Jennifer Lopez Reflects on Empty Nest Syndrome, Cries Over Twins Heading to College

Jennifer Lopez recently revealed that she has been experiencing the emotional toll of becoming an empty nester as her twins, Max and Emme, have left for college.

In a candid Instagram Stories post, the singer and actress, 57, appeared without makeup while discussing her feelings. "I'm sitting here, being an empty-nester and crying and thinking about them, and looking at baby pictures of them, and all that stuff," Lopez shared, while also expressing excitement for her children's new chapter. She added, "so excited for them to step into this new era."

Lopez, who shares the 18-year-old twins with ex-husband Marc Anthony, noted that the shift has prompted her to re-evaluate her daily routines. "Those routines are the things that are going to keep me kind of sane, working out, doing my skincare routine, caring for myself, with the newfound kind of space that’s in your life," she explained.

The singer's reflections come after a summer of significant milestones for her children, including a road trip to Italy and their high school graduations. Lopez documented their Italian vacation on social media, captioning a series of photos with, "Road tripping with my coconuts before they head off to college 😭."

Both twins attended separate graduation ceremonies earlier this year. Photos from Max's graduation in June showed Lopez wiping away tears. Her parents, Guadalupe Rodríguez and David Lopez, were also present, as was manager Benny Medina and Oskar.

In May, the family celebrated Oskar's graduation, with Ben Affleck's son Samuel, 14, also in attendance. While details about Max's college plans remain private, Lopez previously mentioned in an interview with Extra that both her children were accepted into all five colleges to which they applied. "I am so proud that they set goals for themselves," she stated at the time.

Oskar is reportedly studying theater and studio arts at Sarah Lawrence College.