Teary-Eyed Ree Drummond Drops Off Daughter Paige for Freshman Year at University of Arkansas

Perri Ormont Blumberg
Updated
"Red nose, trembling chin, tight throat, aching heart."

Ree Drummond has hugged her daughter Paige goodbye for the semester as the youngster traded the Drummond ranch for the Razorback family.

In an emotional instagram post yesterday, Drummond wrote, "Red nose, trembling chin, tight throat, aching heart. Leaving your child at college is no picnic. I've done it once before and thought maybe this time would be a little easier. I think it's a little harder. But through all the tears, I see this clearly: What a joy it is to usher her into the next stage of her life. Paige, I'm so grateful to be your mom," captioning a photo of the duo in a tight embrace.

Red nose, trembling chin, tight throat, aching heart. Leaving your child at college is no picnic. I've done it once before and thought maybe this time would be a little easier. I think it's a little harder. But through all the tears, I see this clearly: What a joy it is to usher her into the next stage of her life. Paige, I'm so grateful to be your mom.??

A post shared by Ree Drummond - Pioneer Woman (@thepioneerwoman) on Aug 9, 2018 at 5:11pm PDT

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Back in February, Paige shared the happy news that she'd be "heading to the hill" on her personal instagram account, and Ree has been busy posting up a storm of sentimental pics from family vacations to graduation and beyond.

after a lot of thought and prayer i’m SO excited to say that i’m {officially} attending the university of arkansas next fall! i can’t wait to see what God has in store for this chapter of my life. so ready to be heading to the hill!!! #uark22 2-4-18

A post shared by Paige Drummond (@a_paige_in_my_book) on Feb 4, 2018 at 3:01pm PST

I've got my mom glasses on, but that's okay 'cause I've got Paige by my side. The clock is ticking until she leaves for college. Just a little over six weeks. I'm measuring every single moment. Minutes have taken on a whole new meaning. At dinner last night, Alex asked me if I was ready for Paige to go. The two-man band in the restaurant's lounge was singing "You've Got a Friend" (the James Taylor version) and, well...a thousand tiny needles attacked my nose. I pulled it together but it was a close call. No more questions in public places, Alex! This stuff is hard, friends.

A post shared by Ree Drummond - Pioneer Woman (@thepioneerwoman) on Jun 24, 2018 at 7:33am PDT

Ree, we hope you're spending plenty of quality time with pup Henry and the other folks and four-legged friends on the ranch and staying strong. And enjoying plenty of comfort food and cupcakes at The Merc to help you get through things.