Pierce Brosnan shares heartfelt tribute to wife of 21 years on her birthday

Pierce Brosnan has shared a touching tribute to his wife of 21 years, Keely Shaye Smith, in honour of her 58th birthday.

The Irish actor took to social media on Sunday to let his 1.7 million Instagram followers in on the sweet birthday wishes.

In the photo, Pierce, 69, grins right at the camera while his wife Keely holds onto him from behind, nestling her face into the side of his, with a stunning bright pink flower tucked behind her ear.

Accompanying the gorgeous photo, Pierce added a little message for Keely in the caption, which read: "Happy Birthday my darling @KeelyShayeBrosnan. I love you dearly. So many years of love, life, work and play. Onwards we go!"

Fans and famous friends were quick to join in on the celebrations, flooding the comment section with further birthday wishes for Keely.

Model Cindy Crawford wrote: "Happy birthday beautiful, soulful @keelyshayebrosnan," while actress Rita Wilson commented: "Happy Birthday 'nutty Keely' the sweetest ever!"

Meanwhile, actress Lyndie Benson added: "The most inspiring couple there ever was. Love you and HBD Queen Keely."

The couple had originally met at a party in 1994, three years after the passing of Pierce's first wife Cassandra Harris.

Seven years later, Pierce and Keely tied the knot in August 2001 in Ireland.

The couple are parents to Dylan, 25, and Paris, 21, who are the youngest of Pierce's five children

Pierce is also father to Sean, 38, adopted son Chris, 49, and late adopted daughter Charlotte, all of whom he shared with his first wife Cassandra.

The James Bond star adopted Cassandra's children Charlotte and Chris after their father Dermot Harris died in 1986.

Pierce regularly uses his Instagram account to post heart-melting dedications to his wife.

Just last month, the Mamma Mia actor shared a photo from he and Keely's wedding day, marking their 21st wedding anniversary.

Alongside the photo, he wrote at the time: "Happy Anniversary my love @keelyshayebrosnan. We danced that night and still dance the dance today. I could do it all again."

And then, back in April, Pierce posted an adorable throwback to the night he and Keely first met in Mexico, this time writing: "Twenty eight years ago this day, April 8th, 1994 we met in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. We married at Ballintubber Abbey, Ireland then celebrated for three days at Ashford Castle.

"8th of the 4th…4884 …my love always, you have made my life one of joy and happiness, light of my life, love." As if they couldn't melt our hearts any more.

This is where we're setting the bar, ladies.