6 Celebrity Moms with Children Who Have Down Syndrome – Photos

They've walked red carpets, topped music charts, and starred on TV, but their most meaningful role is motherhood to a child with Down syndrome.

For these six celebrity moms, life changed forever when they welcomed a child with Down syndrome. Some learned of the diagnosis at birth, while others knew in advance — but all speak openly about the joy, challenges, and perspective their children have brought.

From heartfelt social media posts to advocacy work and even documentaries, they use their platforms to show the world that every life has value. Here's a look at their stories and beautiful children.

1 – Caterina Scorsone

Caterina, best known for her role on "Grey's Anatomy," is a proud mother to a daughter with Down syndrome. She frequently celebrates her child on her Instagram, where she shares moments that capture both the joy and beauty of their life together.

In one particularly touching post, the actress shared a close-up photo of her daughter gazing into the camera with her hand resting near her mouth, accompanied by words about beauty, peace, belonging, and blessings beyond her wildest dreams.

2 – Joey Feek

In 2014, country star Joey Feek and her husband, Rory Feek, welcomed their daughter, Indiana, who was born with Down syndrome. Two years later, the family faced heartbreaking loss when Joey died in early March 2016 at age 40 after a battle with cancer.

According to reports, the late singer had been in hospice care since October of the previous year, and Rory documented their journey on the couple's Facebook page and his blog, "This Life I Live."

Later that month, Rory opened up about how he and Indiana, then two years old, were adjusting. In a post titled "Less is More," he shared that Indiana had not asked for her mother once since Joey's passing — something he described as both "so sad" and "so wonderful."

He explained that in her final months, Joey had insisted Indiana spend more time with him so they could form the bond she would need after her mother was gone.

In February 2016, just weeks before her death, Rory posted a touching photo of Joey and Indiana celebrating the country star's birthday in the hospital, a moment filled with love despite the circumstances.

Today, he regularly posts touching updates about Indiana on his social media page, offering fans a heartfelt look at her growth and the life they are building together.

3 – Sally Phillips

Sally, best known for her work in comedy and film, welcomed her son, Olly, in the early 2000s. As a mother of a child with Down syndrome, she later set out to address the growing ethical debate surrounding prenatal screening and termination.

Her documentary, "A World Without Down's Syndrome," examined how the number of families choosing to end pregnancies after a Down syndrome diagnosis had risen sharply in recent decades.

Featuring personal stories and expert insight, the film aimed to show that raising a child with the condition can be not only manageable but also deeply rewarding.

Sally often shares moments with Olly on her social media, giving followers a look into their life together. Today, Olly is grown and thriving — and even has a girlfriend, a milestone proudly shared on the Instagram account Down's Side Up.

4 – Amanda Booth

Amanda, a model and actress, became a mother when she and her husband, Mike, welcomed their son, Micah. The couple had chosen not to undergo genetic testing during her pregnancy, knowing it would not have changed their decision to move forward.

As a result, they were unaware that Micah had Down syndrome until his birth. Amanda has spoken candidly about the emotional journey that followed.

She admitted it took time to let go of the blame she felt for assuming she would have a "typical, healthy baby," calling that belief selfish and naive in hindsight.

Micah faced complications early on, but Amanda said those challenges revealed his strength — and, in turn, helped her discover her own.

While she acknowledges she still has much to learn about Down syndrome itself, she emphasizes that she knows everything that truly matters about her son.

Amanda frequently shares glimpses of their life together on her Instagram account, where her posts highlight Micah's personality and their deep bond.

5 – Julie Newmar

Best known for her iconic role as Catwoman in the 1960s TV series "Batman," Julie Newmar has often said that her greatest role in life began in 1981, when she welcomed her son, John Jewl Smith.

Born with Down syndrome, John grew into a talented artist, and at 35, he was still living with Julie. "He's adorable," she once said, adding that he was the reason her outlook on life had expanded so profoundly.

Julie often shares touching photos of John on her Instagram page, giving fans a peek into their close bond. Her advocacy for people with special needs has also inspired many.

In 2024, she received a heartfelt Instagram message from a mother of a special needs child, who expressed feeling isolated in defending her daughter's worth and humanity.

Julie responded with compassion and wisdom, calling the woman "one of the gifted ones" and likening her insight to "the big picture" seen by divine intelligence.

6 – Lisa Gungor

In 2014, Lisa and her husband, musician Michael Gungor, welcomed their second daughter, Lucette. Born with Down syndrome and two heart conditions, Lucette underwent two heart surgeries early in life.

The couple chose her name for its meaning — "light" — a reflection of the joy and value she brought to their family. Lisa often shares heartwarming moments of life with Lucette on Instagram, offering followers a window into their family's journey.

That same year, a controversial exchange on social media sparked widespread discussion after a woman tweeted that she would face "a real ethical dilemma" if she became pregnant with a baby with Down syndrome.

In response, Michael drew on his own family's experience to write the song "Light," released in 2015.

He dedicated the track to Lucette and others with special needs, stating that she had taught them "how much every life matters" and expressing that such individuals "make this world a better place."

These six women show that raising a child with Down syndrome can bring challenges, but also profound joy, growth, and purpose. Through their advocacy, public sharing, and personal examples, they highlight the value of every life and the love that transcends any diagnosis.