Donna Mills always followed her own path, both in Hollywood and in life. At 54, she made a life-changing decision to become a mother, ignoring those who doubted her ability to handle motherhood at that age. Now, three decades later, she proudly looks forward to becoming a grandmother.
For years, Donna Mills was a fixture in Hollywood, known for her roles on hit TV shows and her dedication to her craft. However, she had a deeper longing that led her to step away from the career she had built and embrace motherhood at a time when many considered it too late.
Donna Mills at age 54, on March 31, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Though the decision raised eyebrows, Donnas determination never wavered. Her child became the center of her world, and she has cherished motherhood above all roles.
As life comes full circle, Donna stands on the brink of becoming a grandma. Her journey is one of determination, love, and breaking societal expectations.
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When Donna decided to adopt her daughter, Chloe, at 54, she faced widespread skepticism. Many believed she was too old to take on the responsibilities of raising a child, with people often , “Youre going to be so old [to] have a little toddler running around.”
Donna Mills on February 7, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
But Donna didnt let these doubts deter her. Despite the criticism, she was confident that she could do it. “I never felt older than the other mothers who were probably in their 20s,” she explained.
Donna Mills on November 1, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Before adopting Chloe, Donnas life was deeply focused on her acting career. She had made a name for herself in Hollywood, with roles on shows like “Knots Landing,” but despite her success, something was missing. “I was jealous every time I saw a kid run up to its mom and go mommy, mommy!” Donna once confessed.
The desire for a child became stronger with time, and she knew her life wouldnt be complete without one. “As wonderful as my career was, as wonderful as my life was, there was a big hole,” she explained.
So, when Chloe came into her life at just four days old, Donna embraced her role as a mother without hesitation. “I wanted to experience everything you do with a child. I never felt like it was too much for me, never,” she once stated.
This decision would ultimately shape the next two decades of her life, as she prioritized her daughter above all else.
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After adopting Chloe, Donna made a profound decision that surprised many. She stepped away from her successful acting career for 18 years to focus entirely on being a mother. Initially, Donna found a balance between work and parenting.
During Chloes early years, she accepted roles in television movies and took her daughter wherever she went. However, when Chloe started school, Donna realized she couldnt continue her career at the same pace.
“I wasnt going to go out of town for two months at a time,” Donna explained. “I didnt become a mother to give her to a nanny.”
Though stepping away from the career she had worked hard to build was a major life change, Donna never regretted it. She has even encouraged others to consider waiting to have children later in life, sharing her belief that it allowed her to be more present and focused as a mother.
“If you want to give to your career, I say having a child later in life is better than having a child early,” she advised. For Donna, her choice to adopt Chloe at 54 allowed her to give motherhood her undivided attention, something she felt wouldnt have been possible earlier in her career.
During those 18 years, Donna was always there for her daughter. She attended every school event that mattered to Chloe, from a school play to a tennis match or any other activity.
Reflecting on her decision, Donna says she couldnt imagine doing it any other way. She wanted to experience everything with her daughter and give her all the love and attention she deserved.
Chloe also spoke about how her mother was always there for her, “Every activity I did, she was there.” Donnas choice to be present for all of Chloes milestones built a strong and lasting bond between them, a connection that remains close to this day.
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Over the three decades they have shared, Donna and her daughter Chloe Mills have built a deep, lasting bond. Despite Donnas fame, Chloe grew up with a sense of normalcy, largely due to the hands-on parenting Donna embraced. She prioritized Chloe over everything else, building a relationship grounded in love, trust, and constant support.
Growing up with a famous mother, Chloe could have easily been drawn into the Hollywood limelight. Yet, Donna shielded her from the pressures of her acting career, ensuring Chloe experienced a grounded upbringing.
When she was 27, Chloe admitted that she had not watched her mothers famous show, “Knots Landing.” “I think its weird to see mom on screen,” she said. Chloe didnt follow in her mothers footsteps as an actress either, choosing instead to forge her own path.
As of 2022, she was an executive at the members-only SoHo House in Malibu, a venue known for its exclusive clientele, including celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, Jennifer Lopez, and Megan Fox.
Chloe thrived in her role, expressing her love for interacting with people and making them feel welcome. Chloe has also explored modeling, taking advantage of her striking looks and towering 510″ height.
Fans often take to social media to praise Chloes beauty and height. like, “She is so tall,” “Your daughter should be on the runway,” “She is gorgeous,” “Tall and stunning,” and “Your daughter has grown up beautifully,” flood Donnas posts. Many fans also point out the pairs good looks, with some saying, “Both beautiful!” and “You look fantastic.”
Beyond the public admiration, Donna and Chloe share an intimate bond symbolized by their matching tattoos. Interestingly, Chloe had suggested getting tattoos as a joke, to which Donna said, “I was like, Okay. You get yours first. If you dont faint from the pain, Ill get one.”
Donna and Chloe Mills, dated July 3, 2022 | Source: Instagram/thedonnamills
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Donna kept her word, and they both got matching heart tattoos, a mark of their deep connection. Now, as Chloe embarks on her journey into motherhood, Donnas role is evolving again — this time, into that of a grandmother. The excitement surrounding this new chapter is palpable, and Donna couldnt be more thrilled to embrace it.
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After devoting herself to motherhood for decades, Donna is now set to welcome her first grandchild. On October 27, 2024, a beautiful baby shower was held for Chloe, 30, celebrating the upcoming arrival of her son.
Donna shared the happy occasion with her fans, posting pictures from the event and wrote, “My baby girl is having a baby!! And we gave her the shower of her dreams. Cant wait to meet the little guy. I know Ill love him as much as I love her.”
Chloes partner, Travis Collings, will be the father of Donnas first grandchild. While the couple has kept most of their relationship private, they have shared glimpses of their excitement about starting a family together.
Donna Mills, too, looks forward to this next chapter, knowing the profound bond she built with Chloe will now extend to the next generation.