Lauren Sánchez Celebrates Son Evan Whitesell's College Acceptance: 'Heart Is Bursting'

Mar. 15, 2025

Evan Whitesell with mom Lauren Sánchez.Photo:Lauren Sanchez/Instagram

Lauren Sanchez/Instagram

Lauren Sánchezis one proud mom!

The philanthropist and award-winning journalist shared on Instagram on Sunday, Dec. 15 that her sonEvan Whitesellis heading to college.

“My heart is bursting,” Sánchez, 54, wrote in a since-expired Instagram Stories post, alongside a University of Miami logo and the word “business.” She added, “Beyond proud of you.”

According to the Stories post, Evan, 18, — whom Sánchez shares with ex-husbandPatrick Whitesellalong with daughter Ella, 16 – will likely study at Miami’s Herbert Business School. Her post did not specify when he will begin taking courses, however.

Sánchez is also mom to Nikko Gonzalez, 23, whom she shares with ex-boyfriend and NFL Hall of Fame memberTony Gonzalez.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.“There’s a special kind of trust that comes when you watch your kid take off on their own for the first time,” Sánchez wrote on Instagram at the time. “It’s about letting go, but also knowing they’re more than ready. It’s terrifying, exhilarating and so deeply rewarding all at once.”

She added, “Today wasn’t just about a solo flight, it was the beginning of something bigger, @evan_whitesell took a step forward into his own story. So proud you 🤍🚁.”

Besides Evan learning to fly, Sánchez and her fiancé, Amazon CEOJeff Bezos, have made plenty of other memories with her kids.

Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos.Kevin Mazur/Getty

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Last spring,the blended family posted highlightsof their trip to Japan.

In a series of photos posted toInstagramon April 7,The Fly Who Flew to Spaceauthor shared an inside look at the activities she enjoyed with her kids and Bezos, 60, during their vacation.

From marveling at the cherry blossom trees in bloom to soaking in the dazzling lights of Tokyo Tower, the family seemingly made sure to take in as many sights as possible.

source: people.com