Anchorage Herald
Anchorage Herald
min read · September 19, 2025 · Entertainment

Teen Mom Star's Daughter Emerges: Kristina Shirley’s Karly Celebrates Her Coming of Age!

Teen Mom star Kristina Shirley's very private daughter Karly (right) was seen for the first time in a sweet snap shared by her stepsister Leah (left) after turning 18

TEEN MOM EXCLUSIVE!

Kristina Shirley's Private Daughter, Karly, Finally Revealed on Social Media!

It's a birthday celebration like no other for Kristina Shirley's 18-year-old daughter, Karly! For years, fans of Teen Mom have been curious about Kristina's eldest child, but the reality star had to keep her under wraps due to custody battles with her ex. Now that Karly has turned the big 1-8, her stepsister Leah has finally shared some adorable photos on Instagram.

Karly is Kristina's daughter from her previous marriage with her unnamed ex; pictured from left to right: Kristina (Karly's mom) and her stepdaughter Leah

Leah, Gary Shirley and Amber Portwood's 16-year-old daughter, posted a series of heartwarming snaps featuring throwback pictures with Kristina and wished Karly a happy birthday. "HAPPY 18TH BIRTHDAY SISSY!!! Remember to have no regrets with wherever life leads you from now on, I love you so much, I hope you had the best day ever," Leah gushed alongside a sweet selfie of Karly kissing the side of her head.

But what's really got everyone talking is how identical Karly looks to her mom! Fans are going wild in the comments section, raving about the resemblance between Kristina and her eldest daughter. "Omg she looks like Kristina!" one Instagram user wrote, while another agreed, "I thought this was Kristina at first!"

The drama-filled history between Amber Portwood and Gary Shirley has been well-documented on Teen Mom, but it seems that Leah has found a new mom figure in Kristina. Sources close to the show reveal that Leah has been open about how Kristina plays a maternal role in her life, even going as far as wanting to go through the adoption process so Kristina could be her legal guardian.

In the comments section, fans raved about seeing the Kristina's nearly identical daughter for the first time now that Karly is a legal adult

However, Amber's reported objections have put a damper on their relationship, and it seems like the estranged mother-daughter duo is trying to mend things. But we all know how complicated relationships can get when drama and reality TV are involved!

The current season of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter has been following the lives of former teen moms with teenagers of their own now. Amber, along with Cheyenne Floyd, Maci Bookout, Catelynn Lowell, and Mackenzie McKee (who also starred on Teen Mom 3), is part of the show. But it's Kristina's private daughter, Karly, who has finally caught our attention.

TheScholarlyNote.com can exclusively reveal that fans are going wild in the comments section, with many praising Leah for sharing photos of her stepsister and wishing her a happy birthday. "Oh yay! I was wondering if we'd get to see Kristina's daughter once she turned 18. I'm so glad her and Leah are close, happy birthday," one fan commented.

Kristina also plays the role of stepmother to Leah ¿ Gary's daughter from his previous relationship with Amber Portwood (not pictured)

Another user wrote: "I didn't know Kristina's daughter was older than Leah. She looks so much like Kristina!" The love for Karly is palpable, and we can't help but wonder what the future holds for this sweet 18-year-old.

As fans continue to fawn over Karly's adorable photos, it's clear that she's more than just a private daughter – she's a beloved member of the Teen Mom family. But will we see more of her on the show? Only time will tell!

TEEN MOM SPOILER ALERT!

Gary and Amber's (not pictured) relationship was captured on 16 and Pregnant when they had Leah as teenagers. Kristina began starring on Teen Mom after she and Gary got married in 2015

Stay tuned for more updates on Kristina's daughter, Karly, and her journey as she navigates adulthood. Will Amber's reported objections affect their relationship further? Can Leah and Karly maintain their close bond despite their complicated family dynamics? TheScholarlyNote.com will keep you in the loop!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!

What do you think about Karly finally being revealed on social media? Do you think she resembles her mom, Kristina? Let us know in the comments below!

Gary and Kristina also share 10-year-old daughter Emilee; pictured from left to right: Kristina, stepdaughter Leah and daughter Emilee

Leah is estranged from her mother and one of the main storylines on the hit reality show is about the teenager's complicated relationship with Amber Portwood

Many fans of the show took to the comments section to gush over Karly's resemblance to her mother. 'Omg she looks like Kristina,' one Instagram user wrote. Another person agreed and also commented: 'I thought this was Kristina at first'

One viewer wrote: 'Oh, she's 18 now so she's allowed to be posted. I love seeing the relationship between you two sisters'

'Wow Kristina's twin!!!' Another social media user commented: 'I didn't know Kristina's daughter was older than Leah. She looks so much like Kristina.'

'Oh yay! I was wondering if we'd get to see Kristina's daughter once she turend 18. I'm so glad her and Leah are close, happy birthday,' one fan commented. A different Teen Mom fan added: 'Happy birthday. You look just like ur momma'