Chip and Joanna Gaines’ children are growing up so fast. The former HGTV star shared a gut-wrenching update about sending her children off to college after a beautiful family summer.
Gaines Kids Go to College
Joanna took to social media on Sunday, August 16, to send her love and well-wishes to other parents going through a similar transition phase with their growing teenagers.
“Thinking of all the parents sending their kids off to college this season,” she captioned her Instagram photo dump. “I’ve been on that side of move-in day, so I know the wide range of emotions well. As hard as that goodbye is, there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching your kid grow beyond you —it’s one of the greatest gifts of being a parent. May you find joy, comfort, and gratitude in the letting go. ❤️🙏🏼”
The “Fixer Upper” alum shared photos of her daughter’s luggage, a sweet embrace with her son, a family group hug, and photos with her daughters, including one high school graduation.
“To all the parents sending their kids off to college…I know that feeling all too well. Holding on a little tighter before letting go. Feeling proud of who they’re becoming and wishing time would slow down. But there’s nothing more fulfilling than watching your kids grow beyond you. I’m feeling it with you,” she wrote over the images.
Fans flooded the comments section of Joanna’s post with similar sentiments.
“Just left my son in Charlotte. I’m flying back to Australia 😢,” one shared.
“It’s not easy at all! We are about to experience empty nest! Stay strong!” another follower wrote.
“Literally in the airport after leaving my son. Trying so hard not to cry and I see this post. 🥹🥹,” a third teared up.
“Every year your off to college posts make me shed a tear…❤️” yet another added.
Gaines Family Tree
Joanna shares five children with her beloved husband: Sons Drake, 21, Duke, 18, and Crew, 8, and daughters Ella Rose, 19, and Emmie Kay, 16.
Drake was the first to head off to college, attending the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, where he plays baseball. Ella headed off to New York City after graduating from high school. She’s currently a student at Parsons School of Design.
It’s unclear whether son Duke will be starting his freshman year in college this fall.
“They told me it would go by quicker than I think. That the days are slow but the years are fast. And darn it if they were right,” Joanna shared in August 2025. “This beautiful gift of time has roared past us all just like I was told. My oldest son left for his third year of college while my oldest daughter packs for her first year across the country.”
She added, “This season already feels like one big, breathless surrender. Lord, how do I hold them close while also letting go? Help me to embrace change with a heart filled with hope for the part I know to be truer than the rest—my kids and I may have been made for each other, but I also believe they were made for more. More experiences, more knowledge, more growing than could ever happen within our walls.”
