‘Cult’ mom Lori Vallow’s daughter’s final Instagram posts shared

Lori Vallow and her daughter Tylee Ryan gushed about each other in heartfelt social media posts in the years before the ‘cult’ mom was implicated in the disappearance of the teen and her brother. 

Photos from Tylee’s private Instagram account show her smiling and goofing off with Lori, whom she called ‘the best person’ and ‘the best example of how I want to be as a mother someday’. 

Lori shared similar affection for Tylee on her own Instagram, wishing her a happy birthday every year and praising the ‘beautiful’ young woman she was becoming. 

DailyMail.com uncovered the posts six weeks after Tylee’s body was found burned, dismembered and buried in the backyard of Lori’s current husband Chad Daybell alongside her seven-year-old brother Joshua ‘JJ’ Vallow.  

Lori and Chad are both behind bars on felony charges of destruction of evidence in the case which began when the children vanished in September.  

It’s believed Tylee was killed just hours after she was last seen on September 8 – days before what would have been her 17th birthday.  

Over the course of the investigation Lori has been painted as a cold, uncaring parent who didn’t bother to report her children missing, refused to help law enforcement locate them and may have even been involved in their deaths. 

But the Instagram posts portray Lori in a much more positive light as a doting mother whose daughter adored her.  

Pictured: Lori wishes Tylee a happy 14th birthday on September 24, 2016

Lori Vallow and her daughter Tylee Ryan gushed about each other in heartfelt Instagram posts years before the ‘cult’ mom was implicated in the disappearance of the teen and her brother. Left: Tylee wishes her mom a Happy Mother’s Day on May 14, 2017. Right: Lori wishes Tylee a happy 14th birthday on September 24, 2016

Photos from Tylee's private Instagram account show her smiling and goofing off with Lori, whom she called 'the best person' and 'the best example of how I want to be as a mother someday'. Pictured: Tylee wishes her mother a happy birthday on June 26, 2017

Photos from Tylee’s private Instagram account show her smiling and goofing off with Lori, whom she called ‘the best person’ and ‘the best example of how I want to be as a mother someday’. Pictured: Tylee wishes her mother a happy birthday on June 26, 2017

Lori shared similar affection for Tylee on her own Instagram. Pictured: Lori posted a photo of Tylee and her brother JJ in honor of the girl's 15th birthday on September 24, 2017

Lori shared similar affection for Tylee on her own Instagram. Pictured: Lori posted a photo of Tylee and her brother JJ in honor of the girl’s 15th birthday on September 24, 2017

DailyMail.com came across the photos from Lori and Tylee’s Instagram accounts after a woman who knew the family posted them on Facebook this week. 

The earliest post from Tylee’s account is dated May 14, 2017, and includes four photos of the then-14-year-old with her mom. 

Two of the photos show the pair at the beach, as they were believed to be living in Hawaii with JJ and Lori’s fourth husband Charles Vallow at the time.   

In another photo Tylee is seen planting a kiss on Lori’s cheek, and a fourth shows them together a few years earlier.  

‘My love for my mom grows every day, she is truly the best person for the job,’ Tylee wrote in the caption. 

‘Through everything we have been through as a family and as individuals her faith just gets stronger. She’s the best example of how I want to be as a mother someday. Happy Mothers Day.’

DailyMail.com came across the photos from Lori and Tylee's Instagram accounts after a woman who knew the family posted them on Facebook this week. The earliest post from Tylee is dated May 14, 2017, and includes the photo above of the then-14-year-old with her mom

DailyMail.com came across the photos from Lori and Tylee’s Instagram accounts after a woman who knew the family posted them on Facebook this week. The earliest post from Tylee is dated May 14, 2017, and includes the photo above of the then-14-year-old with her mom

Another photo from Tylee's post on May 14, 2017, shows her and Lori several years back

Another photo from Tylee’s post on May 14, 2017, shows her and Lori several years back

