Growing Up Magnolia: Where Joanna Gaines' Kids Are Now In 2026
As Chip and Joanna Gaines continue to expand their Waco-based lifestyle empire, fans are increasingly curious about the next generation of the Magnolia family. The Fixer Upper stars have raised their five children under a unique spotlight, balancing massive global fame with a grounded, screen-free life on their Texas farm. As of August 2026, the family dynamics are shifting rapidly as the older siblings transition into adulthood and college life.
| Child | Current Age (2026) | Primary Focus & Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Drake Gaines | 21 | College senior; focusing on media production |
| Ella Rose Gaines | 19 | University student; exploring design and business |
| Duke Gaines | 18 | High school graduate; pursuing outdoor and trade interests |
| Emmie Kay Gaines | 16 | High school student; active in horse-riding and baking |
| Crew Gaines | 8 | Elementary school; the active center of the Waco farm |
From Waco Farmhouse to the College Dorms
The transition from a bustling household to a quiet farmhouse has been a major theme for Joanna Gaines in recent years. Her oldest son, Drake, left for college in the fall of 2023, a milestone that Joanna openly admitted was an emotional turning point. Now 21, Drake is finishing his university education, reportedly focusing on film and media production behind the scenes.
Following close behind him is Ella Rose, now 19, who has inherited her mother's eye for design and styling. Ella has been quietly pursuing her own higher education while occasionally assisting with Magnolia merchandising projects. With Duke turning 18 and graduating high school this year, the empty-nest reality is officially setting in for Chip and Joanna, leaving a much quieter household than fans remember from the early days of HGTV.
Privacy, Screen-Free Boundaries, and Public Life
Despite their parents' status as household names, Joanna Gaines' kids have maintained an incredibly private lifestyle. Chip and Joanna have famously enforced a "no television" rule in their home, encouraging their children to spend their free time outdoors, cooking, or working on the family farm. This parenting style has kept the siblings grounded and largely out of the Hollywood spotlight.
Social media presence for the children remains highly restricted. While Joanna occasionally shares sweet milestones on her official Instagram page, she rarely posts real-time updates of the teenagers. Fans who want to keep up with the family's journey can find curated updates in the quarterly Magnolia Journal or during occasional guest appearances on the Magnolia Network.
Joanna Gaines Reveals Her Kids' Major Milestones Are Bittersweet
Navigating the Empty Nest and the Next Generation of Magnolia
With three of their five children now entering young adulthood, Chip and Joanna are entering a brand-new phase of parenthood. The couple's youngest son, Crew, who is now 8 years old, remains the primary focus at the Waco farmhouse. Crew frequently appears in Joanna's gardening and baking posts, keeping the youthful energy alive on the property.
The future of the Magnolia brand will likely involve the Gaines children as they complete their educations. While Chip and Joanna have never pressured their kids to join the family business, the creative influences of their upbringing are undeniable. Whether they choose to step in front of the camera or run the business operations from behind the scenes, the legacy of Joanna Gaines' kids is poised to shape the future of Magnolia for decades to come.
