The Touching Tradition Mark Wahlberg Kept for Over a Decade—And Why It Broke His Heart to End It

In the whirlwind of Hollywood fame and relentless schedules, Mark Wahlberg maintained a simple yet profound tradition that defined his bond with his late mother, Alma Wahlberg: a daily phone call. For more than ten years, no matter where he was in the world, Wahlberg made it a point to connect with his mother every morning—a ritual that reflected both deep love and an unwavering commitment to family.

A Decade of Morning Calls

Starting around 2011, Mark’s daily calls to Alma became a cherished part of their lives. His mother often proudly told friends about the dedication her son showed, saying in a 2018 interview with TODAY, “Mark calls me from all over the world. Every single day. I don’t care if it’s 3 o’clock in the morning!” Despite his demanding career and international travels, Wahlberg’s morning check-ins symbolized the closeness they shared, bridging any physical distance.

More Than Routine: Emotional Lifelines

For both mother and son, these calls were far more than just a routine. They were moments of connection, comfort, and reassurance. After Alma’s passing in 2021, Mark opened up about the emotional weight of losing this ritual. “The first phone call that I made every single day for the last 10 years, was to my mom. And I don’t get to make that phone call anymore. And it’s heartbreaking,” he shared in interviews, underscoring how central those conversations were to his daily life.

Alma’s pride in this connection was palpable; to her, the calls were a testament to her son’s love and devotion, making her feel close even when miles apart.

Facing the Silence

Since Alma’s death at age 78, Wahlberg has spoken candidly about the void left by the end of those morning calls. The ritual was more than catching up—it was an anchor in his life, a reaffirmation of their enduring bond. In interviews with TODAY and amomama.com, Mark expressed the profound loneliness of no longer hearing his mother’s voice to start the day.

A Lasting Reminder of Family’s Power

Mark Wahlberg’s decade-long tradition of daily calls to his mother stands as a touching reminder of how small acts can sustain family ties, even amidst hectic lives and long distances. His commitment shows how love can be expressed simply and consistently, creating connections that transcend time and geography.

As Mark reflects on the space left by Alma’s passing, his story speaks to the irreplaceable role of mothers and the enduring impact of daily gestures of care. In honoring this tradition, Wahlberg leaves a heartfelt testament to the power of family—and the deep human need for connection that binds us all.