Joanna Gaines often talks about her five children and their various milestones, but rarely shares photos of them on social media.
However, on Sunday May 25, the Fixer Upper star took to Instagram to post a rare video featuring her oldest daughter Ella, 18, during a very special occasion.
The proud mom couldn't resist sharing footage of the teenager during her graduation from high school - which looked to be a fun evening for all! Ella looked stylish in a red pair of high heels, which coordinated with the school's red and blue color theme.
© Chip GainesWhile Ella's face was shielded throughout the clip to protect her privacy, footage of her hugging her mom, along with her walking up on stage to collect her certificate, were all included in the montage.
In the caption, Joanna simply wrote: "So very proud," alongside a series of red and blue love heart emojis and a welling up eye emoji.
© InstagramWhile Joanna was happy for Ella, she recently admitted that she was feeling sad about her daughter's upcoming graduation, as it meant that it was one step closer to her flying the nest and leaving home to attend college.
Earlier in May, the HGTV star posted a poignant message on Instagram referencing the upcoming departure, and described the situation as both tense and beautiful.
© InstagramReflecting on Ella's graduation from high school which is just around the corner, she wrote: "The songbird must be so proud. She created a home and nurtured her babies and then ushered them to fly towards the big blue skies.
Joanna Gaines: 5 surprising facts
© Getty Images1. Invisible string theory
Many fans believe Joanna met Chip while attending Baylor University, Texas. However, they never crossed paths since they graduated at different times. It wasn't until 2001, when Joanna worked at her dad's Firestone Tire shop, that Chip fell in love after seeing a photo of her. He then made excuses to turn up at the store and eventually, the pair began dating.
2. Farmyard lifestyle
Joanna and her husband live on a 40-acre farm in Texas, with their five children and over 60 farm animals including goats, chickens, and cows.
3. Magnolia magic
Their interior design brand was inspired by a memorable moment when Joanna climbed a magnolia tree on one of their early dates.
4. Children's author
In 2025, Joanna released a children's book called The World Needs the Wonder You See which takes young readers on an imaginative adventure through nature. She has also published two other children's books: We Are the Gardeners (2019) and The World Needs Who You Were (2020).
5. Gymnast days
The designer used to be a gymnast and has shared posts on social media of her practising gymnastic moves with her daughter.
"Praying for all you mamas who are planning and prepping for graduation. We did our very best. They will soar. May we hold gratitude for all that was and carry hope for all that's to come. Oh the tension and beauty in holding and letting go."
© InstagramJoanna has been referencing Ella's departure from home a lot on social media over the past few months, including her very last prom.
Joanna and husband Chip Gaines are also parents to Drake, 20, Duke, 16, Emmie, 15, and six-year-old Crew.
© Getty ImagesJoanna recently opened up about how she was preparing for Ella leaving home in an interview with People. She said: "How do I prepare my own heart for it? It's like you're losing the one that you go on the weekends to get coffee with and shop at the antique stores. I'm like, 'Where's my friend going?'"
Knowing that her children are growing up quickly and won't be living at home forever, Joanna went on to tell the publication that she was making a "conscious decision" to create special memories with her family while they are all together.
