For many parents, the empty nest phase can bring a mix of emotions—loneliness, reflection, and, eventually, rediscovery. Actress Andie MacDowell knows this firsthand. The Hollywood star recently shared on The Drew Barrymore Show that she made a major life change, leaving Los Angeles behind to start fresh in South Carolina after her children moved out.
MacDowell is embracing this new chapter of her life, though she admits the transition wasn’t easy. Raising her three children—Justin, Rainey, and Margaret Qualley—was a central part of her world for decades. When they left home to pursue their own paths, she found herself struggling with a “huge void.”
“Margaret really was kind of telling me I was supposed to be having the time of my life, but I wasn’t,” MacDowell revealed. “But now I am. I’m having the time of my life now. It’s really good.”
The move to South Carolina allowed her to focus on self-care, personal growth, and new experiences. She described this shift as a turning point, one that has made her “happier than [she] has been in a long time.”
MacDowell understands the challenges of adjusting to an empty nest and even offered advice to Drew Barrymore, who will one day experience the same transition with her daughters.
“I’ll tell you what not to do,” she joked. “Come to me, because I have all the information on how not to waste your time, how to get on with it and have a good time.”
Her story is a reminder that life doesn’t stop when the kids leave home—it’s an opportunity to explore new passions, embrace change, and rediscover personal joy.
Along with her new outlook on life, MacDowell has also been focusing on her health. She recently opened up about being diagnosed with piriformis syndrome, a condition that affects the sciatic nerve and can cause pain and numbness. Instead of opting for surgery, she found relief through exercise and strength training.
“I have to work my tiny little bottom and my hips [with a personal trainer]. I do it every day,” she shared, crediting her dedication to fitness as her “miracle” treatment.
MacDowell’s journey is an inspiration to parents who may be struggling with the changes that come with an empty nest. Her story proves that while saying goodbye to daily life with your children is bittersweet, it’s also a chance for new beginnings, self-discovery, and embracing joy in unexpected places.
Her advice? Lean into the change, take care of yourself, and most importantly—enjoy the journey.
