A New Chapter for the Young Couple
In August 2025, Millie Bobby Brown, the beloved Stranger Things star, and her husband, Jake Bongiovi, announced they had welcomed a baby girl through adoption. The couple, aged 21 and 23 respectively, shared their joy on Instagram, writing, “This summer, we welcomed our sweet baby girl through adoption. We are beyond excited to embark on this beautiful next chapter of parenthood in both peace and privacy.” This milestone marks a significant moment for the young couple, who have been open about their desire to start a family early in life.
Who Are Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi?
Millie Bobby Brown: From Child Star to Global Icon
Millie Bobby Brown rose to fame as Eleven in Netflix’s Stranger Things, captivating audiences with her raw talent and emotional depth. At just 21, she’s not only an actress but also a producer and entrepreneur, with ventures like her beauty brand, Florence by Mills. Her journey from a child actor to a Hollywood powerhouse showcases her resilience and ambition.
Jake Bongiovi: More Than a Rockstar’s Son
Jake Bongiovi, son of rock legend Jon Bon Jovi, is carving his own path as a model and actor. He made his acting debut in the 2024 film Rockbottom and has a role lined up in Poetic License. Known for his grounded personality, Jake complements Millie’s vibrant energy, creating a dynamic partnership rooted in shared values.
The Adoption Announcement: A Moment of Joy
Breaking the News on Social Media
On August 21, 2025, Millie and Jake shared their adoption news via a heartfelt Instagram post. Accompanied by a sketch of a willow tree and the Beatles’ Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, the post read, “And then there were 3. Love, Millie and Jake Bongiovi.” The couple’s request for privacy resonated with fans, who flooded the comments with congratulations.
Why Adoption? Millie’s Longstanding Dream
Millie has been vocal about her desire to become a young mother, inspired by her own parents, who had their first child when her mother was 21. During a March 2025 appearance on the SmartLess podcast, she shared, “I don’t see having your own child as really any different as in adopting. My home is full of love for anyone and anything.” This openness to adoption reflects her inclusive approach to family.
The Couple’s Journey to Parenthood
A Love Story Rooted in Connection
Millie and Jake’s romance began in 2021 after meeting on Instagram, where they were friends before dating. Their relationship blossomed quickly, leading to an engagement in April 2023 and a private wedding in May 2024. Their bond, built on mutual respect and shared dreams, laid a strong foundation for their decision to adopt.
Preparing for Parenthood
The couple’s Georgia farm, home to over 60 animals including dogs, cats, and a donkey named Bernard, reflects their nurturing spirit. Millie’s passion for animal rescue mirrors her desire to provide a loving home for a child. “The door is always open,” she said on SmartLess, hinting at their readiness to embrace parenthood through adoption.
Why Their Adoption Matters
Breaking Stereotypes About Young Parents
At 21 and 23, Millie and Jake are younger than most adoptive parents, challenging societal norms about when to start a family. Their decision highlights that love, commitment, and stability—not age—define readiness for parenthood. Their story inspires others to consider adoption as a meaningful path to building a family.
Shining a Light on Adoption
Adoption is a complex and often private process, but Millie and Jake’s announcement brings visibility to it. In the U.S., adoption rates are significantly higher than in countries like Australia, where only 207 adoptions were finalized in 2023-24. Their openness may encourage others to explore adoption, destigmatizing the process.
The Adoption Process: What It Entails
Understanding Adoption in the U.S.
Adoption in the United States involves a rigorous process, including home studies, background checks, and legal proceedings. The couple likely worked with an accredited agency to ensure their home was ready for a child. While specific details of their adoption remain private, their journey underscores the dedication required to adopt.
Types of Adoption
Adoption can take various forms, each with unique considerations:
- Domestic Adoption: Adopting a child born in the same country, often through foster care or private agencies.
- Inter-Country Adoption: Adopting a child from another country, which involves additional legal and cultural complexities.
- Known Adoption: Adopting a child already known to the parents, such as through foster care or family connections.
Adoption Statistics
| Type of Adoption | U.S. (2023) | Australia (2023-24) |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Adoption | ~115,000 | 147 |
| Inter-Country | ~1,500 | 34 |
| Known Adoption | ~40% of total | 147 |
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare
Public Reaction and Media Buzz
Fan Support and Congratulations
The announcement sparked an outpouring of love on social media, with fans praising Millie and Jake’s maturity and compassion. Comments like “So happy for you both!” and “What a beautiful journey!” flooded their Instagram post, showing widespread support for their decision.
Addressing the Haters
Despite the positivity, some online critics questioned the couple’s age and choice to adopt rather than have biological children. Posts on X revealed mixed sentiments, with some calling adoption “woke” or arguing that their 20s are “too young” for parenthood. Millie and Jake’s focus on privacy suggests they’re unfazed by the noise, prioritizing their family’s well-being.
Millie’s Vision for Family Life
Inspired by Her Own Upbringing
Millie’s desire to be a young mother stems from her parents’ example. “My mom had her first child at 21, and my dad was 19,” she shared on SmartLess. Growing up in a large family with four siblings, she values the chaos and love of a bustling household, a vision she shares with Jake, who also comes from a family of four.
Balancing Career and Motherhood
As Stranger Things prepares for its final season in November 2025, Millie continues to juggle her acting career, producing projects, and her beauty brand. Her ability to balance these roles while embracing motherhood showcases her determination to redefine what it means to be a young, successful parent.
