Jon Gosselin’s ex Colleen Conrad is paying tribute to her ex’s son Collin Gosselin.
Conrad, who dated Jon from 2014 to 2021 following Jon’s split from Collin’s mom, Kate Gosselin, shared a touching Instagram post on Friday, October 23.
For the post, Conrad shared a series of images of herself and Collin over the years and reacted to the release of his memoir, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.
“When you came into my life, you had already been through more than any child should ever have to experience,” Conrad wrote. “I didn’t know what the years ahead would bring, but I knew I loved you and wanted you to feel safe, loved, and supported.”
Conrad continued to gush over Collin in the lengthy caption as shared that he played just as important of a role in her life as she did in his.
“Watching you grow into the man you are today has been one of the greatest joys of my life,” Conrad continued. “Listening to your book was incredibly emotional. It brought back beautiful memories, but also painful ones. I was going through breast cancer, the end of my relationship with your dad, and so many changes in my own life.”
She added, “Through it all, there was a teenage boy who needed me. And what you may never fully realize is how much I needed you, too. We helped each other through some incredibly difficult times.”
Conrad noted she felt incredibly emotional when reading Collin’s tribute to her in the memoir. She went on to emphasize the love she will always have for Collin and vowed to always be there for him no matter what.
“As proud as I am of your book, I’m even prouder of the man you’ve become. No matter how old you get or where life takes you, I will always be your mom,” she wrote. “I will always love you and cheer you on. Congratulations, Collin. You deserve all the happiness and success life has to offer. Love you always. ❤️.”
In his book, Collin details growing up with his seven siblings — twins Mady and Cara, now 26, and fellow sextuplets Joel, Aeden, Hannah, Alexis and Leah, now 22 — and the abuse he allegedly endured from his mother, Kate. (Kate has long denied any allegations of abuse, neglect or wrongdoing.)
Taking to the comments section of Conrad’s Instagram post, Collin responded to her heartfelt words.
“I love you ❤️ I loved that you say you needed me too. It just shows how meant to be everything was. If I could’ve gone through all the hard things again I’d gladly do it, because it led me to you,” he wrote. “You’re kind, loving, funny and you love in a way that a real mother should. I’ll forever be grateful to have you in my life. Thank you for listening, showing up, and never giving up on that young, broken, hurting little boy who didn’t believe in himself. Sometimes all we need is to know our mom believes in us and it gives us enough faith in ourselves ❤️❤️.”
