Jennifer Aniston has never shied away from showing love for the people closest to her, and this week, she took to Instagram to celebrate a particularly special bond—her decades-long friendship with Friends co-star Courteney Cox, who just turned 60. In a post that touched fans around the world, Aniston shared heartfelt words and a curated selection of photos that perfectly captured the depth of their enduring relationship.

“Celebrating this powerful, magical, mystical, interesting, interested, ferociously talented girl today!!!” wrote Aniston, 55, in the post. “My sweet CC @courteneycoxofficial… she’s funny like no other, stunning on the inside and out.” The message was accompanied by a series of deeply personal images: throwback photos of the two actresses during their Friends years, a tender scene from the show, and a recent screenshot from a FaceTime call where the two are blowing each other kisses—still connected, still close.

Cox, best known for her role as Monica Geller on Friends, starred opposite Aniston’s Rachel Green. Their on-screen friendship as roommates quickly blossomed into one of the most iconic friendships in television history, but as Aniston’s post makes clear, the real-life bond between the two actresses runs just as deep.

“She’s independent in the most gorgeous way,” Aniston continued. “Cares for everyone even if she doesn’t know you. Terrified of dogs even though I’ve never known her not to have at least two of them. Fiercely loyal to the end.”

Aniston’s tribute offered a delightful peek into Cox’s quirky, lovable personality. She praised her friend’s eye for detail—“She’ll redecorate a room like nobody’s business. Spot a smudge on a window from a mile (literally) away”—as well as her unapologetic individuality: “She doesn’t care what other people think!!”

But perhaps the most moving part of the post came near the end, as Aniston reflected on the weight of their friendship. “I can’t imagine a world without her,” she wrote. “It’s one of my great honours to call her one of my best friends for life… Happy happy birthday CC. I love you!”

Aniston, who is reportedly the godmother to Cox’s daughter Coco Arquette, clearly considers Cox family. Coco, the daughter of Cox and actor David Arquette, also appeared in the social media photos shared by Aniston. The closeness between the two women has only grown stronger through the years, with their friendship outlasting not only the ten-season run of Friends, but also the many highs and lows that come with life in the spotlight.

Cox, who has also found success beyond Friends in projects like Cougar Town and the Scream film franchise, has been in a relationship with musician Johnny McDaid of Snow Patrol since 2013. Last year, she received a long-awaited star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a moment made even more meaningful by the presence of Aniston and Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow, who showed up to support her.

The celebration of Cox’s birthday comes at an emotionally charged time for the Friends family. In October 2023, the cast and millions of fans were devastated by the sudden death of Matthew Perry, who played Chandler Bing, Monica’s husband on the show. Perry died at age 54 from the acute effects of ketamine, and though his passing was ruled an accident, the LAPD has confirmed that an “open investigation” remains ongoing into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Perry had been open about his struggles with substance abuse and had used his experience to help others, establishing a sober living facility for men facing addiction. His loss deeply impacted his former castmates, including Aniston and Cox, who have each spoken publicly about the grief of losing such a cherished friend.

Aniston’s message to Cox serves as a poignant reminder of the power of enduring friendship. In an industry where connections can be fleeting, the bond between these two actresses has stood the test of time—and continues to flourish, even after the cameras have stopped rolling.

As Friends fans around the world joined in celebrating Courteney Cox’s milestone birthday, many were struck by the sincerity and emotion in Aniston’s post. The iconic duo may have met on a sitcom, but their friendship is no act—it’s a real-life love story built on laughter, loyalty, and a shared history that has shaped both their lives.

In a world so often focused on the superficial, Aniston and Cox remind us of something far more meaningful: the beauty of showing up for each other, of growing together through life’s challenges, and of celebrating the people who make us feel seen, loved, and supported. As Aniston so perfectly put it: “I love you.” And so, it seems, do we all.