Tyra Banks Celebrates 10 Years of Motherhood with Son York

The model and TV personality has been open about her journey to parenthood through surrogacy.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Tyra Banks, the renowned model and creator of "America's Next Top Model," is celebrating a major milestone - 10 years of motherhood with her son, York Banks Asla. Banks welcomed York via gestational surrogacy in 2016 with her then-partner Erik Asla. Over the years, she has been open about her experiences with motherhood, discussing the joys and challenges of raising her son while maintaining her busy career.

Why it matters

Tyra Banks' story of becoming a mother through surrogacy has resonated with many, shedding light on the complexities and emotional journey of family building. Her openness about her path to parenthood has helped to destigmatize surrogacy and inspire others who may be considering similar routes to starting a family.

The details

Banks, who is now 52 years old, has shared that she and Asla had been "working and praying so hard" for a child before welcoming York. In the years since, she has spoken about the importance of balancing her career and motherhood, often bringing York along on her business travels to ensure she can be present in his life.

  • Tyra Banks and her ex-partner Erik Asla welcomed their son York via gestational surrogacy in January 2016.
  • York Banks Asla is now 10 years old as of 2026.

The players

Tyra Banks

A renowned model, TV personality, and creator of the hit reality show "America's Next Top Model." She welcomed her son York through surrogacy in 2016.

Erik Asla

Tyra Banks' former partner, a Norwegian photographer, with whom she had her son York through gestational surrogacy.

York Banks Asla

Tyra Banks' 10-year-old son, whom she welcomed via surrogacy in 2016.

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What they’re saying

“The best present we worked and prayed so hard for is finally here. He's got my fingers and big eyes and his daddy Erik's mouth and chin. As we thank the angel of a woman that carried our miracle baby boy for us, we pray for everyone who struggles to reach this joyous milestone.”

— Tyra Banks (Instagram)

“I'm a very hardworking momma and hopefully a good example to my son that you know momma works really, really hard and that's how we have these things and we can travel and get on airplane, airplane, airplane, to go and see the world.”

— Tyra Banks (E! News)

What’s next

Tyra Banks is expected to continue sharing her journey of motherhood with her son York, inspiring others who may be considering similar paths to starting a family.

The takeaway

Tyra Banks' story of becoming a mother through surrogacy has resonated with many, highlighting the complexities and emotional journey of family building. Her openness about her path to parenthood has helped to destigmatize surrogacy and inspire others who may be considering similar routes to starting a family.