Mel B marked her 51st birthday on Friday with an outpouring of social media tributes from friends, family, and her Spice Girls bandmates. Victoria Beckham, Geri Halliwell, Emma Bunton, and Melanie Chisholm were among those who sent their best wishes as the singer stepped further into her fifties.
However, the celebrations carried a touch of sadness, as Mel's birthday fell just one day after what would have been the 72nd birthday of her late father, Martin Brown. Martin passed away in March 2017 at the age of 63 after a five-year battle with myeloma cancer.
In a heartfelt message, Mel thanked everyone for their kind words: 'Feeling very grateful today coz I've had some of the most memorable birthdays honestly and it's ALL thanks to YOU LOT!!!'
The singer shared a variety of posts from celebrity friends, as well as from her daughter Phoenix, 27, and husband Rory McPhee, whom she married last year. The birthday tributes also included a touching snap from Emma Bunton, who wrote: 'Love you to bits! thank you for always making me laugh out loud.' Geri Halliwell posted a candid photo from their Spice Girls heyday.
Mel's father, Martin, had been a significant figure in her life. In 2022, she revealed that she had visited his grave to tell him she had been awarded an MBE for her services to victims of domestic violence. She had promised him on his deathbed that she would leave her abusive marriage, a promise she fulfilled shortly after his passing.
Recalling her father's final moments, Mel described how she told him she was leaving her then-husband Stephen Belafonte, and felt his hand tighten in response. She said, 'I leaned over him. "Dad. You've had your hair cut and a shave. You've got a fresh shirt on. We have prayed. We are ready. You are ready. But I can't start my divorce until you die."' After he took his last breath, Mel initiated her divorce, which was finalized in December 2017.
Despite the bittersweet nature of the day, Mel expressed immense gratitude for the support she has received from her loved ones and fans alike.
