Estimated read time3 min read

  • Joanna Gaines delighted fans by sharing a nostalgic 2012 family photo of her four oldest children, sparking memories of simpler times and highlighting how much they've grown.
  • Drake now plays college baseball while studying business, Ella is pursuing interface design, and Duke continues to excel in baseball as he weighs his college options.
  • Emmie Kay, still in high school, helps run a small farm business selling eggs and produce, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit that Chip and Joanna have instilled in their children.

It’s no secret that Joanna Gaines cherishes her family—especially her children, who have been by her side through nearly every chapter of her remarkable journey. Over the years, Chip and Joanna have often credited their children as one of their greatest sources of inspiration.

The Magnolia mogul recently shared a heartwarming throwback on Instagram featuring her eldest four children piled into the back seat of what looks like the quintessential family minivan. With car seats, rolled-down windows, and Chip behind the wheel, the 2012-era snapshot perfectly captures a carefree family moment. At the time, Drake, Ella Rose, Emmie Kay, and Duke were all under five years old, smiling with their hair blowing in the breeze and blankets draped over their laps during an afternoon drive.

The sweet moment left fans practically drowning in nostalgia, with many reflecting on how their own families have grown over the years and longing for a return to those simpler times. One commenter wrote, “It goes by so fast!!!!” Another mused at the barely there age gaps between the children, writing, “I didn’t realize your kids were all so close in age 🥺 love this.”

Oh, isn’t it true—time really does fly. All four of the featured faces are now on the edge of adulthood. Here’s a look at where the eldest Gaines kids are now.

Drake Gaines

Many will remember seeing him long-haired and in his baseball uniform. Well, we’re happy to report that not too much has changed about Drake. Still sporting long locks, the now 21-year-old plays the outfield for the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor Crusaders while majoring in business entrepreneurship. Perhaps the star athlete will look to join the ranks at his parents' multimillion-dollar media brand.

Ella Rose

Ella’s following her own passion for design. Joanna put it on full display in late 2025 when she took to Instagram to reveal the teen’s first project, a cabin for her baby brother, Crew.

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With a design style that's darker, moodier, and bolder than her mom's signature aesthetic, it's clear Ella has developed a distinct eye for interiors. After spending time interning with the Magnolia team, she's now carving out her own path in New York City, where she's studying interface design at college.

Duke

This year has been full of milestone moments for the Gaines family's middle child. Duke, now 18, recently celebrated his high school prom—a special occasion that Joanna thoughtfully shared with fans on social media.

A baseball lover like his older brother, Duke plays as a left-handed pitcher for the Waco Storm. He hasn’t committed to a college team yet, but the baseball stats site Five Tool lists his graduation date as 2027, so he has a bit more time to decide.

Emmie Kay

Now 16, Emmie Kay is the family’s resident chicken caretaker. Her proud parents revealed that the teen runs a small food business out of their farm, telling People about how she and her brother Duke go door-to-door selling eggs and produce. She tends to lie a bit lower than her older siblings, but clearly, the entrepreneurial spirit runs in the family, and with that much love, she can tackle the world.

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