Joanna Gaines is bracing for another emotional goodbye as her daughter prepares to leave for college.
The Fixer Upper star—who shares five children with husband Chip Gaines: Drake (20), Ella (18), Duke (17), Emmie (15), and Crew (7)—opened up about how sending Ella off to college may be even more difficult than when their oldest, Drake, left home.
“Ella, our second kiddo, is graduating this year,” Joanna shared in a July 8 People interview alongside Chip. “So we’re facing that again—another one leaving the nest—and just trying to keep it together emotionally.”
When Chip asked whether she thought saying goodbye to Ella would be harder than it was with Drake, Joanna didn’t hesitate, pointing to the unique bond she shares with her daughter.
“Yes,” she said. “There’s an emotional difference. Ella and I go antiquing, visit plant shops, grab coffee together—that’s our rhythm. It feels like I’m losing a friend from my everyday life.”
