A Food Network favorite chef is overwhelmed with emotion, sharing an Instagram post where they opened up about their “greatest gift.”
Giada DeLaurentis, who was a staple on the cable channel for 21 years, shared her feelings about her daughter, Jade, in a heartfelt social media share. Jade, DeLaurentis’s only child, clearly holds a special place in her heart.
Giada DeLaurentis Celebrated Daughter Jade’s Milestone Birthday
On March 30, Giada De Laurentiis took to Instagram to share birthday wishes for her daughter Jade Thompson. The heartfelt post celebrated the milestone with a touching tribute that resonated with fans.
The former Food Network chef wrote, “I blinked and woke up with an 18 year old this morning. So thankful to spend your last week of being 17 with you, Jadey.”
She continued, “Your wit, kindness, beauty, laughter, I am forever in awe of who you have become. You are my greatest gift.”
“I love you more than you will ever know! Happy birthday Jadeyy!!!!”
A nine-photo slideshow accompanied her remarks. The photos appear to have been taken on a getaway with friends to celebrate this milestone moment.
Fans responded positively to the images and DeLaurentis’ commentary. Many wrote they understood the deep shift the celebrity chef is feeling.
“She will completely understand when she has one of her own. That’s exactly what happened with my daughter when she had her daughter. Beyond complete understanding,” wrote one follower.
“18 years! I remember your show when you announced you were having a baby. Time does fly,” remarked a second Instagram follower.
“I swear it seems like just yesterday I watched u on national television announce Jade was on the way,” a third fan wrote. A fourth noted, “Happy birthday, Jade. Wow, seems like just yesterday you were a little girl giggling in your mom’s videos and TV show.”
Giada DeLaurentis Continues to Grow With Jade Through All of Life’s Changes
In a January 2026 interview with PEOPLE, Giada DeLaurentis revealed that she will face yet another milestone moment this year when Jade enters college in the fall.
The teen will enter New York University as a freshman. She called the life shift “a new adventure.”
“I think it’s going to be a whole new chapter in my life,” DeLaurentis explained. “That moment of being a mom is sort of done,” she explains. “I’m not done, but she goes to college, so I’m not here day-to-day the way that it has been for 18 years, and so that’s a huge change.”
The former Food Network chef added, “It’s really exciting, but I think it’s also incredibly emotional because everything I do with her I feel like is one of the last times I’m going to do it in this way. I know people are like, ‘Yeah, but they come home for the holidays.’ But it’s different. They don’t live in your house anymore.”
Giada DeLaurentis and Jade Thompson appear on the YouTube Series “Everyday Giada.”
