Colleen Conrad had already listened to Collin Gosselin’s memoir when her printed copy brought her to tears again.
In an October 23 Instagram post, Conrad shared photographs from their years together and congratulated Collin on becoming a No. 1 New York Times bestselling author.
Collin, 22, tells his story in In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.
Conrad dated his father, Jon Gosselin, from 2014 until 2021. She and Collin have continued to regard each other as family since that relationship ended.
Conrad Found His Acknowledgment After Listening to the Audiobook
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Conrad said the audiobook she heard did not include the acknowledgments, according to PEOPLE. That left her unaware of the words Collin had written specifically for her until the hardcover arrived.
In her caption, she quoted his tribute: “Strong men need strong mothers, and I was so fortunate to have mine.”
“I will always be your mom,” she wrote, as Entertainment Weekly reported.
She also told Collin that, while she was proud of the book, she was even prouder of the person he had become.
Collin Says He Would Face His Hardest Experiences Again Because They Led to Her
Replying beneath Conrad’s post, Collin said he would willingly go through the difficult parts of his past again “because it led me to you,” according to Us Weekly.
He praised her kindness and humor, thanking her for listening, remaining present and refusing to give up on him when he was a child struggling to believe in himself.
He described their connection as something that felt meant to be and said knowing that his mother believed in him helped him find confidence.
Their Bond Continued Through Breast Cancer and a Breakup
Collin moved into his father’s home after leaving residential treatment in 2018. Conrad helped care for him during those years.
In her latest message, she said listening to his account brought back memories of her own breast cancer and the end of her relationship with Jon. She had been navigating several major changes while supporting a teenager facing difficulties of his own.
Conrad described their support as mutual. She said Collin might not fully understand how much his presence had helped her through that period.
Her involvement continued after the breakup. In a 2023 statement reported by Entertainment Tonight, Conrad said Collin had continued living with her until he turned 18. She also attended his and his sister Hannah’s high-school graduation that June.
A representative for Jon also told PEOPLE in 2023 that he appreciated Conrad’s role in raising Collin and that the former partners remained friends.
The Memoir Recounts His Childhood on Reality Television
Grand Central Publishing released the 304-page memoir on October 13. Collin narrates the audiobook himself, and the title is also available as an ebook.
The book covers his upbringing on Jon & Kate Plus 8, residential treatment and relationships with his parents and siblings.
As previously reported by Wealth of Geeks, Collin has accused his biological mother, Kate Gosselin, of childhood abuse. Kate has previously denied those allegations and defended decisions about his care as following medical advice.
Collin Called Conrad His ‘Real Mom’ in a Birthday Tribute
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Their latest exchange followed another public tribute on June 17, when Conrad’s birthday coincided with the announcement of Collin’s memoir.
He described her as the strongest woman he knew and thanked her for choosing to become a mother figure during a difficult period. Calling her his “real mom,” he emphasized the significance of someone actively taking on that responsibility.
The post included a photograph of the two together and a Rascal Flatts song. Collin explained that singing the country group’s music was something they enjoyed doing together.