Supermodel and actress Christie Brinkley has found a way to maintain a full and vibrant family home, even with her children grown. She currently appears alongside Steve Guttenberg in "American Summer," a film that premiered on September 4. This heartwarming production celebrates nostalgic memories and familial ties, following Guttenberg's character as he reflects on a pivotal childhood summer marked by baseball, a first romance, and the deployment of his U.S. Army father abroad.
Nurturing Family Connections
Brinkley shared her deep commitment to family, stating, "I have always been all about family, so I have built my life in a way that my kids. ... I want them independent. I want them out there living, doing whatever, but they always tend to come home on weekends, holidays. We all really are big on being together, and I love that."
She noted that many mothers often inquire on social media platforms about her secret to frequent family gatherings. "It's funny because a lot of moms on Instagram will ask me, 'How do you get your kids to come home so often? Mine are off and about,'" the iconic model recounted. Her advice is straightforward: "I think it's just to always let them know they're always welcome back. They can bring their friends, that kind of thing."
The celebrated supermodel is frequently seen with her three adult children—Alexa Ray Joel, 40, Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, 31, and Sailor Brinkley-Cook, 28—at public events and in coordinated ensembles. Brinkley emphasized that their strong connection is not coincidental but rather a legacy stemming from the familial values instilled by her own parents.
The Enduring Value of Family
The experience of losing both her parents within two months in 2012 profoundly impacted Brinkley's perspective on family togetherness. Her father, Don Brinkley, passed away on July 14, followed by her mother, Marge Brinkley, on September 9. This period solidified her commitment to cherishing every moment with loved ones. "I have always cherished my family time," Brinkley stated. "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. And right now, our family's smaller because I don't have my mom and dad." She grew visibly emotional while reflecting on them, adding, "I always get choked up whenever I talk about them."
Steve Guttenberg, her co-star, expressed understanding for Brinkley's grief, having experienced his own family health challenges. He once served as a caregiver for his father, Stanley Guttenberg, following his diagnosis of kidney failure, even learning to administer home dialysis. Guttenberg recalled a detail about Brinkley's parents, saying, "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. It's priceless, right? ... The greatest thing in the world."
Brinkley affirmed his sentiment, responding, "The best." She further elaborated on her parents' unwavering support: "My parents were always, always so ready to be there for me. Good times, bad times, they were always there, and they always made an effort to be a family. And I think it's so important, and it has given me my happiest moments."
Family remains a central pillar in Brinkley's life. She mentioned that her daughter, Alexa Ray, was preparing for an upcoming concert, while her son, Jack, was scheduled to join her at the premiere of "American Summer." Brinkley feels the film's themes resonate deeply, believing that audiences are eager for narratives that spotlight the importance of family.
Embracing Simple Pleasures and Human Connection
"People want to put down their phone and speak to another human face to face," she observed. "This [story] takes us back before there were cellphones. And I think that we're going to find people now putting down their cellphones more often and just connecting with loved ones."
She underscored the irreplaceable nature of human connection, citing her personal experiences: "I find that whenever I light a little bonfire in the backyard or at the beach. I always say, 'This is it. This is free. This is simple. And you know what? This is as good as it gets.'" She painted a vivid picture of these moments: "Just to be able to sit there by the crackling of the fire, the moon coming up, the stars sparkling, the birds chirping, the crickets coming on, the fireflies lighting — that's it. That's the best. Slowing down the speed of life, human connections. ... I think those are things that we all want to feel again and again." Guttenberg enthusiastically agreed, adding, "It's better than any Ferrari."
A Rediscovered Appreciation for Nature
Brinkley's appreciation for simple joys extends beyond family time to include her passion for birdwatching. She believes this hobby is experiencing a resurgence as individuals increasingly seek to disconnect from digital devices. "I've always been a birdwatcher," she shared. "On my Instagram, I have a bird feeder, and if you go back, you'll see lots and lots of pictures of the birds at my bird feeder." She noted a recent observation: "And I was just reading that birdwatching is back in full force for young people, too. People want to connect with nature. They want to get in nature, and it's all part of just that slowing down."
Having raised three children, Brinkley firmly believes that prioritizing a slower pace of life and dedicating time to family are key factors in keeping loved ones returning to the fold.
