Every Mama Will Understand Joanna Gaines' Bittersweet Sentiment About Her Third Kid Turning 16
Joanna Gaines has celebrated the Sweet 16 of her three eldest children, and as wonderful as it is to watch each of them grow up, the milestone birthday hasn’t gotten any less emotional.
On Sunday, the mom of five shared an Instagram Reel documenting her son Duke’s 16th birthday, and she captioned the sweet video, “Third time doing this and it still makes mama cry. #16”
Gaines’ brief footage included clips of her, her husband Chip Gaines, and one of their daughters decking out their dining room with birthday decorations including multi-colored balloons, a “Happy Birthday” sign, and a table covered in gifts and a few sports balls.
The Magnolia Farms co-founder also inserted a photo of Chip and Duke at their local BMV, where Duke filled out paperwork to obtain his driver’s license after passing his test. The Reel ended with a picturesque shot of Joanna standing in the family’s long rural driveway, proudly raising her arm high in the air to welcome Duke with a wave as he drove home newly licensed.
In addition to Duke, the HGTV couple shares sons Drake, 19, and Crew, 5, as well as daughters Ella, 17, and Emmie, 14. In October 2022, Joanna emotionally celebrated Ella’s 16th birthday with a similar video captioned, “My sweet girl turns 16. I’m trying my darnedest not to cry like a big fat mama baby when she drives off by herself tomorrow.”
In May of the following year, the Gaineses celebrated their biggest parenting milestone yet: Drake’s high school graduation. Proving she’s a sucker for a tear-jerking video compilation, Joanna created a Reel in honor of her eldest’s official transition from childhood to adulthood. The Fixer Upper star wrote, “It feels like just yesterday that we were cheering him on as he took his first steps…but last weekend, as he walked across the stage to receive his high school diploma (!!) we were cheering him on as he took his first steps into a world beyond what he’s known.” She lovingly added, “We’re so proud of you, Drake.”
Luckily for Joanna, she and Chip have many more milestone moments to celebrate before their five little birds all leave the nest — though we know each and every one will feel just as bittersweet as the last.
Before you go, check out what these celebrity parents have to say about the struggle — and sweetness — of raising teenagers.