Celebrity Parents’ Most Emotional Moments from Dropping Their Kids Off at College

Brooke Shields

Brooke Shields shared an emotional video to Instagram following the drop off of both of her daughters, declaring that she was now an empty nester.

“I sat here a year ago and I watched my big girl leave and I’m back on this porch and I am now officially an empty nester,” the mom of two said tearfully. “And my little girl, she was just — they were just so… they’re together at least, but it’s really not easy for the moms.”

“I mean, it’s just so weird,” she continues, wiping her eyes. “So weird that she’s not here. Anyway, it was really hard and then she started crying, then I really started crying and then I cried a good portion of the ride home.”

Shields shares her two daughters, Grier and Rowan, with husband Chris Henchy.

Teresa Giudice

Teresa Giudice shared a tearful goodbye with her 18-year-old daughter Milania as she kicks off her freshman year at the University of Tampa.

The mom of four shared a roundup of photos from move-in that included a look at Milania’s new dorm room as well as the teen tearing up as she hugs her mom and stepdad, Luis Ruelas.

“And she’s off♥️ leaving you this morning; I know you will do amazing things and make Mommy so proud at the University of Tampa,” Giudice, who shares her four daughters with ex-husband Joe Giudice, wrote. “Today is the start of a new, exciting chapter! I love you so much and can’t wait to watch everything you accomplish over these next four years♥️♥️”

Al Roker & Deborah Roberts

Both Al Roker and Deborah Roberts shared sweet tributes to their son Nick after dropping him off for his junior year of college.

“Well, that’s that. Move in, done. Nest is empty again. Certainly not as bad as year one. Yet, our hearts are sagging a bit,” the mom of two wrote alongside a carousel of images from move-in. “But his smile ensures that we will all be ok. Here’s to a great junior year, Nick.”

Roker shared his pride for his youngest child as well, writing on Instagram: “Dropped Nick off this afternoon. Hard to believe we have a college junior!! House is a little too quiet”

Sunny Hostin

Sunny Hostin’s proud to be a Cornell mom — even if that means having to deal with the heartache of saying goodbye to her babies! The TV star posted a carousel of photos ranging from smiling to tear-stained, with the caption, “I’ve been a little absent from social media trying to wrap my brain around being an empty nester and letting the birds fly. But I’m so proud of Paloma and her brother. GOOD people who will do great things in this world. I will miss seeing them every day tho.”

Joanna Gaines

Chip and Joanna Gaines might be experts in home design and renovating — and as they raise five children, they’re well-versed in all the highs, lows and milestones that come along with parenting too.

In early August, Joanna shared a sweet photo to Instagram hugging the couple’s oldest son, Drake, as he kicked off his sophomore year of college.

“Second year in college… saying goodbye doesn’t get easier,” the mom of five wrote.
“Lots of love to all the parents sending their kids off to school this season 🤍”

Guy Fieri

Guy Fieri shared a glimpse into his weekend moving in his youngest son, Ryder, into his new dorm at San Diego State University. Alongside a carousel of photos and videos shared to Instagram, the dad of two wrote “It hasn’t fully hit us yet, but not seeing him everyday is gonna be hard.”

In addition, Fieri shared that his son’s new roommate had a familiar name: Hunter — the same name as Fieri’s older son.

“So proud of you Ryder,” he concluded the sweet post. “Good luck!!”

Lara Spencer

After delivering her senior and sophomore to college, Lara Spencer had another challenge after that dreaded drop-off: A flight delay.

“It was hard to say goodbye to my baby at college drop off, then stressful to have flight cancelled with no other flights available for the night…. BUT if we moms have to be stranded-there’s no place we would rather do it,” she wrote.