Julia Roberts recently shared her feelings about experiencing the transition to an empty nest, as her twins Hazel and Phinnaeus, both 20, and her son Henry, 18, have moved out of the family home. During her October 1 interview with Stephen Colbert, she addressed how this new chapter feels while emphasizing the joy in watching her children grow independent.
Adjusting to an Empty Nest with Optimism
Roberts admitted she hesitated to discuss her emotions about her children leaving home because she didn’t want to start the conversation on a tearful note. She told Colbert,
“I don’t know if sobbing now is the best jumping off point to our interview.”
The actress and her husband, Danny Moder, who married in 2002 after meeting on the set of The Mexican, are embracing this stage with excitement.
She expressed the positive aspects of parenting adult children, saying,
“It’s all fun, honestly, it is all so delicious.”
Yet, she also confessed she’s not quite ready to spend extended periods apart from her kids.
“I love hanging out with them and spending time with them,”
she noted, adding,
“Fortunately, we have had lots of visits along the way [to] this empty nest.”
A Close-Knit Family Despite Changes
Julia expressed deep admiration for her children, stating,
“I know everyone thinks their kids are great. Well, my kids are great.”
She also believes the feeling is mutual, sharing,
“I think they do, they indicate that.”
The family remains connected despite the distance, exemplified by occasional visits and shared moments.
Private Life Glimpses Through Social Media
Although Roberts and Moder tend to keep their family life private, Danny Moder has occasionally offered fans a glimpse of their children. In August, he posted a slow-motion video of Phinnaeus showcasing his skateboarding skills at a local skate park, captioning it, “who likes Butter?” Earlier in May, to celebrate Mother’s Day, Danny shared a rare photo of Julia with all three children enjoying time together outdoors, adding,
“Mothers make the coolest stuff, love these guys.”
Looking Ahead to Life Beyond Parenting
As Julia Roberts adjusts to her new role as a mother to grown children living independently, she and Danny Moder appear to be enjoying the freedom of this period while cherishing continued family connections. This phase marks a hopeful and optimistic shift, highlighting the ongoing bond between parents and their adult children as they navigate life’s new rhythms.
