori and Dean’s family following their highly-publicized split in June 2023. Tori filed for divorce in March 2024, and sought sole physical custody (but joint legal custody) of the couple’s minor children — Liam, Stella, 16, Hattie, 13, Finn, 12, and Beau, 8. In December 2024, Tori offered more insight on why she felt it was the right time to split with Dean.

“I always thought as bad as things might be between my partner and myself, it’s better to have their dad in the house than in a different residence,” Tori admitted on her “misSPELLING” podcast. “I think that kept me in the relationship far too long. It ultimately, I feel, did a disservice to my kids.”

Following their split, Dean was publicly supportive of Tori during her stint on Dancing With the Stars last fall. He marked one year of sobriety in July 2024 with a powerful message for his social media followers.

“If you’re struggling with addiction, just surrender and ask for help,” he wrote. “We’re here waiting for you, to love you, until you love yourself. A beautiful life awaits you. Just reach out your hand.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).