Joanna Gaines laid out her older sons’ romantic lives and a stark household divide over teenage dating during an appearance on Kylie Kelce’s podcast, Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce.
Brothers With Girlfriends Contrast With Reluctant Sisters
The conversation on the podcast turned toward the realities of raising older teenagers and young adults. Joanna and Chip Gaines, known for their work on Fixer Upper and various business endeavors, balance multiple projects alongside their family life.
Chip and Joanna share five children ranging in age from 21 to 8, and have been married since 2003.
While discussing how their household handles romance, Joanna noted a distinct split between her children’s approaches.
“My boys, they have their girlfriends. My girls are kind of like, they’re a little more like me where they’re just like, when it needs to happen, it’ll happen,” Joanna said on the podcast.
Chip Gaines Pushes 16-Year-Old Emmie Kay to Date
Chip has taken a more proactive stance with their teenage daughter.
“He’s like telling my 16-year-old, ‘Okay, I need you to start experimenting. Like, let’s go on dates with boy[s]…’ And I’m like, ‘Experimenting? No. She’s 16 years old.’ But he’s like, ‘You just need to learn.’ And I get it. Learn to talk to boys. Like, go on dates. He is very much an encourager of putting yourself out there,” Joanna explained.
A Family Snapshot of Romance and Ages
The family dynamic breaks down across specific ages and parental philosophies:
| Child | Age | Parental Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Drake | 21 | Has a girlfriend |
| Duke | 18 | Has a girlfriend |
| Emmie Kay | 16 | Encouraged by Chip to date and talk to boys |
Two Decades of Marriage Bring New Contrasts
Beyond parenting older teenagers, Joanna shared how her relationship with Chip has evolved after more than twenty years of marriage. The couple wed in 2003 and continue to manage joint business ventures and television projects.
“We’re moving into the season of every year he’s turning a little more introverted, and I’m turning a little more extroverted,” Joanna said.
“He’s turning a little more risk-averse, and I’m like a monster. I’m like, ‘Chip, we’re just getting started.’ He’s like, ‘No, we’re retiring.’ It’s like dating all over again getting to know each other.”
Joanna Denies Pregnancy Rumors Sparked by Chip
Despite Chip’s thoughts on retirement, Joanna clarified his stance on expanding their family. She mentioned that Chip has occasionally told loved ones that she is pregnant again.
“And just for the record, I’m not,” she said, adding that “He’s like trying to speak it out into the universe.”
