Gigi Hadid is setting her daughter up for success.
As students return to their classes for the fall, the model sent 4-year-old Khai—whom she shares with ex Zayn Malik—off to school with a hearty lunch accompanied by some sweet words of encouragement.
In a photo shared on Instagram Stories Sept. 4, Gigi showed the contents of Khai’s pink lunchbox including a sandwich—with the crusts cut off—an apple, carrots and a few sprinkle cookies for dessert. The 30-year-old also attached a handwritten note to her daughter reading, “Happy first day back 2 school! So proud of you.”
Gigi ended by drawing a heart as she signed the note, “Mama.”
And as Khai embarks on this new chapter, one school subject she might be particularly prepared for is music. After all, not only is her dad a pop star, but Zayn previously revealed Khai has already shown signs of talent in that area.
“She's not expert-level, but she's got a bit of rhythm when she's hitting the drums and stuff,” Zayn said during an appearance on The Zach Sang Show in May 2024. “You can tell that she could definitely develop that into something.”
But surprisingly, the One Direction alum admitted that Khai’s budding musical abilities may have actually stemmed from his ex, whom he dated on and off from 2015 to 2021.
“Her mom was actually really good at Guitar Hero on the drums and I was like, ‘Maybe she got that from her mom,’” he continued. “I was diabolical at it and G used to beat me all the time. I'm the musician and she beat me at this game!”
But it’s safe to say Zayn, 32, can take the credit for Khai’s emerging vocal skills.
“She knows whole songs, word for word,” he raved. “She sings them fully and she doesn't miss a lyric. She's crazy. She can run stuff too, like little trills—three, four notes in one take.”
To see more of what Gigi and Zayn have shared from Khai’s life, keep reading.
Life's a Beach
Daddy-Daughter Duo
Little Rider
Mama's Girl
With Aunt Bella
Angels
Horsing Around
Building a Dream
Snuggle Season
Let's Play
Nailed It
Let Her Eat Cake
Making Memories
A Reason to Smile
Bella and Me