Christie Brinkley, who stars in the new film "American Summer," has cultivated a home environment that encourages her three adult children to remain a central part of her life. Brinkley told Fox News Digital that while she wants her children to be independent, they consistently return for weekends and holidays, a practice she attributes to fostering a welcoming atmosphere.
"We all really are big on being together, and I love that," Brinkley said. She noted that other mothers often ask for her advice on how to keep their children visiting. Brinkley's approach involves "always letting them know they're always welcome back. They can bring their friends, that kind of thing."
Brinkley's children—Alexa Ray Joel, 40, Jack Paris Brinkley-Cook, 31, and Sailor Brinkley-Cook, 28—are frequently seen with her at public events and on social media. This close bond, she explained, is rooted in the example set by her own parents. The model experienced a profound shift in her perspective on family time after losing both her parents within months of each other in 2012. Her father, Don Brinkley, died on July 14, 2012, followed by her mother, Marge Brinkley, on September 9, 2012.
"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."
Her co-star Steve Guttenberg, who also emphasized family in "American Summer" as his character reflects on his childhood, shared a moment with Brinkley about her parents. "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?" Guttenberg asked. "It's priceless, right? ... The greatest thing in the world."
Brinkley agreed, responding, "The best. 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."
"American Summer," which premiered on September 4, 2026, explores themes of family and simpler times. Brinkley believes audiences are drawn to stories that celebrate connection, especially in an era dominated by digital communication.
"People want to put down their phone and speak to another human face to face," she said. "This [story] takes us back before there were cell phones. And I think that we're going to find people now putting down their cell phones more often and just connecting with loved ones. And that human connection, nothing can replace it."
Brinkley also finds joy in simple pleasures, such as backyard bonfires, which she describes as moments of uncomplicated happiness. "This is it. This is free. This is simple. And you know what? This is as good as it gets," she remarked.
Another hobby Brinkley enjoys is birdwatching, a pastime she notes is experiencing a resurgence as people seek ways to disconnect from technology and engage with nature. "People want to connect with nature. They want to get in nature, and it's all part of just that slowing down," she said.
Brinkley's film "American Summer" is described as a homage to families in small-town America, reflecting themes that resonate deeply with her own life experiences. She finds that slowing down and prioritizing family time is key to maintaining strong relationships and ensuring loved ones feel a constant sense of belonging.