Gwyneth Paltrow Says She Burst 'Into Tears' When Daughter Apple Went to College: 'It Was Horrible'

Mar. 15, 2025

Gwyneth Paltrowwasn’t prepared for the emotions she would experience during a pivotal moment in her daughter’s life.

The actress and Goop founder, 50, chatted with PEOPLE during the Gwyneth Paltrow xCopper FitFeel the Fit Press Day in Santa Monica, California, on Wednesday evening, where she opened up about sending daughterApple Blythe Martinto college for the first time.

“It was horrible. It was truly horrifying,” Paltrow tells PEOPLE exclusively. “I was sick to my stomach, bursting into tears.”

The mother of two notes she “getting more and more used to” her only daughter being away at school, especially after seeing “how happy she is and settled” during a recent “parents weekend” visit.

At least one other visit has happened since. “She came home for October break just last weekend, so that was amazing,” Paltrow adds. “I see her, but not as much as I’d like. I’d like to see her every day, but I’m so happy for her. She’s doing great.”

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Gwyneth Paltrow.Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Copper Fit

Paltrow welcomed Apple in 2004 with ex-husbandChris Martin, whom she split from in 2014. They also share a 16-year-old son,Moses, while theShakespeare in Loveactress is also stepmom to husbandBrad Falchuk’s two children: son Brody and daughter Isabella.

“Congratulations to all of the graduates especially @applemartin,” she wrote, adding a “Class of 2022” sticker under the sweet family photo.

Gwyneth Paltrow.Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty

Just a month before, the Academy Award winnercelebrated Apple’s 18th birthday. On Instagram, Paltrow shared a picture of the teen posing in front of a mirror, writing in the caption how “proud” she is of Apple.

“18. I’m a bit of a loss for words this morning (😭). I could not be more proud of the woman you are.You are everything I could have dreamed ofand so much more,” she said. “Proud doesn’t cover it, my heart swells with feelings I can’t put in to words. You are deeply extraordinary in every way.”

“Happy birthday my darling girl. I hope you know how special you are, and how much light you have brought to all who are lucky enough to know you. Especially me. I say it all the time and I will never stop… in the words of auntie Drew, I was born the day you were born. I love you. ❤️ Mama,” Paltrow continued.

RELATED VIDEO: Gwyneth Paltrow Shares Rare Photo with Her Two Teenage Kids as She Reflects on Summer 2022

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Paltrow previously opened up about sending Apple away to school in a sit down withCBS Sunday Morningthat aired in September. The proud mom hasn’t shared any details about where Apple is going to school or what she is studying.

During the interview, Tracy Smith asked Paltrow how she felt about her daughter starting college, to which she replied, “I know this sounds nuts, but it feels almost asprofound as giving birth.”

source: people.com