To the beloved entertainment community, my valued fans, and the entire Hollywood family, As I sit down to write this letter, I am overcome with gratitude, nostalgia, and profound appreciation for the extraordinary path that has led me to this point. Hollywood, you’ve been my home, teacher, and playground since I was a young girl with huge ambitions. Today, I feel compelled to express my profound gratitude for the love, unshakeable support, and enabling atmosphere that have fostered my development as an artist, performer, and woman throughout the years.
You—my fans—are the reason I do what I do. From the beginning of Lizzie McGuire, you welcomed me enthusiastically and allowed me to develop alongside you. Your warmth and encouragement at each shift, whether in acting, music, or personal milestones, has been nothing short of wonderful. You saw me not only as a performer, but also as a flawed, developing, and determined human being. Thank you for every ticket, download, word of encouragement, and just being there. I hope I made you proud.
Thank you, Hollywood, for providing me with a stage on which to dream. You’ve taught me what it means to persevere, adapt, and pursue talent with integrity. This group has served as my proving ground for everything from sitcom sets to music studios, tough roles to red carpet appearances. I am grateful to the directors, producers, writers, co-stars, and crew members who believed in me and shared in the power of narrative.
The entertainment industry has faced many obstacles, but I have seen how resilient, inclusive, and innovative this world can be. I stand here now, glad not just for my accomplishments, but also for the lessons I learnt throughout difficult times. Each of these experiences helped form me into the artist, mother, and woman I am today.
My message to budding young talent is simple: never stop believing. The path may be tortuous, but passion, humility, and authenticity will direct you. From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who has helped me on this trip. To my fans, industry family, and all those supporting me on from afar, you are the reason I keep dreaming.
With all of my love and gratitude. Hilary Duff