Giada and her daughter holding letters with warm light from window and wooden desk and a map of the United States behind them

Giada De Laurentiis Reflects on Daughter’s College Transition

At a Glance

  • Giada De Laurentiis attended the world premiere of Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir on January 20, 2026.
  • She shared emotions about her daughter Jade heading to college in the fall.
  • Giada plans to stay close to Jade while embracing a new chapter in her life.

Giada De Laurentiis attended the world premiere of Infinite Icon: A Visual Memoir at AMC The Grove 14 in Los Angeles on January 20, 2026. While the film celebrated her family’s legacy, the celebrity chef used the event as a backdrop to discuss the upcoming transition of her 17-year-old daughter, Jade, into college life.

World Premiere Highlights

The premiere drew a mix of fans and industry insiders. De Laurentiis was photographed alongside Jade, holding a program that highlighted the film’s exploration of family and identity. The event, credited to Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic, showcased the couple’s bond and the broader narrative of Infinite Icon. The setting also provided a moment for De Laurentiis to reflect on the past 18 years of motherhood.

College Transition

Giada said, “I think it’s going to be a whole new chapter in my life,” the celebrity chef told News Of Los Angeles. The statement came as Jade prepares to start her freshman year at New York University. “That moment of being a mom is sort of done,” Giada explained. “I’m not done, but she goes to college, so I’m not here day-to-day the way that it has been for 18 years, and so that’s a huge change.”

She described the shift as both exciting and emotional. “It’s really exciting, but I think it’s also incredibly emotional because everything I do with her I feel like is one of the last times I’m going to do it in this way,” she added. She noted that while Jade will still visit for holidays, the daily routines will differ. “They don’t live in your house anymore,” Giada said. “She may never live in my house again.”

The chef also mentioned future plans: “She’s going to NYU and I have an apartment in New York and I’m thinking of buying a house somewhere outside the city, maybe in the Hamptons, just so it doesn’t look like I’m going to hang out with her, looking to hang out with her, but I’m there in case she needs anything.”

Future Plans

Giada’s strategy involves maintaining proximity while respecting Jade’s growing independence. She intends to purchase a home outside Manhattan to avoid appearing overly involved, yet she remains ready to support her daughter. “I only have one kid, so I’m one and done,” she said. The plan reflects a balance between autonomy and support that many parents face as their children transition to college.

Mother-Daughter Collaboration

Despite the changing dynamics, the pair continues to collaborate creatively. They filmed a new YouTube series, Everyday Giada, where the mother-daughter duo shares recipes and life moments. “To be honest, I only do it because of her,” Giada said. “She really inspires me to take more risks. I’m not a big risk-taker, I will tell you. I’m very comfortable in my regular life, and I don’t love a lot of attention. She loves attention.”

The series showcases how Jade’s presence encourages Giada to embrace spontaneity. “She makes me see the fun side of things,” Giada added. “Sometimes we get jaded in our lives, and so she really helps me to see the fun side of life.”

Giada De Laurentiis standing before NYU campus with Jade's backpack and books near her reflecting on college transition with

Takeaways

  • Giada De Laurentiis is navigating a pivotal life change as her daughter enters college.
  • She plans to remain close while giving Jade space, balancing support with independence.
  • Their joint YouTube project demonstrates how family bonds can evolve into creative collaboration.

Author

  • My name is Sophia A. Reynolds, and I cover business, finance, and economic news in Los Angeles.

    Sophia A. Reynolds is a Neighborhoods Reporter for News of Los Angeles, covering hyperlocal stories often missed by metro news. With a background in bilingual community reporting, she focuses on tenants, street vendors, and grassroots groups shaping life across LA’s neighborhoods.

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