If you’ve spent any time scrolling through Selena Gomez’s Instagram, you’ve definitely seen her. The blonde, high-energy, and surprisingly wise kid usually stealing the spotlight? That’s Gracie Elliot Teefey.
Honestly, the "Selena Gomez sister" search usually starts with people wondering how they’re related, given the massive 20-year age gap. Selena was already a Disney icon and a household name when her mom, Mandy Teefey, and stepfather, Brian Teefey, welcomed Gracie in 2013. It’s a wild dynamic. One sister is an EGOT-nominated mogul, and the other is navigating middle school, but somehow they’re basically best friends.
The Big Sister Duty
Selena hasn't just been a sibling; she’s been a mentor. She famously told E! News that once she had a little sister of her own, the responsibility to be a role model became "legit." It wasn't just about the fans anymore. It was about the little girl watching her every move at home.
You might remember their big red carpet moment at the Frozen 2 premiere. They wore matching feathered capes. It was adorable, sure, but there was a deeper layer. Selena later admitted she gave Gracie a pep talk before they stepped out. She told her, "If you get nervous, just pull my hand and I'll take you off." Gracie, being the tiny powerhouse she is, just walked straight on and owned it.
Who Exactly is Gracie Elliot Teefey?
Gracie was born on June 12, 2013, in California. Because her parents are Mandy and Brian Teefey, she’s Selena’s maternal half-sister. But there’s another sister in the mix too.
Victoria "Tori" Gomez is Selena’s half-sister from her father, Rick Gomez’s side. Tori was born just a year after Gracie, in June 2014. While Gracie is the one we see at the Golden Globes and Taylor Swift concerts, Selena is vocal about loving both her "sissies."
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- Age Gap: There is a 21-year difference between Selena and Gracie.
- Parents: Mandy and Brian Teefey (Gracie); Rick and Sara Gomez (Victoria).
- Public Life: Gracie is a frequent guest on Selena's TikTok, often roasting her big sister's makeup skills or "embarrassing" behavior.
Why the Bond Matters for Mental Health
Selena has been incredibly open about her struggles with bipolar disorder and the pressures of fame. In a 2023 interview with her platform Wondermind, she dropped a bit of a bombshell: she actually turns to Gracie for advice.
It sounds crazy. Why would a woman in her 30s ask a 10-year-old for life tips?
Selena says it’s because Gracie is "innocent and pure." On days when the world feels heavy, hanging out with a kid who just wants to talk about Auntie Taylor (yes, she calls Taylor Swift that) helps keep things in perspective. Gracie doesn't care about the paparazzi or the charts. She cares about "sissy date nights" and whether Selena will dye her hair to match an album release.
Growing Up in the Spotlight
Being the sister of one of the most followed women on Earth can’t be easy. Selena seems hyper-aware of this. She’s protective. In one of her most famous Instagram captions, she wrote that she will forever let her sister know she is "strong, bold, and beautiful."
We saw this play out in real-time after the 2023 Golden Globes. People were being typical internet trolls about Selena’s body. Instead of getting into a Twitter war, she got on a livestream with Gracie. She basically said, "I'm a little bit big right now because I enjoyed myself during the holidays, right?" Gracie just nodded along. It was a masterclass in teaching a younger generation how to ignore the noise.
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The "Auntie Taylor" Factor
We have to talk about the Eras Tour. If you saw the footage from Arlington, Texas, you saw Gracie receive the "22" hat directly from Taylor Swift. It was a huge moment for the "Swiftie" community.
Gracie is reportedly obsessed with Taylor’s music. Selena even joked on Instagram that Gracie might love Taylor more than her. In 2025, for Gracie's 12th birthday, Selena shared a video of her sister excitedly explaining the "The Man" music video. The connection is real. It’s not just celebrity posturing; these kids are growing up in a very specific, high-profile circle, and they’re leaning on each other.
The Blended Family Reality
It hasn't always been perfect. Mandy Teefey has spoken about the miscarriage she suffered in 2011, before Gracie was born. They lost a baby girl they had named Scarlett. That tragedy clearly shaped the way the family treats Gracie—she is their "rainbow baby."
And then there's the wedding drama. In late 2024/early 2025, when Selena married Benny Blanco, headlines swirled because Selena’s grandfather, David, walked her down the aisle instead of her mother or stepfather. While some tabloids smelled a feud, the family has largely remained a united front in public. Mandy even posted about the wedding being a "fairytale."
What’s Next for Gracie?
Is she going to be an actress? A singer? The girl definitely has the personality for it. She’s already appeared in a cameo-style role during a session for Only Murders in the Building.
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But for now, it seems like the goal is just letting her be a kid. She goes to school, has playdates, and occasionally gets to wear a $3,900 Prada purse to an awards show. Life is a bit of a mix for her.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Gomez/Teefey family journey, here are a few things to keep in mind regarding how they handle fame and family:
- Prioritize Perspective: Follow Selena’s lead in using family time to disconnect from the "noise" of social media and work.
- Support Blended Families: The Gomez family is a great example of how half-siblings and step-parents can create a solid support system despite past divorces.
- Mentorship over Control: Selena doesn't try to make Gracie a "mini-me"; she encourages her to have her own voice and personality.
- Body Positivity: Use the "Golden Globes" approach—be open about changes in your life and body to set a healthy example for the younger people around you.
The "Selena Gomez sister" story isn't just about a famous person and a sibling; it’s about a 20-year gap bridged by genuine friendship and a lot of shared Taylor Swift lyrics.
Next Steps for Readers
- Check out Selena's Wondermind platform for more on how she uses family time to manage her mental health.
- Look for Gracie's occasional "takeovers" on Selena's TikTok to see their unfiltered dynamic.
- Follow the official accounts for Rare Beauty, as Gracie often makes appearances testing out new products for the "younger" demographic.