Brooke Shields, the iconic actress and model, is experiencing a bittersweet moment in her life as both of her daughters, Rowan and Grier, head off to college. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE magazine, the 59-year-old opened up about her emotional reaction to becoming an empty nester and the distinct personalities of her girls.
Brooke Shields’ Emotional Reaction to an Empty Nest
Shields, who has been married to comedy writer and director Chris Henchy since 2001, admitted that she is “terrified to be an empty nester.” The actress, known for her roles in films like “Blue Lagoon” and “Pretty Baby,” shared her worries about her daughters leaving home.
“I’m terrified!” Shields told PEOPLE. “I’m worried about me, just as much as I’m worried about her,” her younger daughter Grier, 18, joked in response.
Rowan, 21, who is a senior at Wake Forest University, where Grier will be joining as a freshman, also chimed in on her mother’s emotional state. “Feelings are fraught,” she said. “I mean, I’ve already done it, and she was a mess. I think she’s really busy now, which is good. Swamp her with work!”
Shields’ eldest daughter also joked, “Off the record, I’m hoping you and Dad rekindle the flame,” referring to her mother and Chris Henchy.
The actress took to Instagram on Monday, Aug. 26, to share an emotional video after dropping her daughters off at college. “It’s not easy for the moms. I mean, it’s just so weird. So weird that she’s not here,” Shields said in her Reel. “Anyway, it was really hard and then she started crying and then I really started crying and then I cried a good portion of the ride home. So anyway, I’m an empty nester.”
Brooke Shields’ Daughters: Rowan and Grier
Shields, who began her professional career at just 11 months old, has raised two daughters with distinct personalities. Rowan, the eldest, is described as having “golden retriever energy” and being “funny.” Grier, on the other hand, is likened to “an Abyssinian cat” who is “very poised” and “pristine and put together.”
Despite their differences, the sisters share a strong bond. Grier revealed that Rowan will always have her back, saying, “If I need her to have my back, she will.” Shields, who has a net worth of $40 million, is proud of the strong-willed young women her daughters have become.
“They’re both tough and strong-willed,” Shields said. “The world is not going to undo them.”
The Bittersweet Moment of Letting Go
As her daughters spread their wings and become their own people, Shields is experiencing a mix of emotions. “All of a sudden they are not yours anymore,” she said. “When you realize they are their own human beings, you get to meet them again.”
Shields explained that it’s like entering a new kind of relationship with her daughters. As a mother, she had protected them so that “they could become who they are.” Grier echoed this sentiment, saying that their mother now feels more like a friend who still disciplines them, adding, “I feel like we’re much closer.”
The actress also shared a humorous moment, remembering a time when she saw a 3-month-old baby and jokingly told her daughters, “The minute you get out of college, just give me one and I’m going to raise it.” However, her daughters were quick to respond, “Mom, that’s weird.”
Brooke Shields’ Impressive Career
Brooke Shields’ career began at a very young age. By the time she was 16, she was earning $10,000 a day and had become a Vogue cover model, making her the youngest model to appear on the famous magazine. Over the years, she has starred in films, TV shows, and has theater work on her resume, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Despite her impressive career, Shields has always prioritized her family. She has been married to Chris Henchy since 2001, and the couple shares two daughters, Rowan and Grier. The actress has been open about the challenges of balancing her career and motherhood, but she has always found a way to make it work.
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As Brooke Shields navigates the bittersweet transition of becoming an empty nester, she is surrounded by the love and support of her family. While she may be “terrified” of this new chapter, she can take comfort in knowing that she has raised two strong, independent daughters who will always have each other’s backs.
As Shields looks to the future, it will be interesting to see what she does next in her career. One thing is certain: she will always be a devoted mother, and her daughters will always hold a special place in her heart.
