Elle Fanning honored her older sister Dakota Fanning’s 32nd birthday on February 23 by sharing heartfelt messages and memories on social media. Marking the special day with loving posts, Elle highlighted their close sibling bond while fans also learned that the sisters are preparing to work together on a new film.
Heartfelt Birthday Tributes Between the Fanning Sisters
On Monday, Dakota Fanning celebrated turning 32. Elle, who is 27, posted a short video on Instagram showing the two dancing and sharing a warm embrace. Accompanying the clip, Elle wrote,
“Our song. Your birthday. My sister. 🥳🥳,”
followed by,
“She is the coolest person anyone will ever meet and I’m the lucky one who gets to call her mine! 💗 I love you @dakotafanning.”
Responding to Elle’s post, Dakota commented,
Love you the most!!!!!
She also posted a childhood photo of herself sitting in front of a birthday cake with the caption,
“making a really good wish this year 🎂.”
Elle replied to Dakota’s post with the message,
“Love you more than anything 💗.”
Dakota’s birthday greetings flowed in from notable friends including Reese Witherspoon, Andy Garcia, Christina Hendrix, and Abigail Breslin. Witherspoon’s comment on Elle’s post read,
“Awww! Love this💕Happy Birthday Dakota !!”
Ongoing Celebration of Sisterly Bond
Both Dakota and Elle Fanning have been acting since they were young, frequently showing appreciation for each other online, especially on birthdays. For example, when Elle turned 27 in April 2025, Dakota commemorated the day by sharing the very first photo of them together with their mother Hannah, taken in the hospital just after Elle was born.
In that post, Dakota wrote,
“I was asleep in the delivery room during Elle’s birth, so I can really say we have been together from the start.”
She added,
“What an honor that has been, and I can’t wait for the rest.”
Upcoming Film Marks First Onscreen Collaboration
The sisters’ birthday celebrations come at a notable time as they get ready to co-star in their first movie together. The film, titled The Nightingale, is based on Kristin Hannah’s historical fiction novel about two sisters in France during World War II and is scheduled for a theatrical release in February 2027.
Elle shared some insight about their experience during a January interview at the Golden Globes, saying of working with Dakota,
“She’s promised me that she’s not gonna boss me around.”
She joked about the dynamic, adding,
“That’s what she’s promised . . . the older sister. You can’t! You have to treat me like a fellow actor.”
Regarding production timelines, Elle stated,
“In a couple months we are about to go film.”
She also revealed,
“It’s taken a couple years in the making, but . . . we are finally, really doing it this time.”
Significance of Their Collaboration and Bond
The Fanning sisters are widely admired in Hollywood for their acting talents and close-knit relationship, which has been publicly evident since childhood. Their upcoming joint project is highly anticipated because it marks their first time sharing significant screen time after years of individual success. The film’s historical World War II narrative aligns with their real-life sisterly connection, promising a compelling dynamic on screen.
With Dakota turning 32 and both actresses entering new phases in their careers, their continued public displays of affection underscore the strength of their familial bond. Fans and peers alike appreciate their openness and support for each other as they embark on this new milestone together in both life and their professional journeys.
