Joanna Gaines’ Emotional Post About Sending Her Son Off to College

It’s officially back-to-school season, which means parents are finally basking in their empty nests. Or in Joanna Gaines’s case, feeling emotional.

On August 8, the TV personality posted a sweet photo of her hugging her oldest son, Drake, goodbye before he went off to his second year of college. Her caption read, “Second year in college… saying goodbye doesn’t get easier. Lots of love to all the parents sending their kids off to school this season.”

Other parents shared the same sentiments in the comments with one writing, “Did that MANY years ago. Still choke up thinking about it. Hardest part in being a parent…letting them fly.”

In June, during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Gaines revealed she’s not really an emotional person, but absolutely lost it when her 19-year-old left for his first year last fall. She even joked that she was trying not to hover while he was home for the summer.

“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,” she stated.

Technically, Gaines’s nest isn’t completely empty as she has four other mini-mes (plus, Chip) to keep her company. The Gaines family even went on a stunning tropical vacay before saying goodbye to Drake. Days before her goodbye post, the 46-year-old shared an envy-worthy video of the Gaines clan in St. Lucia soaking in the Caribbean sun. Talk about the perfect send-off.

Have a great year, Drake!

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