The HGTV star reflected on the emotional experience of sending kids off to college, penning a sweet piece of advice for her followers.
HGTV star Joanna Gaines knows a thing or two about pulling off a successful home renovation, but recently, the mother of five dropped some helpful knowledge about another topic she’s become well-acquainted with—college move-in day.
In an Aug. 16 Instagram post, the “Fixer Upper” co-host opened up about the bittersweet experience of having children move away from home.
“To all the parents sending their kids off to college… I know that feeling all too well,” Joanna wrote alongside a collection of photos from memorable occasions such as 19-year-old daughter Ella Gaines’ 2025 high school graduation and subsequent move.
“Thinking of all the parents sending their kids off to college this season. I’ve been on that side of move-in day… 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,” she continued. “May you find joy, comfort, and gratitude in letting go.”
The Magnolia entrepreneur empathized with parents of university-bound children, nodding to the familiar emotions behind “holding on a little tighter before letting go” and “feeling proud of who they’re becoming and wishing time would slow down.”
Joanna shared some words of wisdom for parents of college-bound students after saying goodbye to son Drake and daughter Ella. (Joanna Gaines/Instagram) 
Chip and Joanna's two eldest children—Drake and Ella—have left the nest in pursuit of college degrees. (Joanna Gaines/Instagram) Parents in similar situations flocked to the comments to join in on the conversation, with one user calling Joanna’s words “medicine for my soul.” Others praised the television personality: “Successful parenting is having kids confident enough to leave the nest! Good job.”
Joanna, 48, and husband Chip Gaines, 51, have lots to be proud of when it comes to their family. They’ve already seen two of their now-adult children leave the nest.
Eldest son Drake Gaines, 21, is pursuing a degree in business entrepreneurship at Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, TX. Although they have not publicly shared where Ella is attending school, Joanna has previously noted that the second-born Gaines child is continuing her education “across the country” from the family’s home in Waco, TX.
Ahead of Ella’s first day of freshman year in 2025, Joanna detailed what she’d miss most about having her eldest daughter around the house.
“We love to go to antiques shops, plant shops, and go get coffee—that's our rhythm,” she said. “I kind of feel like I’m losing a friend in my everyday life.”
Chip and Joanna Gaines are parents to five children—Drake, 21; Ella, 19; Duke 18; Emmie, 16; and Crew, 8. (Magnolia Network) 
Ella recently stepped into the spotlight on "Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House," revamping a cottage for her first design project. (Magnolia Network) 
Chip and Joanna—who are also parents to Duke, 18, Emmie, 16, and Crew, 8—have largely kept their brood out of the public eye. However, that’s begun to change as Ella has shown interest in the family business. (Instagram/Joanna Gaines) Chip and Joanna—who are also parents to Duke, 18, Emmie, 16, and Crew, 8—have largely kept their brood out of the public eye. However, that’s begun to change as Ella has shown interest in the family business.
In 2025, Ella appeared on “Fixer Upper: Colorado Mountain House,” following in her parents’ footsteps as she helped revamp a cottage as part of her first design project.
“The idea that my daughter, who is now an adult, has decided to take on what her mother does and I get to teach her, I don’t know, it just feels like this beautiful full-circle moment” Joanna said at the time, noting the “biggest hope with letting her tackle this cottage is [that] it builds confidence in her.”
While Joanna expressed excitement for the opportunity to show Ella the ropes, she also found a careful balance in letting the aspiring designer make her own decisions.
“For me, it’s stepping back,” the proud mom shared. “And where she wants help, or she wants a suggestion, I’ll step in, but I’ve really tried to shut my mouth.”
Chip and Joanna recently listed three of their renovation projects—The Castle, The Hillcrest Estate, and the Gristmill. (Realtor.com) 
"Fixer Upper" fans will recognize the properties, which have all been featured in their TV projects over the years. (Realtor.com) 
The Gristmill sold just three days after it was listed for $935,000. (Realtor.com) It’s been an action-packed few months for Chip and Joanna. April marked the release of a “playful” and “nostalgic” new collection of decor from lifestyle brand, Magnolia.
“Summer says reach for adventure, any way you want it,” Joanna said of the inspiration behind the new items in a press release. “Find the beauty in the ordinary, or try the unexpected. Travel somewhere new, or look with fresh eyes at what’s already around you.”
The home renovation gurus listened to their own advice, taking their talents to their personal property, tackling a kitchen renovation at their Texas farmhouse. In May, Joanna shared some behind-the-scenes footage as a construction crew got to work on her “forever home.”
Even more recently, the couple listed three of their iconic renovation projects in June. The Castle, The Hillcrest Estate, and The Gristmill have all been featured in their TV projects over the years, with the third-mentioned property selling just days after being put on the market for $935,000.