On June 26, 2017, Tylee posted the photo above in honor of her mother's birthday. It appeared to have been taken on a beach in Hawaii, where the family was living at the time

On June 26, 2017, Tylee posted the photo above in honor of her mother’s birthday. It appeared to have been taken on a beach in Hawaii, where the family was living at the time

The June 26, 2017, birthday post also featured a photo of Lori holding a baby - possibly JJ

The June 26, 2017, birthday post also featured a photo of Lori holding a baby – possibly JJ

On Lori's birthday in 2018, Tylee shared a photo of her mom with her brother JJ, writing: 'I won the lottery with this one as my mom'

On Lori’s birthday in 2018, Tylee shared a photo of her mom with her brother JJ, writing: ‘I won the lottery with this one as my mom’

Tylee posted more photos of the pair together the following month in honor of Lori’s birthday on June 26, 2017.

‘Happy birthday to my mom [heart emoji],’ the caption reads. ‘My mom is superior to yours so don’t even try [laughing emoji]. She is talented, beautiful, smart and caring. Love you, from your favorite child [smiling and celebration emoji].’

On Lori’s birthday in 2018, Tylee shared a photo of her mom with her brother JJ, writing: ‘I won the lottery with this one as my mom.’ 

In a post from last year, dated March 1, 2019, Lori is seen kissing Tylee on the cheek, with the caption: ‘Who needs words when parks & rec has you covered?’

Tylee praised her mom in yet another post with pics of the pair, writing: ‘Emergency Mother Appreciation Post: This is slightly random but much needed thank you to my mom for ALWAYS being there & helping me so much [kissing emoji]. She’s the greatest little mommy in the [world emoji].’

The date of that post is unclear as the time stamp is cut off. 

In a post from last year, dated March 1, 2019, Lori is seen kissing Tylee on the cheek, with the caption: 'Who needs words when parks & rec has you covered?'

In a post from last year, dated March 1, 2019, Lori is seen kissing Tylee on the cheek, with the caption: ‘Who needs words when parks & rec has you covered?’

Tylee praised Lori in yet another post with photos of the pair (above), writing: 'Emergency Mother Appreciation Post: This is slightly random but much needed thank you to my mom for ALWAYS being there.' The date of the post is unclear as the time stamp is cut off

Tylee praised Lori in yet another post with photos of the pair (above), writing: ‘Emergency Mother Appreciation Post: This is slightly random but much needed thank you to my mom for ALWAYS being there.’ The date of the post is unclear as the time stamp is cut off

Tylee shared several photos of her adopted younger brother JJ and of her half-brother Colby Ryan, the eldest son of Lori and one of her previous husbands.  

She wished JJ a happy fifth birthday in one post on May 26, 2017, alongside photos of her and the youngster with their mom. 

‘When you thought you posted this yesterday but it never went through! Happy (late) birthday to this little one [heart emoji],’ she wrote. 

Tylee also shared several photos of her adopted younger brother JJ

Tylee also shared several photos of her adopted younger brother JJ

In the caption of JJ's birthday post Tylee wrote: 'When you thought you posted this yesterday but it never went through! Happy (late) birthday to this little one [heart emoji]'

In the caption of JJ’s birthday post Tylee wrote: ‘When you thought you posted this yesterday but it never went through! Happy (late) birthday to this little one [heart emoji]’ 

Tylee also shared several photos of her half-brother Colby Ryan, the eldest son of Lori and one of her previous husbands. Colby and Lori are pictured above together in an undated photo

Tylee also shared several photos of her half-brother Colby Ryan, the eldest son of Lori and one of her previous husbands. Colby and Lori are pictured above together in an undated photo

Several of the photos Tylee shared are also shown on Lori’s Instagram account, where she praised her ‘beautiful daughter’ and reminisced on her childhood. 

