Pioneer Woman star Ree Drummond recently shared a heartfelt moment about life as an empty nester. On October 13, the beloved Food Network chef took to social media to post a picture with her youngest son, Todd Drummond, during a visit to his college. The photo perfectly captured the bittersweet emotions that come with watching your children grow up and start their own lives. Let’s dive into what Ree had to say about this poignant chapter in her life.
In the caption of the photo, Ree humorously described her expression as the “classic goofy, dreamy, I-get-to-see-my-kid-for-two-whole-hours empty nest sad-but-happy mom smile.” She went on to say, “Let me know if you get it. (I love you, Todd.)” This candid admission resonated with many parents who understand the delicate balance between joy and sadness that comes with raising kids and letting them go. It’s that universal feeling that makes Ree’s words so relatable.
Todd, now 19 years old, is a college football player at the University of South Dakota. To catch a glimpse of their youngest child in action, Ree, 54, and her husband, Ladd Drummond, embarked on an eight-hour road trip from their home in Oklahoma. The journey was worth every mile, but returning home afterward brought its own set of emotions. “Life is weird these days,” Ree reflected in a Facebook post back in April. She noted how the house feels lighter, with less laundry and much more quiet—a subtle yet profound shift in their family dynamic.
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Adjusting to Life Without Todd
Ree joked about how she expected to find herself wandering around the house, peeking under cushions and pillows for signs of Todd—like granola bar wrappers or sweaty socks. These small, seemingly insignificant details highlight just how much her son’s presence filled their daily lives. Even though he’s no longer living under their roof, his impact remains deeply felt in the day-to-day moments that now feel slightly emptier.
A Growing Family Legacy
In addition to Todd, Ree and Ladd are proud parents to Alex, Bryce, Paige, and their foster son, Jamar. Just recently, they celebrated Jamar’s 21st birthday on October 7. Ree took to Instagram to honor him, writing, “With Jamar, there’s a whole universe going on in that mind and heart and soul of his.” She expressed her excitement about witnessing his future unfold, imagining where he’ll be in five, ten, or even twenty years. “I can’t wait to watch his future unfold,” she said. “I know it will be filled with good things. I love you, Jamar!!”
New Beginnings on the Ranch
After their kids moved out, Ree and Ladd decided to embark on a new adventure: renovating a home on their Oklahoma ranch property. Ree has been sharing sneak peeks of this project on her Instagram page, offering fans a glimpse into her dream house. In one video posted on August 19, she described their new living room, saying, “Ladd and I sit up here in brief spurts and talk about the kids, the weather, and what the next couple of days look like.” Whether it’s coffee in the morning or wine in the evening, the couple enjoys their downtime together. As Ree joked, “Just call us mother and daddy, hopefully, the stairs won’t give us trouble for a few years.”
