While in Chicago supporting her husband, Chicago Bears safety Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles shared a heartfelt message for Cecile Landi on Instagram. The gymnast posted a photo from her wedding in Cabo, where she and Owens were pictured alongside Cecile and her husband, Laurent Landi.
Simone Biles is no stranger to attention. As she travels the country with her Gold Over America Tour, dazzling audiences with flips and fierce routines, she’s also carving out a space for vulnerability. Amid the spectacle and sweat, Simone dropped a message so personal and heartfelt that fans could hardly breathe. This wasn’t just promotion or PR — this was something real. In this article, we’ll dive into the backstory, break down exactly what she said, explore what it means for her relationship, and reflect on how moments like these shift the narrative around celebrity and intimacy.
The Gold Over America Tour — Setting the Stage
What the Tour Is All About
Simone’s Gold Over America Tour blends elite gymnastics, performance artistry, and fan connection. It’s gymnastics meets stage show — a celebration of athleticism, spectacle, and community. The tour features some of the top names in the sport and brings both men’s and women’s gymnastics to the same floor — a rare, bold move.
Balancing Athleticism and Personal Moments
Touring means squeezing everything into tight schedules: performances, travel, press, recovery, and the rare slivers of personal time. In that chaos, to pause and express something heartfelt shows how much it mattered to Simone. It’s not that fleeting throwaway line; it’s something she wanted felt.
The Surprise That Broke the Routine
Jonathan Owens’ Backstage Arrival
During one of Simone’s performances, her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, surprised her by showing up backstage. The crowd would later see glimpses: the couple holding hands, Jonathan presenting a heart-shaped bouquet of 26 roses, and Simone’s beaming reaction as she shared the moment with millions.
The Message That Touched Fans
Simone captioned the reveal simply but powerfully:
“THE BEST SURPRISE. ilysmf.”
That shorthand — “I love you so much, fam” (or something akin) — carried weight. It wasn’t staged. It was genuine. And fans went wild.
Interpreting the Message — Beyond Words
Why It Resonated Deeply
Because it cracked the celebrity shell. We rarely get to see elite performers publicly drop their guard. A simple four-word message, delivered in the middle of a production, becomes a portal into who Simone really is: a wife, a human, someone who loves and yearns.
Symbolism of the Roses & Hand Holding
Roses — 26 of them — in a heart shape. It’s romantic, intimate, and symbolic. Hand holding backstage, in glimpsed video, says trust and unity. These visual cues amplify the meaning of her words.
The Relationship Between Simone and Jonathan
Mutual Support in High-Pressure Lives
Simone has often spoken of Jonathan being her emotional anchor. In her interview following the 2024 Olympics, she said that for the Bears to allow Jonathan to travel to Paris meant more to her than anything. Their support is mutual, not one-sided.
Jonathan’s Reactions & Role
Jonathan’s gestures go beyond romance. He’s shown up, tried to learn the dance routines, and publicly praised Simone’s strength. He’s an active presence, not a passive spectator.
When Love Faces Criticism
Simone hasn’t shied away from defending their relationship. When negative comments surfaced about their marriage or Jonathan, she fired back — telling those disrespecting them to “respectfully … f— off.” She sets clear boundaries. It shows her fierce protectiveness over their bond.
Why the Message Mattered in the Digital Age
The Power of Social Media Intimacy
That backstage post spread fast. Fans dissected it. Media wrote headlines. But the magic was in seeing real love in motion. In a world of filters, that moment felt unfiltered.
Emotional Virality
Moments like these go viral not because of celebrity status alone, but because they connect. We all want to believe that love can still be simple, raw, and heartfelt — even under spotlights.
Branding Through Vulnerability
Simone’s brand includes athletic perfection. But these vulnerable glimpses humanize her. They make her accessible. They let fans say, “I see you, too.” That’s powerful branding.
What We Can Learn from Simone’s Gesture
Expressing Love Publicly, With Boundaries
You don’t need to overshare. You can choose moments that matter. Simone’s message was short, meaningful, and respectful. That’s how you do public affection with dignity.
Letting Small Moments Speak Loudest
You don’t have to wait for a big occasion. The tour itself is grand. But pausing mid-tour, in the noise — that’s what makes it stand out. Sometimes, the small gestures echo longest.
Being Both Strong & Soft
Simone is a powerhouse in her field. Yet she allowed softness in that moment. There’s strength in vulnerability — and that balance is magnetic.