 On Tylee’s 14th birthday, September 24, 2016, Lori shared a single black and white photo of the girl with the caption: ‘Happy Birthday to my little girl who is all grown up!! Your mommy loves u so much [heart emojis].’

The following year she posted a string of photos of Tylee with her family, writing: ‘My beautiful daughter turned 15 today ! Happy birthday Ty Ty !! I love you so much!!! [kiss emojis].’

Lori also posted a birthday message for Colby on April 8, 2018, writing: ‘Happy Birthday to the most beautiful boy ever ! Today he is 22 and the magic age when I had him and he filled my life with love [heart emoji].

‘Colby J you are precious to your momma!’ 

Several of the photos Tylee shared are also shown on Lori's Instagram account, where she praised her 'beautiful daughter' and reminisced on her childhood. Lori wished Tylee a happy 15th birthday in the post above from September 24, 2017

Several of the photos Tylee shared are also shown on Lori’s Instagram account, where she praised her ‘beautiful daughter’ and reminisced on her childhood. Lori wished Tylee a happy 15th birthday in the post above from September 24, 2017

Another photo Lori posted on Tylee's 15th birthday shows the girl playing on the beach

Another photo Lori posted on Tylee’s 15th birthday shows the girl playing on the beach

Tylee and her adopted brother JJ are seen in a goofy selfie posted by Lori in 2017

Tylee and her adopted brother JJ are seen in a goofy selfie posted by Lori in 2017

Lori also posted a birthday message for Colby on April 8, 2018, along with a photo of him, her and Tylee when they were kids

Lori also posted a birthday message for Colby on April 8, 2018, along with a photo of him, her and Tylee when they were kids

The happy family portrayed in the Instagram posts was shattered last November with the revelation that Tylee and JJ had disappeared nearly two months earlier in September but were never reported missing by their mother.  

Lori and Chad went on the run the day after police began searching for the children and reopened an investigation into the death of Chad’s first wife Tammy Daybell, who died on October 19, 2019.  

Police tracked the couple down in Hawaii in January and Lori was later arrested on charges of child abandonment and desertion. 

The search came to a devastating end last month as JJ and Tylee’s remains were discovered in Chad’s backyard in Salem, Idaho. 

Investigators believe Tylee was killed and buried there by Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, on the day after she disappeared, September 8. 

JJ is believed to have been buried less than two weeks later on September 23, the last day he was seen alive.  

Authorities have not yet said how the children died or who is responsible for their deaths as the investigation is ongoing.  

Lori (pictured in her mugshot) was arrested in February and is now facing felony charges for conspiracy to commit destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence

Chad (pictured in his mugshot) was arrested after the children's bodies were found and is also facing felony charges

Lori (left in her mugshot) was arrested in February and is now facing felony charges for conspiracy to commit destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence. Chad (right in his mugshot) was arrested after the children’s bodies were found and is also facing felony charges

Investigators are seen recovering the remains of Tylee and JJ from the backyard of Chad's home in Salem, Idaho, on June 9

Investigators are seen recovering the remains of Tylee and JJ from the backyard of Chad’s home in Salem, Idaho, on June 9 

Court documents stated that Tylee’s body had been dismembered and partially burned, while JJ’s was wrapped in plastic and duct tape.   

Chad was arrested the same day the bodies were found, June 9, and charged with two felony counts of destruction, alteration or concealment of evidence, to which he pleaded not guilty. 

Prosecutors added two new felony counts for conspiracy to commit destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence earlier this month.   

Lori was also hit with two new charges for conspiracy to commit destruction, alteration, or concealment of evidence after prosecutors dropped the desertion charges in light of the body recovery.  

Both Lori and Chad are scheduled to appear in court for preliminary hearings next month. 

They have maintained their innocence throughout the course of the case.  

Timeline of JJ and Tylee’s disappearance

July 11, 2019: Lori Vallow’s husband, Charles Vallow, is killed by her brother, Alex Cox, in Arizona. Police initially rule that Alex acted in self defense but reopen the case months later after the children are reported missing. 

