Beyoncé’s dad couldn’t be prouder after she was named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the 21st century.
Paying tribute to his daughter, Mathew Knowles took to X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, December 3, to reflect on Beyoncé’s journey from a shy child to a global icon.
Beyoncé was shy growing up. But, as soon as she started singing, it was like a different person emerged, and we knew from a very young age that she was destined to pursue her passion in music,” he wrote.
The doting dad — who split from Beyoncé’s mother Tina in 2011 — praised her “determination, work ethic, stage presence and talent” and addressed her directly: “I am so proud of you. This is another one of your many major distinctions, yet I sit here not surprised because I knew you were meant for greatness from the moment I held you in my arms for the first time!”
The heartfelt note ended with a celebration of Beyoncé’s impact. “Congratulations on being named Billboard’s #1 artist of the 21st century, and using your voice to inspire millions of people around the world.”