Vybz Kartel weeps with joy at daughter Adi'Anna Palmer's Hillel Academy graduation

Dancehall star Vybz Kartel was on hand this week as his daughter Adi'Anna Palmer graduated from Hillel Academy, a long-awaited family moment after more than a decade of imprisonment kept him away from many of his children's landmark occasions.

Speaking about the ceremony, the entertainer grew visibly emotional as he recalled what it meant to finally watch Adi'Anna cross the stage. "I had to find a corner last night (Tuesday night) and shed a tear, but it was tears of joy. Because, funny enough, I've never been to any one of my children's graduations. When I came out, they were grown," he said. "I got to go to her graduation [and] it was amazing. My princess looked so beautiful, and I'm proud of her. Big up all a the parents weh put in the work and stand behind their kids."

The disclosure struck a chord with supporters, who took to social media in large numbers to congratulate both father and daughter.

Kartel served upwards of 13 years in custody before regaining his freedom in July 2024, when the Privy Council set aside his murder conviction and local prosecutors chose not to pursue a new trial. Across those years, several of his offspring moved from youth into adulthood without him in the audience.

Since his release, the deejay has leaned into a more family-focused phase of life, regularly posting snapshots of outings and quiet time with his children and close relatives.

He said Adi'Anna's diligence made the occasion all the more fitting. "She and her friends got to celebrate after. It's a milestone, she put in the work, and she get the reward, so I know she'll be great," he said.

The proud father also shared a clip online in which he could not contain his praise. "She's amazing, but then again she's my child."

Adi'Anna received further tokens of celebration after the event, among them a Cartier item, candles and several bouquets fashioned from cash.

While admirers hailed the graduate's success, many also pointed to the deeper meaning of the day for Kartel, who at last stood alongside other parents at a commencement to witness a defining step in his daughter's journey.

On March 23, college consulting firm CollegeQuo and Hillel Academy disclosed that Adi'Anna had been awarded a presidential scholarship to the University of Miami, where she will pursue biology on a pre-medical path. During her years at the school, she held the post of co-president of Hillel's Angels of Love, a student-run charitable group, and also served as a prefect and form captain.