Madonna Recalls Years of 'Battling' with Malawi Supreme Court to Adopt Daughter Mercy as She Celebrates Her 19th Birthday

Madonna is celebrating her daughter's birthday with a heartwarming tribute.

In commemoration of her daughter Mercy James' 19th birthday, the "Vogue" singer, 66, posted a collection of photos and videos throughout the years to her Instagram Story. She added her heartfelt message to her daughter in the midst of all of the memories.

"Happy Birthday Chifundo-AKA-Mercy James! You are such a special soul," she wrote. "When I met you, you were a tiny baby, underneath a mosquito net in an orphanage in Malawi. You were very sick with Malaria but you pulled through. I whispered in your ear that I would do my best to give you a home as soon as possible."

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Related: Madonna's 6 Children: All About Lourdes, Rocco, David, Mercy, Stella and Estere

In her message, the songstress recalled the four-and-a-half-year battle she went through to bring Mercy home.

"4 1/2 years later after battling with the Supreme Court in Malawi because they did not allow divorced women to adopt children. You came to live with us," she continued. "You arrived with your hand in your mouth silent and refusing to speak. Who knew that you would grow up to be the kindest person with the biggest heart and the most infectious laugh."

She ended the sweet message with appreciative words for her daughter, calling her a "talented musician," "accomplished photographer" and "the most sensible of all my children."

"You are the one that everyone goes to for advice, or a shoulder to cry on," she said. "You hold a special place in the heart of everyone that knows you. Especially me. 🎂 🎉🩷."

The "Material Girl" singer is also mother to five other children. She shares her first child, Lourdes, 28, with her then-boyfriend, fitness trainer Carlos Leon. After splitting from Leon in May 1997, she welcomed son Rocco, 24, with director Guy Ritchie in Aug. 2000. The songstress later welcomed son David, 19, daughter Mercy, and twin daughters Stella and Estere, 12, through adoption.

In 2017, Madonna appeared on the cover of PEOPLE and opened up about her life at home with her children and her emotional adoption journey.

"Sometimes I would just close my eyes and just think, 'Why isn't my kitchen filled with dancing children?' There's so many children that need a home," she said. "I thought, 'What am I waiting for? Just do it.'"

The "Like a Virgin" singer honored all six of her children by getting her first tattoo in December 2020 — each of their initials on her wrist.

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