“Since I was 16 years old, that girl, and now woman, has been the example of what a friend is,” said Blake Lively

Blake Lively is paying tribute to BFF America Ferrera.

As part of TIME‘s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 essays, Lively, 36, wrote in support of one of her longtime friends and former Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants costar, Ferrera, 40.

She writes about the actress’s journey from early roles in Ugly Betty and Real Women Have Curves to an Oscar nomination for Barbie.

“[F]or everyone who knows America as a person, we watched the world simply discover America. Our friend, our role model, our ally, our sister as she soared like only she does,” Lively writes.

“That’s how she lives. How she speaks. How she challenges, and comforts. How she hurts, and heals. How she flies, and falls. How she loathes, and how she loves.”

Calling Ferrera’s now-iconic Barbie monologue a “hot pink hypodermic needle of adrenaline right into the heart of everyone watching that film,” the Gossip Girl alum also spoke about 20 years of friendship with the actress.

“I’ve known America for 20 years exactly,” Lively adds. “Since I was 16 years old, that girl, and now woman, has been the example of what a friend is. What an artist is. What a human is. And I thank her. For sharing her life with me, and her talent with us all.”

See All the Sweetest Sisterhood of the Traveli

“God blessed America, but really, we are the blessed ones to live in the same time as her and her imprint on our world,” she finishes.

Lively and Ferrera have been candid about their friendship over the last two decades since starring together in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. In January, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post in celebration of Barbie.

Joined by their costars Amber Tamblyn, 40, and Alexis Bledel, 42, Lively and Ferrera took photos of the cast’s mini-reunion, and wrote a caption praising the actress for her work in the movie.

Blake Lively, America Ferrera, Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel in 2005.

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“I was so happy to celebrate my denim sister @americaferrera She’s the heart and soul of @barbiethemovie because she’s the heart and soul of everything she’s a part of,” she wrote at the time. “I’ve known her for 20 years. Since I was 16. I’ve watched her live, grow, soar, fall, make, break, push, fight, win, create, forge, disrupt, way make, lead, lead, lead.”

Lively concluded her tribute, “I can’t wait to watch her sweep awards up across her living room floor. No one deserves it more … for a lifetime of brilliant work. It’s one of my life’s honors to witness her show so many women not only what’s possible, but HOW it’s done. I love you sister. Always.”

Ferrera wrote in the post’s comments section, “When your girl gives good hype. I love you forever sis.”