Joanna Gaines is preparing for another one of her kids to leave the nest, but admits this one might be more emotional for her. Find out how the former HGTV star feels about daughter Ella leaving for college compared to when son Drake left home.
Joanna Gaines Says ‘I Kind of Feel Like I’m Losing a Friend’
In a July 2025 interview with People for their special edition “Chip & Joanna Gaines: Their Next Chapter,” the couple discussed their children leaving home.
“Ella, our second kiddo, she’s graduating this year, so we’re going through that again with another kid leaving the nest and trying to stay emotionally stable,” Joanna shared.
Chip Gaines asked her, “Do you think this is going to be harder [than with Drake?].”
Joanna noted that it will be harder for her, explaining, “I think there’s an emotional difference.”
She continued, “With Ella, we love to go to antiques shops, plant shops and go get coffee — that’s our rhythm. I kind of feel like I’m losing a friend in my everyday life.”
Joanna added, “It feels like what’s coming this summer will be a tidal wave of emotions, and I am not going to brace; I’m going to stand there and take it with him.”
It’s an exciting time for their daughter, who is looking forward to going to college and finding her own path.
“She’s excited about going somewhere and just being known for her,” Joanna said. “She’s like, ‘I don’t want anyone knowing that you’re … I just want to go and be myself.’”
She added, “I’m excited for her to learn. She’s about to see some stuff. She’s going to teach us stuff.”
Chip & Joanna Gaines Enjoy Intentional Family Time
Joanna also told People how the whole family is exploring intentional time together outside of their lives at home.
“Truth is, we’re all homebodies,” she said. “But as our kids get older, I’ve learned what a gift it is to get away and have that intentional time as a family.”
Joanna explained, “Being present is what we’re after — so we limit phones, pick a few games or hikes that everyone is excited about, eat together for every meal and toss the schedule out the window.”
The Magnolia empire owners also focus on normalcy for their kids, but that’s not always easy.
“They’re so young and we want to give them the chance to have a normal childhood,” Joanna explained. “When we wake up in the morning, I think we’re normal. But then you go to Target and it’s definitely different. We’re both in awe.”
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