Joanna Gaines, best known for her work on the popular home renovation show Fixer Upper, has opened up about the emotional struggles of sending her daughter, Ella, to college. While she initially felt she had mastered the process of letting her son, Drake, go, the experience with Ella has been far more challenging.
Speaking on the Today show, Gaines shared that Ella’s departure, happening last week, has left her feeling more raw and overwhelmed. “It’s like still raw,” she said, emphasizing the emotional weight of the moment.
Gaines explained that the distance plays a significant role in the emotional toll. “It feels different because she went further, and she’s my girl,” she noted, acknowledging the deep bond between mother and daughter. She reflected on a previous post where she described the experience as “one big, breathless surrender.”
Also highlighted is the personal approach Gaines takes with her daughter’s design choices for her dorm room. She stepped back to let Ella take the lead, expressing confidence in her daughter’s unique style. The Gaines family includes five children: Ella, Drake, Crew, Emmie, and Duke.
Gaines also addressed the challenges of her youngest son, Crew, who is growing up fast and still very hands-on in the kitchen. She noted that while it may not be the most efficient, the joy of seeing him explore his passion for cooking is invaluable.
Her reflections come after previous posts where she openly shared the emotional whirlwind of sending her children off to college. In one particularly touching post, she described the experience as a “beautiful gift of time” that has passed by quickly, reminding parents of the bittersweet nature of this transition.
As the family navigates this new chapter in their lives, the Gaineses continue to balance their public life with their private family moments. The couple has not disclosed the specific locations of their children’s colleges, keeping their personal details private.
Gaines’s heartfelt approach to parenting and her openness about the emotional journey of raising children resonates with many parents who are experiencing similar challenges. Her words offer both comfort and support, encouraging a sense of solidarity among those facing the same situations.