Halle Berry recently expressed her thoughts on her daughter Nahla Aubry beginning her college experience, sharing her enthusiasm during a special appearance on Today’s Jenna & Friends. The discussion offered insight into Berry’s mindset as Nahla prepares for a summer program that marks a major step towards college life, a pivotal moment for both mother and daughter.
Berry Opens Up About Nahla’s College Ambitions
The Oscar-winning actress sat down with Jenna Bush Hager on Wednesday, June 4, to co-host Today’s Jenna & Friends, where she spoke candidly about her daughter Nahla’s path to independence. Berry shares 17-year-old Nahla with her former partner Gabriel Aubry, and the upcoming shift as Nahla leaves home has had a significant impact on her. Berry explained that Nahla would be attending a college summer program at the institution she aspires to join full-time next year.
“She’s 17. She’s going to a college summer program, the college that she’s hoping to go to next year,”
—Halle Berry, Actress
Berry went on to confirm Nahla’s immediate plans.
“She’s going away this year to the college summer program.”
—Halle Berry, Actress
Mixed Emotions on a Major Family Transition
Jenna Bush Hager, reflecting on the emotional nature of this transition, asked Berry if she found the experience overwhelming.
“So you’re almost there! Is that wild?”
—Jenna Bush Hager, Host
Berry responded by highlighting her unique perspective as a parent facing an emptying nest.
“It is, but I’m not one of these moms that feels like, ‘Oh, she’s leaving.’ Yes, will I worry? Of course,”
—Halle Berry, Actress
She continued to describe her excitement about what comes next for her daughter:
“But am I excited for her to start her life and figure out who she’s gonna be? Absolutey. I’m dying to see who she’s gonna be and what she’s gonna do and what she’ll discover.”
—Halle Berry, Actress
Family Connections and Recent Events
Nahla is Berry’s child with Gabriel Aubry, whom she was with from 2005 to 2010. Berry also has a son, Maceo-Robert, with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. The actress’s experiences as a mother of two, each at different life stages, informed her feelings during this new family chapter.
In a separate recent public moment, Berry made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival, where she attended the premiere of Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme. The Oscar winner’s bold outfit, a floral Chanel jacket with a lacy black bra, drew attention amid the festival’s updated dress code. The Cannes guidelines this year outlined stricter rules:
“For decency reasons, nudity is prohibited on the red carpet, as well as in any other area of the festival. Voluminous outfits, in particular those with a large train, that hinder the proper flow of traffic of guests and complicate seating in the theater are not permitted,”
—Cannes Film Festival Statement
Additionally,
“The festival welcoming teams will be obligated to prohibit red carpet access to anyone not respecting these rules.”
—Cannes Film Festival Statement
What Lies Ahead for Berry and Her Daughter
Halle Berry’s reflections on Nahla’s transition to college life highlight both the anxieties and excitement many parents experience as their children move toward adulthood. With Nahla embarking on a summer college program and Berry eager to witness her growth, this phase marks the start of new opportunities for both. The close family bond, including connections to Gabriel Aubry and younger brother Maceo-Robert, remains a cornerstone during this important period. As Berry continues her public and personal life, her approach to parenting through change may offer reassurance to others facing similar milestones.
