While Joanna and Chip Gaines are known for their bustling family life, they’re entering a new chapter in 2024 filled with bittersweet emotions as their eldest children prepare to leave the nest. The beloved home renovation duo recently opened up about these feelings during an appearance on the Today Show, sharing insights into their evolving family dynamic and Joanna’s sentimental “diagnosis” of the season ahead.
Just a day after headlining a panel at PaleyFest NY, Joanna and Chip joined Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie on the Today Show to discuss their children. Joanna, 45, and Chip, 49, are parents to Drake, 19, Ella, 18, Duke, 16, Emmie, 14, and Crew, 6. Their conversation highlighted the poignant realization that their family unit is on the cusp of significant change.
Drake is currently a sophomore at Baylor University, and Ella is set to graduate high school in the spring. This impending milestone has prompted Joanna to reflect deeply on the passage of time and the changing dynamics within their home.
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“It’s crazy, because I’m realizing in this new season of life, the next four years, all four of my older kids will all be in or out of college,” Joanna shared on the Today Show. “So we’re in this new season where I’m really trying to embrace every moment and hang on.” This sentiment reflects a common experience for parents as they navigate the transition to an empty nest, a phase that could be considered Joanna’s emotional “diagnosis” for 2024 – a recognition of shifting family dynamics and the need to cherish the present moments.
Chip and Joanna Gaines at PaleyFest NY, discussing family life and their upcoming journey as their children grow older.
Joanna confessed that sending Drake off to college was emotionally challenging, and she anticipates similar feelings as Ella prepares for graduation. “My second one, Ella, she’s graduating, this is her senior year. I can’t even…I just look at her and I wanna cry. Because I see her as this little girl, I’m like, ‘How are you already 18 years old?'” Her words resonate with many parents who grapple with the bittersweet reality of watching their children grow up and embark on their own paths.
Addressing Chip, Joanna playfully warned him to brace himself for an emotional rollercoaster in the coming years. “For me, I’m like the next four years…’Good luck, bud.’ Because it’s gonna be rough.” This lighthearted yet sincere comment underscores the deep emotional connection Joanna has with her children and her awareness of the parental challenges that lie ahead as they navigate this new phase.
Joanna Gaines sharing an emotional goodbye with her son Drake as he heads back to Baylor University for his sophomore year.
Chip humorously acknowledged Joanna’s emotional nature, joking that she would be “a mess” as their children leave home. However, they both find comfort in their youngest son, Crew, who is currently “ruling the roost” and bringing a different kind of joy to their family dynamic. Crew, with his doting grandparents and older siblings, is undoubtedly enjoying his special place in the Gaines family.
“He’s got this amazing four grandparents, two on each side,” Chip noted. “And he’s got four older siblings, which you think would be miserable, that they would always be at him. Instead, they dote on him.” Joanna added, “He is spoiled.”
The Gaines family enjoying a vacation in St. Lucia in August 2024, cherishing family time amidst life’s transitions.
Looking ahead, the couple also touched upon Chip’s upcoming 50th birthday in November. Chip admitted to feeling “torn” about reaching this milestone, expressing a sense of disbelief at entering his fifth decade. “I felt like Peter Pan in my mind, never turning 50.” Despite the slight apprehension about aging, Chip acknowledged the immense happiness he derives from his family.
“I’ve never been happier, you’ve got these beautiful kids, all developing big, beautiful personalities,” he shared. He also humorously mentioned the physical reminders of aging, like aching knees, contrasting them with the joy and fulfillment he finds in his family life.
Chip and Joanna Gaines reflecting on family, milestones, and the journey ahead as Chip approaches his 50th birthday.
Joanna lovingly reassured Chip, praising his vitality and positive outlook. “I think he looks great, I think overall you feel great, and I feel like he’s in his prime. You’re gonna kill it, you make it look great.” Her supportive words highlighted the strong bond and mutual admiration they share as they navigate life’s transitions together. As Joanna and Chip Gaines embrace this new season, their journey resonates with families everywhere experiencing similar milestones and the sentimental “diagnosis” of watching their children grow and fly.
