Greg Vaughan, a soap star, beams with pride as his son starts his freshman year at the University of Alabama.

Taking to Instagram on Monday, Vaughan shared an emotional tribute to his son’s big step into adulthood.

Every memory and mile we have traveled together has brought you to this point, Vaughan wrote, "from California skies to Carolina tides, with Texas grit and a touch of European heritage."

"As a freshman at the University of Alabama, I am adjusting to roommates, dorm life, and fraternity brotherhood. I might even gain an extra 15 pounds as a freshman."

The actor went on to reflect on the bittersweet pride of watching his child leave the nest:

He is adopting southern customs and turning into a man for all time.

Being proud is not even enough when you have a senior big sister watching you. Son, you are loved!

Actress and model Shanna Moakler, Vaughan's longtime partner, encouraged Jathan with a straightforward yet energetic "Roll Tide."

Moakler herself has ties to Alabama; her daughter with ex-husband and Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker was named after the state, inspired by the Quentin Tarantino cult classic True Romance.

Even though Jathan, Vaughan's eldest kid of three, is just starting college, his father is still frequently seen on daytime TV.Greg Vaughan has graced soap fans’ screens since the early 2000s with memorable roles on General Hospital, The Young and the Restless, and most famously, Days of Our Lives, where he’s played Eric Brady since 2012.

His portrayal of Eric Brady has earned him both critical acclaim and fan devotion, even earning him a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 2018.

But as proud as Vaughan may be of his career, it’s clear his proudest role of all is being a dad.