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, Donna’s 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.
Defying Societal Norms and Embracing Motherhood
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 commenting, “You’re going to be so old [to] have a little toddler running around.”
Donna Mills on February 7, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
But Donna didn’t 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,” Donna explained.
Donna Mills on November 1, 1995 | Source: Getty Images
Before adopting Chloe, Donna’s 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 said.
The desire for a child became stronger as time went on, and she knew that her life wouldn’t 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.
Putting Career on Hold for 18 Years
After adopting Chloe, Donna made a profound decision that came as a surprise to 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 Chloe’s early years, she took on roles in television movies and brought her daughter along wherever she went. However, when Chloe started school, Donna realized she couldn’t continue her career at the same pace. “I wasn’t going to go out of town for two months at a time,” Donna explained. “I didn’t become a mother to give her to a nanny.”
Though stepping away from the career she had worked so hard to build was a major life change, Donna never regretted it. In fact, she encourages 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 wouldn’t 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, whether it was a school play, a tennis match, or any other activity. Reflecting on her decision, Donna says she couldn’t imagine doing it any other way. She wanted to experience everything with her daughter and give her all the love and attention she deserved.
Reflecting on this, Chloe herself has spoken about how her mother was always there for her, “Every activity I did, she was there.” Donna’s choice to be present for all of Chloe’s milestones built a strong and lasting bond between them, a connection that remains close to this day.
Donna and Chloe’s Close Bond
Over the three decades they have shared, Donna and her daughter Chloe Mills have built a deep, lasting bond. Despite Donna’s 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 never even watched her mother’s famous show, “Knots Landing.” “I think it’s weird to see mom on screen,” she said. Chloe didn’t follow in her mother’s footsteps as an actress either, choosing instead to forge her own path.
As of 2022, she was working as 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. Though she didn’t pursue acting, Chloe explored modeling, taking advantage of her striking looks and towering 5’10” height.
Fans often take to social media to praise Chloe’s beauty and height. Comments 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 Donna’s posts. Many fans also point out the pair’s 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, it was Chloe who suggested getting tattoos as a joke, to which Donna says, “I was like, ‘Okay. You get yours first. If you don’t faint from the pain, I’ll get one.'”
Donna and Chloe Mills, dated July 3, 2022 | Source: Instagram/thedonnamills
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, Donna’s role is evolving again — this time, into that of a grandmother. The excitement surrounding this new chapter is palpable, and Donna couldn’t be more thrilled to embrace it.
Donna’s Joy at Becoming a Grandmother
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 writing, “My baby girl is having a baby!! And we gave her the shower of her dreams. Can’t wait to meet the little guy. I know I’ll love him as much as I love her.”
Chloe’s partner, Travis Collings, will be the father of Donna’s 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.