August: Lori moves children JJ and Tylee to Rexburg, Idaho, where her future husband Chad Daybell lives with his wife Tammy.

September 8: The last time Tylee is seen during a trip to Yellowstone National Park with Lori, JJ and Alex. In the following weeks she tells people who ask where Tylee is that she’s studying at Brigham Young University’s Idaho campus.

September 23: The last time JJ is seen at his school in Rexburg. Lori emailed the school the following day and claims she is moving the family to California for a new job. 

October 2: Brandon Boudreaux, the ex-husband of Lori’s niece Melanie Pawlowski, is targeted in a drive-by shooting in Arizona. Police identify the vehicle carrying the shooter as a Jeep registered to Charles Vallow, Lori’s late husband. 

October 19: Chad’s wife Tammy, 49, dies at their Idaho home. An obituary states that she passed away peacefully in her sleep. Chad declines an autopsy and her death is listed as natural causes.

October 25: A friend of Tylee receives a vague ‘miss you’ text from her phone but says that it didn’t sound like the teen.   

November 5: Lori and Chad tie the knot on a beach in Kauai. Receipts indicate that Lori purchased her own wedding ring from Amazon nearly three weeks prior to Tammy’s death. 

November 26: Out-of-state relatives ask Idaho police to perform a welfare check on JJ. Lori and Chad claim he is in Arizona with relatives and ask their friend, Melanie Gibb, to lie and say she took the boy there for Thanksgiving. Police soon learn that no one has seen JJ, or his older sister Tylee, since September. 

November 27: Police execute a search warrant related to the children at Lori’s home and discover that she and Chad have fled Idaho.

December 11: Tammy’s body is exhumed from a Utah cemetery and her death is reclassified as suspicious.

December 12: Lori’s brother, Alex Cox, is found unresponsive in a bathroom in Arizona and dies. Months later an autopsy determines that he died of natural causes while he had the overdose drug Narcan in his system. 

December 21: Rexburg police issue the first press release about JJ and Tylee, revealing they believe their disappearance could be linked to Tammy’s death and asking the public for information.

December 24: Lori and Chad issue a statement through an attorney saying they love their son and daughter and look forward to addressing ‘allegations once they have moved beyond speculation and rumor’.

December 30: Police accuse Lori and Chad of lying to investigators and say they believe the couple know where the kids are or what happened to them.

January 3, 2020: Police search Chad’s home in Salem and remove 43 items, including tech devices and journals. They also comb over sections of the snow-covered yard with rakes and metal detectors.

January 26: Lori and Chad are seen for the first time in months as police serve them with two search warrants in Kauai. Lori is also served with a court order to produce the children to authorities in Idaho in five days. The couple are approached by the media while officers serve the documents and refuse to say anything about the children.

January 30: Lori misses the court deadline to produce the children to Idaho authorities.

February 20: Lori is arrested in Kauai and charged with two felony counts for desertion and nonsupport of dependent children, and one misdemeanor count each for resisting and obstructing an officer, solicitation of a crime, and contempt of court. 

March 5: Lori is extradited to Idaho, where she is held on $1million bond at Madison County Jail.

March 17: Lori professes her innocence in a statement through her attorney as two other members of her defense team quit and the judge removes himself from the case. 

March 24: Court documents filed in the divorce of Lori’s niece Melani and her husband Brandon Boudreaux allege that Lori told people she believed her children were zombies before they disappeared. 

April 9: Authorities reveal they are investigating Lori and Chad for murder, attempted murder and conspiracy in connection with Tammy’s death.

May 25: Idaho police issue a statement expressing hope that the kids will be found safe on what would have been JJ’s eighth birthday. 

June 9: Police search Chad’s home in Salem for the second time and discover human remains in the backyard. Chad is taken into police custody and charged with destruction or concealment of evidence.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk