Joanna Gaines has shared new details about why she and her husband, Chip Gaines, decided to end their hit HGTV show "Fixer Upper" at the height of its popularity. Gaines explained that she experienced a profound sense of "soul weariness" and burnout, which led to the decision to step away from the demanding television schedule.
"When you start realizing you’re living on a thing that’s now… the intentionality is gone, and you’re just showing up… that doesn’t feel fulfilling," Gaines said on the "Joy 101 with Hoda Kotb" podcast. She described feeling like they were "part of this machine" without a clear sense of purpose, prioritizing their family's well-being over the show's continued success.
This realization, she noted, became a guiding principle for how they approach their work and prevent burnout. The decision to pause was a pivotal moment, prompting them to assess their health, happiness, and family well-being as the most important factors.
"Fixer Upper" premiered in 2013, following the Gaineses as they renovated rundown homes in Waco, Texas, and built their Magnolia brand. The show quickly gained a substantial following, turning Joanna and Chip into household names. In September 2017, they announced the series would conclude after its fifth season, choosing to end it while it was still highly successful.
Gaines reflected that after nearly 25 years of building their business, they reached a point where they questioned the direction and purpose behind their work. This led to a decision to take a three-month break one summer to gain clarity.
She acknowledged that stepping away had consequences, including disappointing their team and others. However, she emphasized the necessity of that time for personal and familial reflection. The "soul weariness," she explained, was a deeper exhaustion that physical fatigue could not address. This feeling, she described, was a warning sign she was determined not to ignore.
"From a physical standpoint, I can work till I can… I can push past the weariness the physical, but then you get to that layer of like the soul weariness and that’s dangerous," Gaines said. She characterized this state as a "holy fear."
The couple, who married in 2003 and have five children, have since expanded their Magnolia empire in Waco, Texas. Their ventures include Magnolia Market at the Silos, which encompasses Magnolia Market, the Shops at the Silos, Silos Baking Co., and Magnolia Press Coffee Co. They also operate Magnolia Table and have published "Magnolia Journal" and several lifestyle books. Additionally, they have a Magnolia Home furniture and accessories line, and Joanna developed the Hearth & Hand with Magnolia collection for Target. In 2023, they opened the Hotel 1928 in Waco, a 33-room hotel developed in partnership with AJ Capital, and also offer Magnolia vacation rentals. The Magnolia Network, which debuted on Discovery+ in 2021, replaced the DIY Network in January 2022.