The former couple share daughter Zahra, who graduated from the University of Southern California
Credit: malaak compton/instagram
NEED TO KNOW
- Chris Rock reunited with his ex-wife Malaak Compton-Rock to celebrate their daughter Zahra’s college graduation from the University of Southern California, as Compton-Rock shared in an Instagram post on Monday, May 18
- The former couple were married from 1996 to 2016, and share two daughters
- Zahra graduated magna cum laude from USC’s School of Dramatic Arts and the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Chris Rock reunited with his ex-wife Malaak Compton-Rock to celebrate their daughter Zahra's college graduation.
Compton-Rock shared a sweet Instagram post from her daughter's commencement ceremony at the University of Southern California on Monday, May 18. In the photos, Zahra, 21, wore a red and gold graduation stole indicating that she graduated magna cum laude, and held a degree from the university's School of Dramatic Arts and the Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Subsequent photos showed the proud parents smiling in the audience as their daughter walked across the stage to collect her degree, Zahra alongside her friends in their graduation regalia and a glimpse at a family celebration.
"Congratulations, Zahra! Your mom and dad, and your entire family, are so proud of your extraordinary academic achievements," Compton-Rock wrote in the caption. "Your lifelong love of literature led you to pursue an English degree (Narrative Studies) at the University of Southern California, where you graduated with high honors! Celebrating your accomplishments over these last few days is a memory I will cherish forever."
Compton-Rock added that she is "so grateful" that "the village who has always surrounded and supported you came together to celebrate this momentous occasion."
The public relations professional and advocate went on to praise her daughter's work ethic.
"Zahra, as your mommy, I know how hard you worked and how deeply dedicated you were to your studies," Compton-Rock continued. "I don't know if I told you enough, but reading some of your papers left me astonished by your ability to synthesize complex literature with such insight and depth."
The mother of three called Zahra a "brilliant, thoughtful, compassionate young woman."
Credit: malaak compton/instagram
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"The world is so much brighter because of the gifts you carry, and I cannot wait to see all that you will do next," Compton-Rock added in the caption. "We love you endlessly and are cheering you on every step of the way."
Rock, 61, first met Compton-Rock in 1994 when he crashed the Essence magazine awards. Compton-Rock was working as a Hollywood publicist at the time, according to a 1997 Rolling Stone profile. After dating for two years, the pair tied the knot on Nov. 23, 1996, before ultimately separating in 2014 after 18 years of marriage. They finaled their divorce in 2016.
The former couple share Zahra and daughter Lola Simon, 23. Compton-Rock is also mom to daughter Ntombi, whom she adopted from South Africa.
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