Joanna Gaines Leans on the Lord as Kids Head Off to College

Published: August 15, 2025

By Kayla DeKraker

Every parent knows the mixed feelings that come with the beginning of another school year, and home renovation stars Chip and Joanna Gaines can relate as their two oldest kids head off to college.

“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 wrote in an emotional Instagram post that included a photo of one of her kids’ packed-up room. “This beautiful gift of time has roared past us all just like I was told.”

The end of summer this year meant saying goodbye to her oldest, Drake, and her next oldest, daughter Ella, for the first time.

“My oldest son left for his third year of college while my oldest daughter packs for her first year across the country,” Joanna said.

But as she wrestles with her kids leaving, she’s leaning on the Lord for strength.

“This season already feels like one big, breathless surrender,” Joanna said. “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.”

She shared some encouragement for parents who are experiencing similar emotions.

“To all the parents packing up and moving kids to new places, and to all those with years still to spare: hold them close, hold them well, and let’s all lean on each other when the time comes to hold it together. 🤍”

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A post shared by Joanna Gaines (@joannagaines)

Chip and Joanna share five children together: Drake, 20, Ella, 18, Duke, 17, Emmie, 15, and Crew, 7.

Despite the family’s very busy life, they enjoy spending time together at home the most. Last month, Joanna told PEOPLE, “Truth is, we’re all homebodies. 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. 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.”

Earlier this week, she shared an Instagram reel of her family’s last dinner together before her kids left.

“Gulp. Last dinner together before our oldest heads back to college and our second is about to leave home for her freshman year,” she captioned in the reel that saw the family making homemade pizzas and enjoying time outside. “Thankful for the group hug and all the puppies to help me work through my wide range of emotions. And also Crew’s motor bike, it made me feel like a kid again. I love you kids so much.”