Christie Brinkley shares how she keeps her three adult children coming home
Christie Brinkley Emphasizes Family and Simplicity Amid New Film Release
Maine – Supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley, 72, is reminding audiences that the most enduring stories are those about home, family, and the simple pleasures that bring people together. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital and her appearance in the film American Summer, Brinkley highlighted how her own life has shaped the values portrayed on screen.
The movie, which debuted in theaters on September 4, stars Brinkley alongside actor Steve Guttenberg. Guttenberg’s character reflects on a formative childhood summer that includes baseball, first love, and the absence of his father, who was serving overseas with the U.S. Army. The film is billed as a “feel‑good tribute to simpler times and family connections,” themes that Brinkley says mirror her personal philosophy.
Family at the Center of Brinkley’s Life
Brinkley spoke candidly about the importance of family, describing herself as “all about family” and explaining that she has built a home that welcomes her children whenever they return. “I want them independent, living, doing whatever, but they always tend to come home on weekends and holidays,” she said. “We all really are big on being together, and I love that.”
The supermodel’s three adult children—Alexa Ray Joel, 40; Jack Paris Brinkley‑Cook, 31; and Sailor Brinkley‑Cook, 28—are frequent subjects in her public image, often appearing with her at red‑carpet events or in coordinated fashion shoots. Brinkley emphasized that their close bond was intentional and rooted in the example set by her own parents.
The interview also touched on the impact of losing both parents in 2012, a year in which her father, Don Brinkley, died on July 14 and her mother, Marge Brinkley, on September 9. “I have always cherished my family time,” she said. “And I think once you lose both of your parents, it becomes more precious because you know that there is a finite time to it.” She added that she is often “choked up” when she speaks about them, underscoring the deep emotional resonance of that period.
A Shared Understanding with Guttenberg
Guttenberg, who has personally cared for his father with kidney failure and learned to administer dialysis at home, found the discussion about Brinkley’s family background relatable. “I remember you telling me about your mom and dad, Christie, that you had a little house on your property, and they lived near you, right? Isn’t that wonderful? How lucky you were and are to have them right there,” he remarked. Brinkley responded that her parents were always ready to be there for her, providing “good times, bad times, they were always there,” and that their support had shaped her happiest moments.
The Film’s Message Beyond the Screen
Brinkley believes that audiences today are craving narratives that celebrate family ties. “People want to put down their phone and speak to another human face to face,” she said. “This story takes us back before there were cell phones. And I think that we’re going to find people now putting down their cell phones more often and just connecting with loved ones.” She described the experience of gathering around a backyard bonfire, noting the simple, “crackling of the fire, the moon, the stars, the birds, the crickets, the fireflies,” as a form of “human connection” that is “as good as it gets.”
When asked to compare the value of such moments, Guttenberg quipped, “It’s better than any Ferrari,” to which Brinkley replied, “The best.”
A Hobby That Mirrors Her Philosophy
Beyond family, Brinkley is an avid birdwatcher, a pastime she has shared on Instagram through a series of posts featuring a bird feeder in her yard. She noted that birdwatching “is back in full force for young people, too” and that many want to reconnect with nature. “People want to get in nature, and it’s all part of just that slowing down,” she explained, tying the hobby back to her overarching belief that slowing down and making time for family keeps loved ones close.
Looking Ahead
During a recent event, Brinkley mentioned that her daughter Alexa Ray was preparing for a concert that night, while Jack was set to attend the premiere of American Summer. These glimpses of everyday family life illustrate how Brinkley balances public appearances with nurturing personal relationships.
As American Summer continues its theatrical run, the film’s themes of family, resilience, and simplicity are likely to resonate with viewers who share Brinkley’s belief that the most powerful stories are those that remind us of what truly matters—home, loved ones, and the quiet moments that bind them all together.
