Shonda Rhimes, the renowned creator of the iconic television series Grey’s Anatomy, has recently embarked on an unexpected journey into the realm of dorm organisation. As her eldest daughter, Harper, prepares to embark on her university experience, Rhimes has found herself enthralled with the possibilities of decorating and organising a student living space.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the 2026 Webby Awards held in New York City on May 11, the 56-year-old showrunner expressed her delight in discovering the intricate world of dorm decor. “My daughter’s going off to school, so I have gone down the rabbit hole of dorm organisation, which I didn’t even know all that stuff existed, but apparently it does,” Rhimes shared enthusiastically. She then noted that the journey had led her to uncover “some amazing stuff” along the way.
Rhimes is a dedicated mother of three daughters: Harper, aged 23; Emerson, 12; and Beckett, 11. Harper entered her life through adoption in 2002, followed by Emerson, who joined the family a decade later through the same avenue. In 2013, Rhimes welcomed Beckett via surrogacy, adding to her vibrant family dynamics.
Reflecting on her experience as a mother, Rhimes recently shared how she honoured Mother’s Day this year. Celebrating with her daughters alongside her sister and her parents, Rhimes expressed joy in spending quality time with “three generations of Rhimes women.” The occasion was significant for Rhimes, showcasing her strong family ties and the joy of motherhood.
The topic of family is particularly poignant for Rhimes, as she has previously disclosed the impact of the events of September 11, 2001, on her decision to become a mother. In a 2006 discussion with O, The Oprah Magazine, she recalled her moment of introspection while renting a farmhouse in Vermont just before the attacks occurred. Watching the tragedy on television prompted her to reflect deeply on her life, ultimately leading her to hire an adoption attorney shortly after. “Nine months and two days after 9/11, my daughter was born,” Rhimes reflected. “I named her after Harper Lee. Now I can’t remember what I did with my time before she got here.”
In a candid appearance on the podcast Call Her Daddy last year, Rhimes spoke about the discussions she had with her family regarding her choices as a mother. She revealed that her parents were initially supportive but had numerous questions concerning the adoption process. “They had a lot of questions about what that was going to mean and how that was going to be,” she explained, noting that in her family, the manner of one’s entry into the family is ultimately secondary to being part of it.
Rhimes also recounted how the topic of surrogacy sparked further questions within her family dynamic. She humorously admitted that she has yet to broach the subject of sperm donation with her father, suggesting the awkwardness surrounding such conversations. However, she emphasised the unconditional love and acceptance that follows once a baby arrives, mentioning that her family is notably large and affectionate. “We’re a very big, loud, boisterous family who, like everybody, is super embraced,” she remarked.
Moreover, Rhimes acknowledged feeling a need to justify her parenting choices to the public, which she described as an unnecessary burden. “I felt like I had to justify it for people,” she admitted, recognising the absurdity of needing approval for her choices. Highlighting the absurdity of societal expectations, she stated, “Nobody puts in the paper like so and so had a baby via C-section. Nobody says this is their C-sectioned child. So how my children came into my family is not the issue.”
Through her journey into motherhood and her latest venture into dorm organisation, Rhimes continues to showcase her multifaceted life as a creator and a parent. As her daughter Harper prepares for this next chapter, Rhimes undoubtedly embraces both the excitement of a new beginning and the realities of family life. Through her experiences, she reiterates the heartfelt message that family is defined not by the circumstances of one’s arrival but by the love and ties that bind them together.