Sophia Bush and Ashlyn Harris have recently opened up about their commitment to nurturing a loving and supportive environment for their blended family. The couple, who started dating in October 2023, emphasise the significance of creating a home filled with kindness and the spirit of giving. The actresses met in 2019, and their relationship blossomed as they both navigated the complexities of divorce.
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Catching up with PEOPLE at the inaugural A Sense of Home Gala on September 23, 2026, Bush and Harris expressed their delight in receiving the Vanguard Angel Award. This recognition highlights their advocacy for creating a more inclusive and compassionate society, celebrating the importance of home and community. The event took place in New York City and gathered various changemakers dedicated to promoting hope and unity.
Both women shared the profound meaning behind the award, particularly as Harris is the mother of two children—Sloane, aged five, and Ocean, aged four—whom she adopted alongside her ex-wife, Ali Krieger. Bush noted the significance of their family structure and their pride in supporting non-traditional families. “We’re really proud to be here and to support people that are likewise willing to build their beautiful families in different ways,” she remarked.
Having their children accompany them to the gala was intentional, as Harris articulated the family’s philosophy on kindness and service. “What we try to teach them is that acts of service and acts of kindness go a really long way,” Harris said. She highlighted their family’s privilege and the importance of giving back to the community, reinforcing the idea that understanding and serving others is a key lesson for Sloane and Ocean.
Bush added that being part of such events is vital for their children’s understanding of community engagement. The couple aims to demonstrate that a sense of belonging extends beyond the confines of traditional family structures. “They’re lucky enough to be born into a bit of privilege,” Harris noted. “It’s important for us to show them at a very early age that it’s our job to give back and to serve other families and communities—ones that look like us, ones that don’t look like us.”
In their conversation, Harris reflected on her journey with Bush, particularly how their partnership has shaped their parenting styles. “We’re two moms that work incredibly hard to give our children a better life than we had,” she shared. “Home is where we all are when we’re together. That’s all that matters to us,” she explained, showcasing their perspective that family is defined by emotional connection rather than a physical location.
Bush and Harris’s romance began amid significant personal transitions. Bush had been married to entrepreneur Grant Hughes from 2022 until 2023, while Harris’s marriage with Krieger lasted from 2019 to 2023. Their mutual experiences during this period brought them closer together. Bush publicly acknowledged their relationship in an interview with Glamour in April 2024, shortly after their red carpet debut at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
In a heartfelt 2024 essay for Glamour, Bush expressed her gratitude towards Harris, describing the profound impact their relationship has had on her life. “Falling in love with her has sutured some of my own childhood wounds,” Bush wrote. Her admiration for Harris’s dedication as a mother reinforced her respect and love for their blended family life. “Seeing Ashlyn choose to not simply survive, but thrive, for her babies has been the most beautiful thing I’ve ever witnessed,” she reflected, highlighting the joy of witnessing Harris flourish in her role as a mother.
As Bush and Harris continue to build their life together, the couple remains committed to instilling values of kindness, inclusiveness, and community service in their children’s upbringing. They exemplify a modern understanding of family, rooted in love and shared experiences, inspiring others to celebrate diverse family dynamics. Their journey underscores the importance of support and resilience in creating a nurturing environment for future generations.