Fantasia Celebrates Daughter Zion's 18th Birthday with Emotional Message

On her daughter's 18th birthday, Fantasia recounted the events that transpired on the day Zion was born in a lengthy tribute. She described it as "the scariest feeling in the world."

Fantasia Barrino's daughter, Zion Quari Barrino turned 18 on August 8 and the singer took a trip down memory lane in an emotional tribute.

FANTASIA'S BITTERSWEET TRIBUTE FOR DAUGHTER'S 18TH BIRTHDAY

Fantasia was only 17 when she had Zion as a single mother. It was a turning point in her life, having been riddled with problems at an early age.

On the day of Zion’s birthday, the 35-year-old expressed her bittersweet feelings looking back at how they started and seeing how Zion turned out today.

“You came a lil early and at the time I was thinking it was because you were either nosey (lol) or you heard all my cry’s and felt you needed to come on out and protect me. Now I see it was the protection part and still to this day you go hard for Mommy!”

“I can’t believe my Nugget is the Big 18th” the American Idol winner began in her lengthy message. It accompanied an album of photos and clips of special moments of her daughter.

“All week you have been reminding me that you’re about to be Legal and it only made me sad! Where did the time go Poo? You grew up to be such a Beautiful Young Lady.”

THE DAY ZION WAS BORN

Fantasia continued by recalling the day she had Zion and described it as “the scariest feeling in the world” when her water broke. She recounted calling the ambulance herself from their home in Winston, Salem because Papa Joe stepped out for a while.

“Zi, I was terrified because I was so young and I wanted to give you the world but I didn’t know how I was going to do it,” Fantasia confessed.

“You came a lil early and at the time I was thinking it was because you were either nosey (lol) or you heard all my cry’s and felt you needed to come on out and protect me. Now I see it was the protection part and still to this day you go hard for Mommy!”

MORE MEMORIES OF ZION GROWING UP

The singer shared other memorable moments of Zion growing up.

“I’ll never forget when we had our own lil apartment, just me and you in Farmington. I’ll never forget when you stuck a bead up your nose and came running to me scared. I’ll never forget I had just dressed you so pretty in some fresh white Reebok Classics and you went and stood in the Toilet. Man!! I have so many stories,” she reminisced.

THROUGH AMERICAN IDOL AND BEYOND

Zion was only 3 years old when her mother took a leap joining “American Idol.” It paid off because she won and was able to get her daughter a dog they named Diva.

Fantasia recalled Zion hitting the dog a few times and Diva retaliating., “Zion would run in the room crying, “Diva Said, Diva Said,” Fantasia recounted. “I told her DIVA CANT TALK ZION!! (she swore up and down she could).”

“I Miss those days but I’m So Proud Of the young Lady you’ve become. August 8-8-01 was a Perfect DayNow I want you to Go be Great for Mama and know I’ll move Many Mountains For You Baby Girl it’s a Real Ones Birthday Help me celebrate the one who changed my Life,” the message said in the end.

ANOTHER BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE FEATURING YOUNG ZION

Apart from her lengthy post, Fantasia also shared a sweet photo of young Zion with colorful beads on her hair.

“I Love You Baby Girl,” she wrote.”Having a hard time with this 18 thing. Have a Blast tonight and remember always walk with class.”

It’s safe to assume by her message that Zion celebrated her birthday with a special party.

ZION'S FATHER

Zion’s father is Fantasia’s high school boyfriend, Brandel Shouse. It was a relationship that resulted in the singer accusing Brandel of abuse, prompting him to leave her shortly after giving birth to Zion.

Fantasia raised Zion alone with the help of her parents. When Zion was 13, Brandel challenged Fantasia to a custody battle.

The protective mother demanded Brandel to pay her child support if he wanted to be a part of Zion’s life. As of Zion’s graduation in May, the exes appeared to be in good terms. Brandel attended the event and even posed for a photo with Zion and Fantasia.

A lot changed from the time Zion came into the Fantasia’s life which is why the singer couldn’t help but feel sentimental about Zion turning legal.

The young woman was there through it all, providing her the source of strength to get through the tough times and make their lives better. Zion turning 18 wasn’t just about her transition to adulthood. It was Fantasia celebrating the years that brought them there.