Maci Bookout, best known from the reality TV series *Teen Mom*, has announced her son Bentley’s exciting plans for the next chapter in his life. Following his upcoming graduation from high school, the 17-year-old is set to attend Motlow State Community College in Tennessee, where he will focus on playing baseball while also pursuing a degree in business.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/MaciBookoutSonBentley-6fd3764b6ea94e02a3cc78d688e2c7ac.jpg)
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on August 31, Bookout took the opportunity to reflect on Bentley’s journey through his formative years, presenting a montage of images capturing key moments in his life. The post featured Bentley’s highlights from his senior night, during which an announcer proudly detailed his accomplishments, including his impressive 3.5 GPA and status as a five-year starter on the varsity golf team. Furthermore, Bentley is also recognised for his success in wrestling, having previously won a championship title.
In her post, Bookout expressed her pride in Bentley’s achievements, stating, “The Last Dance 🏌️🏼♂️🥹🙏” in the caption, which underscored the bittersweet nature of her son’s transition into adulthood. The journey has not just been a significant passage for Bentley but also an emotionally rich experience for Bookout as a mother.
Maci Bookout shares Bentley with ex-partner Ryan Edwards. In addition to Bentley, she is also a mother to two younger children, daughter Jayde, aged 11, and son Maverick, aged 10, from her marriage to Taylor McKinney. The dynamic of raising three children has provided Bookout with unique challenges and joys which she openly shares with her followers.
Reflecting on Bentley’s growth, Bookout previously posted a touching tribute for his 17th birthday last October. She included a selection of family photos, one of which depicted her amusingly carrying Bentley on her back, a role reversal captured in another image where the teenager carried her in a light-hearted moment. Her accompanying caption expressed her disbelief at how quickly time has flown, stating, “How is my Benny 17 years old? Happy Birthday @bentleycedwards – I Love you beyond measure! 🥳🩵🙏.”
Maci Bookout recently spoke to *PEOPLE*, marking the 16th anniversary of the show that launched her into the public eye. She reflected on the incredible journey with her son, reminiscing about the time she brought him home as a newborn, albeit with a film crew documenting every moment. “On one hand, it feels like it was yesterday that I brought Bentley home,” she recalled, feeling a deep sense of nostalgia. “On the other hand, I’ve lived a thousand lifetimes, and I’m still in awe of him for so many new reasons.”
The reality star has been candid about the challenges of raising a teenager, describing his adolescent years as both “an absolute blast” and “an absolute struggle.” Bookout admitted that she often finds it difficult to hold back her instincts as a mother, saying she frequently tells herself to let Bentley make his own choices, even when she doubts the outcome. “You just gotta let him learn,” she remarked, emphasising the balance between guidance and independence.
As Bentley prepares for his collegiate journey in baseball and academics, Maci Bookout is likely to continue sharing these poignant milestones with her audience. Beyond the legacy of a reality TV star, her narrative captures the trials and triumphs of parenting, serving as an inspiration to many families navigating the complexities of raising children in the public eye.
With upcoming challenges ahead, it is clear that Bentley’s achievements, both in sports and education, have instilled pride and a sense of accomplishment in his mother, highlighting not only their close bond but also the transition into new beginnings as he steps onto the college field.