Kandi Shares an Emotional Tribute to Riley on Her 22nd Birthday: "I Love Everything About You"
The RHOA alum celebrated Riley Burruss' birthday in style with a tropical vacation.
Longtime fans of The Real Housewives of Atlanta may remember when Riley Burruss was just a six-year-old visiting her mom, Kandi Burruss, in their home recording studio. Now, Riley is a college graduate, and she just celebrated her 22nd birthday in style.
Riley reunited with her mom and her stepdad, Todd Tucker, on vacation to a tropical destination to ring in her special day with a few of her friends. "It is Riley's golden birthday!" Kandi shared in an Instagram video she posted on her daughter's big day. "She is turning 22 on the 22nd."
In the video, Kandi, Todd, and a few of Riley's friends agreed to share their favorite things about the birthday girl. Her stepdad went first. "What I love about Riley is that once she sets her mind to something, she's a go-getter," Todd said. "She's always going to accomplish it and make it happen. And I love that she's bold and says what she feels and what's on her mind. Sometimes it gets on my nerves, but I love that quality. A lot of people can't do that, and I love that she just loves to have a good time and enjoy life."
Riley's friends all went next, and then the celebration concluded with a few words from Kandi. "What I love about you Riley, first of all, is that you're my little me. I'm thankful to God that I have you," Kandi began. "You're my firstborn, and when you put your mind to something, you make it happen."
What's next for RIley Burruss?
Kandi commended her daughter for completing her studies at New York University in May 2024.
"You were able to pull together this whole college thing without even any help from me because I don't know anything about going to college. She was able to fill out all her stuff, save herself up, get herself through it, and boom!" Kandi continued. "I am just proud of you in so many different ways. I love your strength. I love your personality, I love your outspoken-ness, even when it's not asked for. I love your smile, your look. I love all of that. Yeah, I love everything about you. You're my child."
Kandi also paid tribute to her daughter in the caption of her Instagram video. "Happy [Golden Birthday] to my first born [Riley Burruss]!!!!! She’s 22 on the 22nd! My big baby! I love her sooooo much!" she wrote. "You’ve accomplished so much & yet you’re just getting started! Everybody give [Riley Burruss] some bday love!!!!"
Riley Burruss' life in New York City
Riley may no longer be a student at NYU, but she's decided to stay in New York City. Since she graduated, Riley has been letting her Instagram followers in on her life in the Big Apple.
On August 19, Riley shared a photo of her enjoying a tea.
"Matcha Mondays," she captioned the Instagram Story post, which showcased her groovy pink manicure, a designer handbag, and a gorgeous ring.
A few months earlier, in May 2024, Riley shared an emotional post on Instagram about how her mom inspired her to get a degree in Music Business.
"I have been surrounded by music my entire life, which I’d like to thank my mom for [Kandi]. Always being around my mom and her music is what inspired me to pursue a degree in music, so having the opportunity to study music business has been an amazing journey!" she wrote in the caption of the post. "I have truly fallen in love with my studies these past four years. As a first-generation college student, I am so proud of myself for reaching the finish line and staying on track to finish this degree."
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