When star power meets parenthood, every milestone gets extra attention—and Jennifer Lopez is navigating one of the biggest ones yet. The Kiss of the Spider Woman actress and global icon recently opened up about her twins Max and Emme’s transition out of high school and into the greater world of college. As the children of J.Lo and ex-husband Marc Anthony approach adulthood, the singer-actress finds herself at a bittersweet crossroads. On an Oct. 6 appearance on Live With Kelly and Mark, Lopez revealed, “It’s crazy. We’re visiting a college today … It’s happening. They’re leaving. They’re going.” The words reflect both excitement and a touch of poignancy — a mother preparing to watch her children spread their wings.
Mixed Emotions: Excitement, Joy & a Bit of Loneliness
Lopez candidly shared her emotional conflict: while she’s thrilled to see this next chapter for her children, she’s also preparing for life as an “empty nester.” She mused, “I remember how exciting that time of my life was … but I also think, ‘Oh, I’m gonna be by myself.’” Yet, she holds a hopeful vision—one where her home remains a warm, inviting space they’ll always long to return to. “Whatever we create … it’s going to be something that they always are like, ‘When I go home, it feels good. It smells like home, it tastes like home.’” The stability of a strong mother-child relationship matters deeply to Lopez, especially after the ups and downs she’s weathered with her children over the years. She noted that their bond has only strengthened amid adversity: “We’re close. We’re a close knit three. We had to bond together.”
Cultivating a Home They’ll Always Want to Return To
Long before the idea of college entered the picture, Lopez prioritized building a home full of love and consistency. She wanted Max and Emme to feel rooted, no matter where life took them. That foundation is especially poignant as they embark on independent paths. Additionally, Lopez has nurtured a shared love of the arts with her kids. She often takes them to musicals and supports their theatre interests—sometimes sending them away for theatre camps and returning to watch their performances. “I get to go see them and it’s fantastic,” she said. This shared passion, she hopes, strengthens their bond even as their lives diverge.
What’s Next for Max & Emme?
While J.Lo did not divulge exact colleges or majors, her comments suggest that they are actively visiting campuses, weighing possibilities, and gearing up for life beyond home. For Lopez, acceptance of this new phase comes with optimism: she senses she’ll adapt to an emptier house, but she’s determined to make sure her children always feel the magnetic pull of “home.”
As Max and Emme transition toward their future, Lopez faces her own new chapter. For a mom who’s managed personal reinventions and public scrutiny, this may be one of her most intimate transformations yet.
