Keith Duffy said he and his wife Lisa are the ‘proudest parents in the world’ as they celebrated their daughter Mia’s graduation this week.
The Irish singer’s youngest child, Mia, 22, graduated from Dublin City University with honours in 'Enterprise Computing' on Monday.
Sharing the news with his fans online, the former Boyzone star described it as ‘the biggest milestone ever’ after being led to believe the day would never happen for their daughter, who was diagnosed with autism when she was baby.
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“We are the proudest parents in the world,” Keith said as he shared video footage and images of Mia in her cap and gown at the ceremony in the city college this week.
The proud dad beamed beside the new graduate in another image and went on to gush over how much the huge milestone moment means to their family.
He said: “To all who have followed our story for over 20 years Today marks the biggest milestone ever.
“Mia Graduating from Dublin City University with honours. A day we were made to believe would never happen.
“We are blessed for all your support and that Mia was given every opportunity to reach her full potential only by never taking ‘No’ for an answer from anyone along the way.
The Boyzlife star, who is also dad to 26-year-old acting son Jay, added: “We are the proudest parents in the world.
“Mia herself has always pushed herself and worked hard to achieve her own Goals and continues to do so.
“Please take the positive from this and See believe and achieve ! Yes you can yes we can.”
His son Jay also took to Instagram to celebrate the huge day for his baby sister and their family, saying: "So proud of you."
Keith has opened up about Mia’s life with autism in the past, and the struggles they faced to get her the appropriate education and intervention she needed.
Speaking before World Autism Awareness Day (April 2) and World Autism Acceptance Week this year, the delighted dad, 47, said: "She’s doing wonderful – we’re very, very proud of her.
"Mia’s very determined. She puts a lot of pressure on herself, but she achieves a great amount, and that was all down to appropriate intervention at the right stage of her life, which we had to fight hand over tooth for, but we got there," he told PA.
Keith also started a charity, Irish Autism Action, for children with autism in Ireland and their families, successfully lobbied the Irish Government to open a school that provided appropriate education an intervention for children with autism, which Mia eventually attended.
And many years later also launched the Keith Duffy Foundation, which supports a number of children’s charities.
Keith’s famous friends and fans rushed to congratulate Mia on her milestone, with his former bandmate Ronan Keating leading the bunch saying: "Incredible. Congratulations Mia. Well done Family."
Presenter Vernon Kay added: "Soooooooo Proud!! love to all. I remember holding the wee baby in my arms!! Superb achievement!!"
Lucy Kennedy added: “Ah that’s fantastic Keith. Congratulations to Mia Xxx
Comedian Des Bishop penned: “This has me crying a bit with joy. Congrats to Mia! Such an awesome family.”
Deirdre O’Kane echoed the emotional sentiments, adding: “Just brought a tear to my eye there Duster!! Best news ever!!!”
Mia's brother Jay also took to Instagram to celebrate the huge day for their family, saying: "So proud of you."
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