Joanna Gaines, the popular star of HGTV, has recently marked a significant milestone in her family’s life as her eldest daughter, Ella, celebrates her 20th birthday. On the occasion, the 48-year-old Gaines took to Instagram to share a heartfelt tribute, showcasing black-and-white footage of the birthday decorations and a specially made cake, which featured “Twenty” elegantly inscribed upon it.
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The celebration included a delightful array of 20-shaped balloons and a cheerful birthday banner, capturing the essence of this joyous event. Joanna concluded the video with an endearing throwback image of Ella from her childhood, adding an emotional touch to the celebration. In her heartfelt post, Joanna expressed immense pride in her daughter, stating, “TWENTY. You are radiant ✨ You shine 🪩 We love you so much, Ella ❤️.”
Apart from Ella, Joanna and her husband Chip Gaines are parents to four other children: sons Drake, 21, and Duke, 18, daughter Emmie, 16, and the youngest, Crew, aged 8. As a mother of five, Joanna often shares her experiences and challenges with her followers.
In a candid conversation shared on her Instagram, Joanna recently opened up about her struggle with “mum guilt”—a feeling many parents can relate to. During an appearance on Hoda Kotb’s ‘Joy 101’ podcast, she reflected on her experiences as a parent, particularly during significant transitions like Ella’s departure to college. “Mum guilt never goes away. It’s something you have to manage,” Joanna shared.
She recounted a poignant memory of taking Ella to the airport before she headed off to college, revealing how she felt overwhelmed by emotions at that moment. “I remember just crying a little bit and thinking, ‘Okay, this is the moment I can just say, ‘I’m sorry for anywhere I wasn’t present,’” Joanna recalled. This moment was particularly challenging for her because it highlighted the internal conflict she often felt while establishing their Magnolia business.
Joanna admitted that although she had spent part of Ella’s childhood as a stay-at-home mum, the demands of building a business led to feelings of guilt about her presence during crucial times. “There were months leading up to me saying goodbye to her that I held that moment of mum guilt,” she expressed. “I was creating this narrative that she might think I wasn’t there enough.”
However, the conversation took an unexpected turn when Ella expressed her frustration with Joanna’s self-doubt. “She kind of got mad,” Joanna shared. “I thought this was going to be this beautiful moment, where I would get to say I’m sorry, and she would accept it. But she got upset and said, ‘Mom, are you serious? All you’ve taught me is I can do anything and everything.’”
Just last August, Joanna expressed her emotions surrounding the college transition for parents. As both Ella and her son Drake embarked on their college journeys, Joanna reflected on the bittersweet nature of this time. “I know that feeling all too well,” she wrote on Instagram, sharing photos of herself embracing her children amidst packed suitcases. “Holding on a little tighter before letting go. Feeling proud of who they’re becoming and wishing time would slow down.”
In her touching post, Joanna comforted fellow parents navigating similar situations, providing reassurance and solidarity. “Thinking of all the parents sending their kids off to college this season,” she wrote. “I’ve been on that side of move-in day, so I know the wide range of emotions well.”
Through her heartfelt musings on motherhood, Joanna Gaines continues to connect with her audience, sharing both the joys and challenges of raising a family in the public eye. As she celebrates Ella’s entry into adulthood, Joanna’s reflections resonate with many parents experiencing similar transitions, underscoring the universal themes of growth, love, and the complexities of parenthood.