It feels like just yesterday Giada De Laurentiis was announcing she was pregnant. Honestly, the math doesn't even seem real. If you’ve followed the Food Network star since her Everyday Italian days, you probably remember the tiny toddler who used to make cameo appearances in the kitchen.
Well, time is a thief.
Giada De Laurentiis' daughter, Jade Marie De Laurentiis Thompson, is currently 17 years old. She was born on March 29, 2008. If you’re reading this in early 2026, she’s just weeks away from her 18th birthday—the big one. It’s a massive milestone that has Giada, like any other mom, feeling all the emotions. We've seen her grow up in glimpses on Instagram and TikTok, but 2026 marks the beginning of a totally new chapter for the De Laurentiis-Thompson household.
The College Countdown: Jade’s Big 2026 Move
The most recent buzz hasn't just been about her age, though. It's about where she's going.
In late 2025, Giada shared a super emotional video of Jade opening her college acceptance letter. You know the kind—anxious hovering, the frantic clicking of a mouse, and then that explosion of screaming and jumping when the "Congratulations" text hits the screen. While they’ve kept the specific name of the university under wraps for privacy, we know she’s officially heading off in the fall of 2026.
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Giada hasn't been shy about the "mixed emotions" of becoming an empty nester. She’s called it "incredibly sad" while also being pumped to see Jade "fly and find herself."
It’s a weird transition. One minute you're teaching them how to scramble eggs, and the next, they’re basically living like hotel guests in your house, popping in and out between rehearsals and hanging with friends. That’s how Giada described their current dynamic recently.
Not Exactly a "Mini-Me"
People love to call Jade Giada’s twin. And yeah, they look remarkably alike—the same smile, the same eyes. But if you ask Giada, she’ll tell you Jade is her own person entirely.
- The Musical Gift: Unlike her famous mom, Jade is a musician. She sings lead vocals for her band, The Hours, and she’s actually good. Like, "perform on a stage in Los Angeles and people stop to listen" good.
- Self-Taught Skills: During the pandemic, she taught herself keyboard. Then she moved on to guitar. Giada admits she doesn't have a musical bone in her body, so watching Jade write songs and perform is something that leaves the chef "speechless."
- Theater Nerd: Jade has been a theater kid for years. She played the lead in Matilda the Musical at school and has been bugging her mom to let her audition for off-Broadway shows since she was practically a local. Giada actually had to put her foot down for a while, insisting she "be a child" first.
Growing Up in the Spotlight (Sort Of)
Being the only child of a culinary icon and a fashion designer (Todd Thompson) could have gone a lot of ways. But Giada and Todd have been pretty legendary at co-parenting since their divorce back in 2014.
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You’ll still see them together at Jade’s graduations and milestones. They’ve made it look easy, even when it probably wasn't. Because of that stability, Jade seems remarkably grounded for a kid who grew up around Hollywood sets and five-star kitchens.
She’s also developed a pretty sharp sense of humor. Recently, she went viral for "roasting" her mom’s vintage 90s and early 2000s outfits. She gave some of Giada’s red carpet looks a "witchy" rating and joked about some of the more... adventurous fashion choices. It’s that relatable Gen Z energy that makes her so likable to fans who have watched her grow up.
Why 2026 is the Turning Point
This year is basically the "Last Dance" for Jade at home.
She's finishing up her senior year at an arts-focused high school in Los Angeles. It’s a place where she finally "found her people," according to Giada. For a girl who spent years in a strict school uniform, the freedom of a performing arts environment seems to have let her personality really explode.
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As she hits 18 in March 2026, she officially enters adulthood. No more "child of a celebrity" labels—she’s moving into the "artist in her own right" phase.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Parents
If you’ve been following Jade’s journey and find yourself in a similar spot—watching a kid grow up way too fast—here are a few takeaways from how Giada has handled the "Jade Marie era":
- Prioritize the "Now" Moments: Giada recently mentioned that the "greatest luxury" isn't a fancy kitchen or a trip to Italy; it's time. Even if your teen is "living in a hotel" at your house, those 10-minute chats in the car matter.
- Support Different Passions: Jade didn't want to be a chef. She wanted to sing. Giada leaned into it, even though it was a world she didn't personally understand.
- Co-Parenting is a Choice: Seeing Giada and Todd show up as a united front for Jade’s big moments is a masterclass in putting the kid first. It's clearly paid off in Jade's confidence.
Keep an eye on social media this March. The 18th birthday tributes are bound to be tear-jerkers. After that, it’s all eyes on the fall as she moves into her dorm and starts whatever her next big "performance" is going to be.
To stay updated on Jade’s journey as she moves toward her 18th birthday and college debut, you should follow Giada's social media channels, where she frequently shares "mommy moments" and clips of Jade's musical performances. You can also check out Giadzy for more personal family recipes and stories that often feature Jade's favorite dishes.