Joanna Gaines Faces Emotional Transition as Her Children Leave the Nest Exclusive
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Joanna Gaines, the popular HGTV host, is gearing up for another bittersweet milestone as her daughter, Ella, prepares to leave for college. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Joanna opened up about her emotional journey as her eldest son, Drake, 19, ventured off to college. The 46-year-old mom of five shared her feelings, saying, “I was so sad. I couldn’t believe how it hit me because Chip always says I’m not super emotional. I’m pretty steady. But, I think just the idea that I realize that one move out with that one kid, it triggers something now where it starts feeling everything goes fast.”
Preparing for this inevitable change, she shared her thoughts on how she is getting ready for Ella’s high school graduation later this year. Joanna expressed, “How do I prepare my own heart for it? It’s like you’re losing the one that you go on the weekends to get coffee with and shop at the antique stores. I’m like, ‘Where’s my friend going?'”
As the Gaines family embarks on this new phase of life, Joanna also highlighted the importance of embracing the transitions and staying positive about the future. She explained, “It’s just being okay with the shift and letting go of what was and just being excited for what’s to come.” Joanna and her husband, Chip Gaines, who tied the knot in 2003, have a brood of five children including Drake, Ella, Duke, Emmie, and Crew.
With their teenage children stepping into adulthood, Joanna shared that she has consciously decided to slow down and cherish moments with her family. She emphasized the significance of creating meaningful connections and being present in the now. Joanna stated, “Knowing that [the older kids] will be gone in the next few years, I’ve made a conscious decision to create micro-moments, to feel in the now with our family, just be really more intentional with our time together. And hopefully, try and slow it all down a bit!”
Reflecting on her new fitness journey, Joanna revealed that her youngest son, Crew, serves as her motivation to stay active. The couple has embarked on a joint workout routine, working with a virtual trainer in their home gym at Magnolia Farm in Waco, Texas. Joanna shared, “It’s just us pushing each other and holding each other accountable. It’s been this whole other thing, and it feels good to do it. So it’s been fun — we’ve done so much together in the past that it’s like this whole new stage in our marriage.”
As Joanna prepares to navigate the changes that come with her children growing up and moving on to pursue their own paths, she remains steadfast in her commitment to embracing the future with positivity and gratitude. Her story serves as a reminder of the universal journey that parents undergo as they witness their children evolve and take flight into adulthood.
In conclusion, Joanna Gaines’ candid revelations about her emotional journey as a parent resonates with many individuals navigating similar transitions in life. Her words of wisdom and introspection offer a glimpse into the joys and challenges of parenthood, inspiring others to cherish each moment and embrace the inevitable changes that come with the passage of time.