Fantasia Barrino’s eldest child, Zion Quari Barrino, is celebrating 60 days of sobriety.
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On Aug. 10, the 23-year-old took to her Threads account to announce the exciting news to her fans. While she didn’t specify what she was sober from, Zion described reaching her 60-day sobriety milestone as one of the most challenging experiences of her life.
“I was sick for 3 weeks, but I pressed through, with the grace of God,” she shared. “I met some amazing people on this new journey and gained a community, love, and unbearable support from my family. Happy 60 days today to me [red heart emoji]. If you are struggling. I’m here to help and talk about my journey.”
In a follow-up post, the Quari Beauty entrepreneur said that she would share more details about her sobriety feat at a later date. Until then, Zion penned that she was happy to be living a clean and healthy life.
“Still in recovery. It’s really hard. They say 30 days is the hardest. But being 2 months in has been the hardest. But just for today. I’ll go easy on myself day by day,” she added on her Threads account.
Why is it hard to stay sober?
Staying sober can be challenging for a variety of reasons, and these often differ from person to person. One significant factor is physical dependence, where the body becomes accustomed to the effects of substances, leading to withdrawal symptoms that can be uncomfortable or even painful when one stops using. According to American Addictions Center (AAC), sobriety and recovery are linked to addiction, a chronic, relapsing disorder marked by persistent substance use or drug-seeking behavior despite negative consequences.
Staying sober can also be challenging if an individual has psychological dependence on drugs, alcohol, or other forms of addiction. It may become intertwined with a person’s emotional coping mechanisms, making it hard to break the habit. Social and environmental factors further complicate the issue; if someone’s social circle is involved in substance use, maintaining sobriety in such an environment can be especially tough. Mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, are often linked to substance use and can make recovery even more challenging if not properly addressed. Moreover, a lack of support from friends, family, or a recovery community can hinder one’s efforts to stay sober.
Zion showed great courage by sharing her story, and her followers responded by offering unwavering support and encouragement at every step of her sobriety journey.
“You can do it! Don’t give up, keep praying!” wrote one user on Threads.
Another fan penned, “I am so proud of you. You’re a living testimony. Sending prayers never give up. God will take care of you. I can’t wait to hear your testimony.”
A third Threads user added, “Congratulations Baby Girl, and Blessings from above!! I am 10 yrs and 5 months…I never thought I could do it!! Keep coming back!! One day at a time!!”
Source: Patrick McMullan / Getty
Zion was by Fantasia’s side every step of the way after she won Season 3 of American Idol in 2004 at just 19.
According to Essence, Fantasia faced extraordinary challenges, including becoming pregnant with Zion at 17 and enduring an abusive relationship. At the time of her remarkable American Idol victory, she was a single mother living in public housing in High Point, North Carolina, and relied on food stamps to get by.
Over the years, Fantasia has helped her daughter to achieve greatness. The proud momma was front row and center for the launch of Zion’s makeup line, Quari Beauty, in December 2022. In a post shared to Instagram that year, The Color Purple star could be seen hugging her daughter at the launch event.
In the caption, she gushed about Zion’s huge achievement, writing, “For You I Will @quaribeauty @onlyzion_ 1st Born. Sit Back and just Watch!! What did you think? She was my motivation to go for all I did, she was my biggest investor. Now, I’ll invest back into her, my seed, my good thing, my Zi Zi.”
Additionally, Zion has actively participated in her mom’s career; as a teenager, she appeared in her mom’s 2017 music video for “When I Met You,” portraying a younger version of Fantasia.
Congrats on 60 days of sobriety, Zion!
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