Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright Share Separate Tributes for Son Cruz’s 5th Birthday

Five years ago, Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright welcomed their son Cruz into a turbulent but hopeful world. Today, as the little boy turns five, his parents are navigating life after separation — and both chose to mark the milestone with deeply personal, heartfelt tributes that put Cruz firmly at the center.

Instead of a joint celebration, Jax and Brittany honored their son in their own ways on April 12, 2026. The separate posts offered a quiet glimpse into how far they’ve come — and how much work co-parenting still requires.

Jax’s Promise to His “Best Bud”

Jax, who stepped away from The Valley after Season 2 to prioritize his sobriety and mental health, returned to Instagram with a touching carousel of father-son moments.

Photos showed Cruz laughing in the pool, smiling wide, and enjoying a special aquarium day filled with sea animals and good food.

In his caption, Jax poured out raw emotion:

“I can’t believe you’re already five. You have brought more love and laughter and meaning to my life than you can ever possibly imagine, especially these past two years… Being your dad is the greatest gift I have ever had.”

He praised Cruz’s “strength, big heart, and the way you see the world,” adding that his son inspires him to be better every single day. Jax ended with a father’s vow: “I will always be here for you, protecting, guiding you, and loving you more than anything in the world.”

His Stories captured the joy of the day with simple captions like “Best day with my best bud” and “My five-year-old.”

Brittany’s Farm-Themed Kentucky Celebration

Across town, Brittany leaned into her Kentucky roots and threw Cruz a whimsical farm-themed backyard party. She turned her space into a country oasis complete with a ball pit, bouncy house, and plenty of Southern comfort food.

On Instagram, Brittany shared a beautiful montage of photos spanning Cruz’s life — from baby milestones to recent party shots. Her message was pure maternal pride:

“Mommy loves you so much, and I am so proud of you every single day! You are pure magic and light up everyone’s life that knows you… You make me a better and happier person every single day.”

The Realities of Co-Parenting in 2026

These warm tributes come at a meaningful time. Just days earlier, on The Valley After Show following Season 3 Episode 2, Brittany was candid about the ups and downs of co-parenting with Jax.

“Co-parenting with Jax literally depends on the day,” she shared. “Some days are good and just fine. Other days are just the same.”

She revealed she hasn’t visited Jax’s new place yet but asks for video proof before Cruz goes over. Still, she acknowledged that Jax has created a nice room and playroom for their son — and that he sometimes “borrows” toys from her house for Cruz.

“He’s definitely trying when it comes to that,” Brittany noted.

This honesty feels especially poignant given Cruz’s autism diagnosis, which Brittany revealed last year. On the show, she’s openly celebrated his progress — including turning his playroom into a sensory space and noting how much more social and verbal he’s become since the household energy shifted.

A New Chapter for the Former Couple

Fans who followed Jax and Brittany’s rollercoaster journey on Vanderpump Rules and the early seasons of The Valley know how complicated their relationship has been. From passionate highs to very public lows, their story was rarely easy.

Now, with Jax focusing on personal growth off-camera and Brittany continuing to film Season 3 alongside Lala Kent, Tom Schwartz, and the rest of the Valley crew, both seem determined to shield Cruz from the chaos while giving him stability and love from both parents.

The separate birthday celebrations — one an intimate aquarium adventure, the other a lively farm party — reflect a maturing approach: they don’t need to perform unity for the cameras if they can both show up fully for their son.

Cruz’s fifth birthday isn’t just another milestone. It’s proof that even when marriages end, the love for a child can evolve into something steadier and more intentional.

As The Valley Season 3 continues to explore new babies, breakups, and bold new beginnings every Wednesday at 8/7c on Bravo (streaming next day on Peacock), Brittany’s storyline reminds viewers that real life off the show is just as layered.

Here’s hoping the sweetest days ahead for little Cruz are filled with more laughter, growth, and the unwavering support of both his parents — on the good days and the harder ones alike.