Vin Diesel’s daughter Hania “Similce” Riley paid tribute to her late uncle Paul Walker on the 10th anniversary of his death with a cover of Billie Eilish’s song “What Was I Made For.”
A Musical Tribute
The 15-year-old singer posted a video of herself performing the song on Instagram, with a caption that read: “This is for you Uncle Pablo. I love you and miss you so much. Thank you for always being there for me and inspiring me to follow my dreams. You are always in my heart. #paulwalker #10years #family #fastandfurious”
The song, which was released by Billie Eilish in 2021, is a haunting ballad that explores the meaning of life and death. The lyrics include lines such as: “What was I made for? / If I’m not yours / What was I made for? / If I’m not living / What was I made for? / If I’m not dying”
Hania’s rendition of the song was praised by her followers, who commented with heart emojis and messages of support. One user wrote: “You have such a beautiful voice and a beautiful soul. Your uncle would be so proud of you.” Another user wrote: “This is so touching and emotional. You are amazing, Hania. Sending you lots of love and hugs.”
A Family Bond
Hania is the eldest daughter of Vin Diesel and his longtime partner Paloma Jimenez. She has two younger siblings, Vincent, 11, and Pauline, 6, who was named after Paul Walker.
Hania has a close bond with Paul’s daughter, Meadow Walker, who is her godfather’s goddaughter. The two girls often share photos of each other on social media, and Hania was the maid of honor at Meadow’s wedding in October 2021. Meadow, 23, married actor Louis Thornton-Allan on a beach in the Dominican Republic, with Vin Diesel walking her down the aisle.
Vin Diesel and Paul Walker were best friends and co-stars in the Fast & Furious franchise, which they started together in 2001. Paul died in a car crash on November 30, 2013, at the age of 40. His brothers, Cody and Caleb, helped complete his scenes in Furious 7, which featured a tribute song by Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth, “See You Again.”
A Legacy of Love
Vin Diesel has always honored Paul Walker’s memory and legacy, both on and off-screen. He has dedicated several of his movies to his late friend and has spoken about how Paul inspired him to be a better father, actor, and person.
On the eighth anniversary of Paul’s death, Vin Diesel shared a photo of Hania and Meadow on Meadow’s wedding day and wrote a heartfelt message to his brother. He said: “It’s been eight years today … and not a day goes by that I don’t reflect on the brotherhood we were blessed to have… but you know that. Tragedies in life are always followed by life’s blessings if you just stay open and have faith.”
He added: “Look at this photo Pablo, it will make you smile. The same angel that you helped me prepare for most beautifully with your brotherly advice is the same angel that precious Meadow asked to be her Maid of Honor. How could I have known that back on the 2008 set of Fast… but maybe somehow you did. Miss you. My children always tell me that Uncle Paul is with you Dad, always… and I know in my heart that they are right. Miss you, Pablo.”
Meadow also paid tribute to her father on the same day, posting a throwback photo of him kissing her on the cheek when she was a baby. She wrote: “I love and miss you endlessly. Today and every day I celebrate your life, your love. And you, my best friend.”