Jake’s Role as a Supportive Partner
A Partner in Every Sense
Jake’s commitment to Millie’s dreams is evident in their shared vision for family. “Jake knows how important it is to me,” Millie said on SmartLess, noting his insistence on marriage before starting a family. His grounded presence and support have been a cornerstone of their relationship, making their adoption journey a true partnership.
Following in His Family’s Footsteps
As the son of Jon Bon Jovi and Dorothea Hurley, Jake grew up in a tight-knit family that valued love and loyalty. His parents’ long-lasting marriage inspired his own commitment to Millie, and their support at events like the Damsel premiere highlights the importance of family in their lives.
Pros and Cons of Adopting Young
Advantages of Young Parenthood
- Energy and Enthusiasm: Younger parents often have the vitality to keep up with young children.
- Long-Term Bonding: Starting a family early allows for a longer period of shared experiences.
- Flexibility: Younger parents may have fewer rigid routines, adapting more easily to parenting demands.
Challenges to Consider
- Career Demands: Balancing a burgeoning career, like Millie’s, with parenting can be intense.
- Financial Stability: While Millie and Jake are financially secure, younger parents may face economic pressures.
- Social Perceptions: Societal judgment about age can create unnecessary scrutiny.
How Millie and Jake Prepared for Adoption
Creating a Loving Home
The couple’s Georgia farm, with its menagerie of animals, reflects their nurturing environment. Millie’s passion for rescuing pets, including carrying a chip reader to reunite lost animals with their owners, shows her commitment to care. This ethos likely influenced their decision to adopt a child in need of a home.
Emotional and Practical Readiness
Adoption requires emotional maturity and practical preparation. Millie’s candid discussions about wanting a “big family” and Jake’s insistence on marriage first suggest they approached parenthood with intention. Their ability to maintain privacy during the process further demonstrates their readiness.
Comparison: Adoption vs. Biological Parenthood
| Aspect | Adoption | Biological Parenthood |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Involves agencies, legal steps, and home studies | Natural or assisted conception |
| Timeline | Can take months to years | Typically 9 months for pregnancy |
| Emotional Connection | Built through choice and bonding | Often begins during pregnancy |
| Societal Perception | Sometimes misunderstood or stigmatized | Often seen as the “default” option |
Adoption offers a unique path to parenthood, emphasizing choice and love over biology.
People Also Ask (PAA)
Why Did Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi Choose Adoption?
Millie has expressed that she sees no difference between biological and adopted children, emphasizing love and openness in their home. Their decision aligns with their values of providing a nurturing environment, as seen in their care for their farm animals.
How Old Are Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi?
As of August 2025, Millie is 21, and Jake is 23. Their young age has sparked discussions, but their maturity and stability challenge stereotypes about young parents.
What Is the Name of Their Adopted Daughter?
The couple has not publicly shared their daughter’s name, prioritizing privacy. Speculation about the name “Love” arose from their Instagram sign-off, but it’s likely just a warm closing.
How Does Adoption Work in the U.S.?
Adoption in the U.S. involves working with agencies or foster care systems, completing home studies, and meeting legal requirements. The process can take months to years, depending on the type of adoption.
The Bigger Picture: Adoption’s Impact
Raising Awareness
Millie and Jake’s announcement sheds light on adoption, a process that transforms lives but often remains under-discussed. By sharing their story, they highlight the beauty of building a family through adoption, potentially inspiring others to consider it.
Challenging Norms
Their decision to adopt at a young age challenges conventional timelines for parenthood. It shows that love, commitment, and readiness matter more than societal expectations, encouraging a broader acceptance of diverse family-building paths.
What’s Next for Millie and Jake?
Navigating Parenthood in the Spotlight
As public figures, Millie and Jake face unique challenges in protecting their daughter’s privacy. Their request for “peace and privacy” signals their intent to shield their family from media scrutiny while continuing their careers.
Millie’s Career Trajectory
With Stranger Things concluding in 2025, Millie is poised to take on new roles as an actress and producer. Her recent work in The Electric State and her beauty brand show her ability to balance multiple passions, including motherhood.
Jake’s Emerging Path
Jake’s acting career is gaining momentum, with roles that showcase his talent beyond his famous last name. As a new father, he’s likely to prioritize family while pursuing projects that align with his creative goals.
FAQ
How Did Millie and Jake Meet?
They met on Instagram in 2021, starting as friends before dating. Their relationship progressed quickly, leading to an engagement in 2023 and marriage in 2024.
Why Did They Adopt So Young?
Millie’s desire to be a young mother, inspired by her parents, and their shared vision for a large family drove their decision. Adoption aligned with their values of openness and love.
Are They Planning More Children?
Millie has expressed a desire for a large family, suggesting more children may be in their future, whether through adoption or biological means.
How Can I Learn More About Adoption?
Explore resources like the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (www.hhs.gov) or adoption agencies for detailed information on the process.
Where Can I Follow Their Journey?
Follow Millie (@milliebobbybrown) and Jake (@jakebongiovi) on Instagram for updates, though they prioritize privacy for their family.
Conclusion: A Story of Love and Choice
Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi’s adoption journey is a testament to the power of love and intention. At just 21 and 23, they’ve embraced parenthood with open hearts, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others. Their story reminds us that family is built on connection, not convention, and their “sweet baby girl” is lucky to have such devoted parents. As they navigate this new chapter, their commitment to privacy and purpose will undoubtedly guide them, proving that age is just a number when love leads the way.