Giada De Laurentiis, the renowned Food Network personality, is facing mixed emotions as her daughter, Jade, prepares to head off to college in the fall. Speaking with PEOPLE, De Laurentiis expressed how daunting it is for her to contemplate her daughter leaving the nest, confessing, “I’m super excited for her to fly and find herself and be who she wants to be, but at the same time, it’s incredibly sad. I’m gonna miss her terribly.”
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The 54-year-old celebrity chef took a special college road trip with 17-year-old Jade in March, chronicling their journey on social media as they traversed various cities together. De Laurentiis shared that having Jade all to herself during that trip was a precious gift, especially with the realization that they are entering the last year before Jade moves out. The bond between mother and daughter is evident as De Laurentiis reflects on their time spent together.
Jade, the daughter of Giada De Laurentiis and her ex-husband Todd Thompson, will not be far away from her mother as she plans to spend the summer in New York, engaging in theater camps to nurture her passion for the arts. De Laurentiis has previously commended Jade’s musical talents, expressing her awe at her daughter’s ability to write music despite neither parent having a background in singing. This talent comes as a delightful surprise to De Laurentiis and showcases Jade’s unique skills.
As she prepares for the next chapter in her life, De Laurentiis also has her own plans for the summer. She intends to spend some time in Europe, particularly Italy, before focusing on the opening of her new restaurant, Sorellina, in Chicago. De Laurentiis aims to create a welcoming and comforting atmosphere at her new establishment, ensuring that guests feel embraced and cared for while enjoying her culinary creations.
The prospect of an empty nest is daunting for De Laurentiis as she contemplates the major shift in her daily routine once Jade leaves for college. She acknowledges the significant role that parenting has played in her life for the past 18 years, centering her schedule around Jade’s needs and activities. The impending change brings a mix of emotions for De Laurentiis, who candidly admits that the thought of her child moving out is quite scary and unsettling for her.
Despite the challenges of facing an empty nest, De Laurentiis remains supportive of Jade’s journey towards independence and self-discovery. She recognises that this phase marks a pivotal moment in both their lives, where Jade will have the opportunity to explore her passions and carve out her own path. De Laurentiis’s words reflect a mother’s love and pride, tinged with a hint of sadness at the thought of her daughter venturing out into the world.
In the midst of her own career commitments and personal milestones, De Laurentiis will navigate this new chapter with resilience and unwavering support for her daughter. The bond between mother and daughter, immortalized in their shared moments and cherished memories, will continue to thrive despite the physical distance that college may bring. De Laurentiis stands as a beacon of strength and love, embracing the changes that come with this transition in their lives.