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The Build Series presents Joanna Gaines to discuss the new book "The Magnolia Story" at AOL HQ on October 19, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Mireya Acierto/FilmMagic)© Mireya Acierto

Joanna Gaines gives update on son Drake's return home as she admits she 'lost it' over his move away

The former HGTV star and Magnolia founder shares five kids with her husband Chip Gaines

Beatriz Colon
Beatriz Colon - New York
New York WriterNew York
June 17, 2024
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Joanna Gaines is trying to keep it cool now that her eldest son Drake has come back home for the summer.

Last year, the former HGTV star was candid about what an emotional transition it was to see Drake become the first of her five kids with Chip Gaines to leave for college, when he enrolled at Baylor University, not far from the family's home in Waco, Texas.

In addition to Drake, the Magnolia founders, who recently celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary, also share kids Ella Rose, 17, Emmie Kay, 14, and Crew, five.

Recommended videoYou may also likeJoanna Gaines shares rare video featuring five kids in tribute to Chip Gaines

During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show on Monday, June 17, after host Kelly Clarkson asked about Drake's return home following his first year away, Joanna gave a sweet, and relatable, update.

"He is going into his second year, he's home for the summer," she shared, before admitting: "I mean, I lost it last year."

She then joked: "This year, even for the summer, I'm trying to play it cool like, 'You gonna be home tonight or...?' Just you know, so he doesn't think I'm like, obsessed."

Joanna and Chip Gaines' sons Crew and Drake seen at the latter's high school graduation© Instagram
Drake with his youngest brother Crew at his high school graduation

"He's home for the summer and my favorite thing to do is cook for these kiddos," she went on, and as she looked back on Drake's departure, and noted that she's not "really an emotional person," Chip quipped: "When you got emotional, I didn't know what to do with it."

MORE: Joanna and Chip Gaines reflect on their five kids' lives in the spotlight for over a decade as youngest prepares for new chapter

MORE: Joanna Gaines reveals son Duke's bittersweet milestone in rare family video: 'Makes mama cry'

"I just cried in the quiet, nobody knew, but I'm better, I mean, it took a year," Joanna further joked.

Photo shared by Joanna Gaines on Instagram in honor of Father's Day 2024 of her husband Chip Gaines with their three sons© Instagram
The Gaines have three sons and two daughters

Ahead of Drake's departure for college last year, Joanna penned an essay for her Magnolia Journal magazine reflecting on the difficult transition. 

MORE: Joanna Gaines shares radiant selfie with rarely-seen children from sweet family outing

Photo shared by Joanna Gaines on Instagram May 26 of her son Duke, 16, getting his driver's license© Instagram
The couple's middle son Duke recently celebrated his 16th birthday and passed his driver's license test

"Soon, our oldest son, Drake, will be leaving home for college. In the grand scheme of heartbreaking things, this one comes with a lot of gratitude and excitement," she said at the time.

MORE: Joanna Gaines looks so striking in figure-hugging dress for extra special date night with husband Chip Gaines

Photo shared by Joanna Gaines on Instagram June 2024 with her husband Chip Gaines commemorating their 21st anniversary in NYC.© Instagram
They celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in June

"But still, my first child is moving away," she continued, noting: "And our family dynamic will change because of it, and that can feel like a loss of its own."

"I catch glimpses now of what that life will look like and wonder if — or how many times — that might bring me to the floor."

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