How Fans Reacted & Media Buzz
Fan Responses — Touch, Joy, Tears
Fans flooded comments: “This is the sweetest thing ever,” “I cried,” “She deserves every bit of love.” The emotional reaction shows how rare pure romantic moments feel in celebrity life.
Media Headlines & Social Coverage
Publications ran with headlines like “best surprise,” “heartbreaking backstage moment,” “she said the three words.” The moment dominated social feeds.
Lasting Echoes — Memes & Reposts
Excerpts of the moment circulate in memes, short video loops, fan art, and quotes. That’s the hallmark of a moment that didn’t just trend — it lives on.
The Psychology Behind Public Declarations
Why We Crave Seeing Realness from Icons
We see celebrities as distant. When someone like Simone bends the barrier, we feel closer. We crave authenticity. That’s why the message struck deeper than a staged PR move.
The Vulnerability-Connection Loop
Research shows vulnerability fosters connection. When someone powerful shows their vulnerabilities, it grants us permission to feel ours. Simone’s message gave fans permission to feel with her.
Love as Narrative Anchor in Celebrity Lives
In a landscape of triumphs, failures, scandals, love stories anchor us. They give narrative throughlines. Simone’s message is part of a bigger love story — one fans want to follow.
H2: Could This Be a Turning Point?
H3: From Athlete to Relatable Person
Athletes often lean into strength. Simone’s move signals she’s comfortable being both champion and human. That broadens her appeal.
Building Emotional Resonance in Her Legacy
Years from now, this moment might be a footnote in her athletic history — but in her emotional legacy, it could matter more.
Encouraging Other Public Figures to Express
Perhaps this moment nudges other stars to share more of their emotional lives—or at least, inspire more authenticity in how they show up publicly.
Tips for Making Your Own Moments Count
Keep It Simple
You don’t need a poem. A few words — honest, delivered in context — can outshine grand gestures.
Make It Timely
Don’t wait forever. Say it when it matters. That makes the gesture live in memory.
Pair With a Visible Sign
A flower, a touch, a look — visuals amplify the words. Simone’s bouquet of roses told part of the story.
Don’t Be Overexposed
Moments lose impact if they’re constant. Use them sparingly so they remain meaningful.
Brief Timeline of the Tour Moment
-
Jonathan surprises Simone backstage during the tour
-
He gives her 26 roses arranged in a heart shape
-
They hold hands, share a quiet moment, and capture it
-
Simone posts it with the message: “THE BEST SURPRISE. ilysmf.”
-
Fans, media, and social platforms erupt with reaction
Key Takeaways
-
Love gestures during high stress make deeper emotional impact
-
Public vulnerability from public figures humanizes them
-
Simplicity often trumps grandeur
-
Visual accompaniment (flowers, touch) intensifies meaning
-
Timing and restraint preserve the magic
Conclusion
Simone Biles’ arena isn’t just the mat — it’s also the backstage corridor where hearts whisper. In the middle of a high-energy tour, she paused, looked inward, and spoke outward: “THE BEST SURPRISE. ilysmf.” That moment broke through the fandom, the numbers, and the spectacle. It whispered straight into the heart of what being human is — to love, be seen, be vulnerable, and be bold about it.
We can learn from that. In our noisy schedules, our roles, our distractions — when we pause and speak the truth to those we love, we transform mundane into unforgettable. Simone’s message wasn’t just for Jonathan. It was for anyone who’s ever needed permission to show their love in the middle of the chaos.
FAQs
Q1: Did Simone Biles plan that message beforehand?
A: It’s unclear whether she scripted it, but given how personal it was and how it fit the moment, it likely had some intention behind it — even if spontaneous in emotion.
Q2: What does “ilysmf” stand for?
A: It appears to be shorthand for “I love you so much, fam” (or “I love you so much, [something affectionate]”), combining intimacy and modern slang.
Q3: Why did she use roses and not another gift?
A: Roses are classic symbols of love and romance. A heart-shaped bouquet doubles the message visually, conveying love without needing more words.
Q4: How did fans react to the message?
A: Emotionally. Many expressed joy, tears, awe. They felt seen, inspired, and deeply touched by the authenticity of the moment.
Q5: Can public figures show this kind of vulnerability without backlash?
A: Yes — when it’s genuine and done with intentionality. Authentic expressions often resonate more than perfect PR. But it requires boundaries, honesty, and timing.
