Great Celebrity Dads: 8 Awesome Gestures Famous Fathers Did For Their Kids

In case you weren't aware, today is Father's Day! So in honor of the day that recognize Dads around the world, we wanted to acknowledge some particularly awesome celebrity dads and just how they went above and behind for their children.

Russell Simmons' Letter to His Daughters

In a heartfelt open letter to his daughters; Aoki and Ming Lee Simmons, hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons revealed that the two had been his "greatest teachers." Published this week in Time Magazine,  the public missive allows him to paint a vivid picture of the quality time they spend together during their daily meditation. He tells them to follow their dreams but also get a degree. Simmons ends the letter with this quote "Whatever you beautiful young woman decide to do with your lives, just know that going to be there with you every single step of the way. I might have a lot of jobs in this world, but there's none that I'm prouder of, or that bring me any more joy, than simply being your father.

Joel Madden's Song for His Daughter

The Good Charlotte lead singer composed and released a beautiful song for his daughter Harlow in 2010. Written by Joel and Nicole Richie (his wife and Harlow's mother),"Harlow's Song" was intended to be a private tune. However, once bandmate and brother Benji Madden got a whiff of it, he insisted it be recorded and featured on the band's 2010 album Cardiology. A snippet from the song reads:

I can't dream without you....
When you close your eyes and go to sleep tonight, I'll be right outside your door, dreams will come and they'll take you away, let them bring you back to me
And tomorrow when you wake I'll be next to you, the protection from the day, when the tears fall down your face like morning dew, I'll be there to put a smile on your face, and I'll say . . .

Brad Pitt's Acceptance & Support of His Transgender Child

Mega-star Brad Pitt shows endless support for his oldest biological child, born a girl and originally named Shiloh, who now identifies as a boy. He supports their request to be called John as well as wearing "boy's clothing" (Ed. Note: We're taking our cue from other media outlets who use the gender-neutral "they" as a pronoun for John Jolie-Pitt. He even allowed John to accompany him and their three other brothers last year on a red carpet wearing suits just as one of the guys. You go, Brad Pitt!

Barack Obama Allowing His Daughters to Form Their Own Political Views

America's first African-American president Barack Obama has two beautiful daughters; Malia and Sasha. In his 7 years of presidency, he's allowed them to maintain their privacy. However, every once and a while he mentions them in his speeches which allows the world to connect with them on a very intimate level. In a press conference to address Rush Limbaugh he responded "because I thought about Malia and Sasha, and one of the things I want them to do as they get older is to engage in issues they care about, even ones I may not agree with them on. I want them to be able to speak their mind in a civil and thoughtful way. And I don't want them attacked or called horrible names because they're being good citizens."

Matthew McConaughey's Work to Help Other People's Kids

Academy Award actor, Matthew McConaughey has three daughters with wife Camila Alves. Aside from him being a true family man, he is dedicated to advancing the lives of not only his children but others as well with his foundation Just Keep Livin. Just Keep Livin is "dedicated to empowering high school students by providing them with the tools to lead active lives and make healthy choices for a better future."

Will Smith's Support Of His Kids' Hollywood Careers (Or Decision Not to Have One)

Rapper turned actor, Will Smith has cultivated his children's careers in the music and movie industry. He's helped start Jaden's career with a small role on the hit UPN show All of Us, which Will Smith created. Jaden has since then starred in films with his father, such as The Pursuit of Happynessand After Earth. He even helmed the 2010 Karate Kid remake on his own, although his parents did produce. Will has also backed his daughter Willow in her ventures. More importantly, he supported her decision to take a backseat and just be a kid.

Chris Martin's Defense of His Kids' Names

Although generally private about his personal life, Coldplay lead singer, Chris Martin defends his kids against the naysayers who criticize their names. Father to Apple and Moses', Martin says, "People make a big fuss over names. Names of babies, names of albums, names of bands. There's nothing weird about calling your baby Chewbacca if that's what you want to call your baby.It's no stranger than Sarah."

Lil Wayne's Birthday Party & Gifts for His Teenage Daughter

Some parents like to celebrate their kids major milestones with a big bash, and some like to go REALLY Big. Case in point: Cash Money rapper Lil Wayne threw an extravagant party for his daughter Reginae Carter's Sweet 16. With performances from Nicki Minaj and two cars including a Ferrari, Lil Wayne certainly went all out for his baby girl.

[All pictures via Getty Images]