Collin Gosselin Honors His Father's Ex-Girlfriend as His 'Real Mom' on Her Birthday

Collin Gosselin is marking a special occasion with a deeply personal tribute.

On June 17, the 22-year-old shared an Instagram post honoring Colleen Conrad, his father Jon's former girlfriend, on her birthday. The timing proved particularly meaningful, as Collin used the same day to announce his upcoming memoir, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood.

"I didn't plan this at all, but coincidentally on the day of the official announcement of my book, it is Colleen's birthday," Collin wrote in his post. "She is the strongest woman I know, who stepped in at the toughest part of my life and CHOSE to be a mother to me."

He went on to express his affection: "Happy birthday to my wonderful, hardworking, passionate, and I could go on… to my real mom. I love you so much. Also I had to add a Rascal Flatts song, because we always sing Rascal Flatts songs together."

Jon, 49, and Colleen share Pennsylvania roots and began dating in 2014, roughly five years after his divorce from Kate, 51, became final. Their relationship lasted until August 2021, when Jon announced their split approximately four months after Colleen received a breast cancer diagnosis. Jon has since stated that he and Colleen maintain a strong friendship, with him supporting her through treatment.

In 2023, Colleen publicly stood by Collin when Kate made comments regarding his behavioral challenges.

The memoir announcement itself carries significant weight. Set for release on October 13, 2026, the book's cover features a paparazzi photograph of Kate with her hand covering young Collin's mouth—a striking visual choice that hints at the narrative within.

"For a long time, I wasn't sure I'd ever tell this story," Collin wrote when unveiling the project. "Growing up, millions of people watched my life on television. People felt like they knew me. They knew my family. They watched me grow up. But there was so much they never saw. For years, I kept those experiences to myself. Some because I was afraid. Some because I didn't think anyone would believe me. And some because I just wasn't ready."

He elaborated on the writing process: "Writing this book forced me to revisit some of the hardest moments of my life, but it also gave me something I've been searching for for a long time: my voice. This isn't the story people think they know. It's the story I've lived."

Collin is one of six sextuplets born to Jon and Kate, alongside Alexis, Hannah, Aaden, Leah, and Joel. The couple also shares 25-year-old twins Mady and Cara.

Following their 2009 divorce, Kate received custody of all eight children. In 2016, she placed Collin in a behavioral health facility in response to what she characterized as "unpredictable and violent behavior." After his discharge, Collin relocated to live with Jon, and subsequent custody proceedings resulted in Jon being awarded custody of his son in 2018.

Kate was hospitalized for nearly three months last year due to what she described as a "life-altering" injury.