Jennifer Hudson Channels Late Mom on 35th Birthday

Jennifer Hudson was thinking of her late mother as she celebrated her 35th birthday.

While the singer and actress had to work on her big day, which was Monday, she still found ways to make the day personal and meaningful. That included squeezing in time with her family, getting love from her co-stars (including Adam Sandler), and connecting with her late mother.

The Dreamgirls star’s birthday look was “inspired by my absolute favorite pic of my mom,” Darnell Donnerson, she wrote on Instagram along with a photo of both women rocking the same hairstyle. “Dolls, doll ! She would have said my baby, my baby is 35 now !”

It’s been nearly eight years since Hudson’s mom, brother Jason, and nephew Julian were murdered by her sister Julia’s estranged husband, William Balfour, who is serving life in prison for the crimes.

The rest of the day seemed less about reflection and more about squeezing in little celebrations when she could. On the set of Sandy Wexler, she was given this humorous cake that reminded her of how her 35th was being spent — working. However, she added that she “got the best bday song from Adam Sandler , cast and crew !!” (We hope it included some of Sandler’s signature rhymes.)

She also caught a bite with her fiancé, David Otunga, sister, and son, David Jr.

Where cake was served — natch.

David Sr. wasn’t in the pic, but he snapped this photo of her — and posted no fewer than three Instagram tributes to her, describing himself as “so blessed to be able to walk through life holding hands with an angel like you.”

Working on your 35th birthday? Not ideal, but she managed to turn it into a sweet celebration filled with love — and a touch of nostalgia.