Donna Mills Adopted A Daughter At 54 — She Stepped Away From Hollywood For 18 Years To Raise Her Daughter

In her 50s, Donna Mills decided she wanted to experience motherhood and adopted her daughter, Chloe. She chose to put her career on hold for nearly 20 years, focusing on her role as a mother. Today, Chloe is stepping into her own career, following in her mom’s footsteps, and their unbreakable bond remains as strong as ever.

Donna Mills’ Life-Changing Decision to Become a Mother

Donna Mills carved out a successful career in Hollywood with her stunning beauty, remarkable talent, and magnetic presence on screen. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Abby Cunningham on the popular primetime soap opera Knots Landing, becoming a beloved television icon.

Donna Mills on the set of "Knots Landing" in 1982. | Source: Getty Images Donna Mills on the set of “Knots Landing” in 1982. | Source: Getty Images

She also made a name for herself in television, leaving an impression with standout roles in The Secret Storm and Love Is a Many Splendored Thing.

On the silver screen, she secured roles in films like Play Misty for Me, sharing the spotlight with Clint Eastwood. Yet, despite her thriving career, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing from her life.

Donna Mills and Clint Eastwood filming “Play Misty for Me” in 1971. | Source: Getty Images

“I had a hit series, my own production company, and was doing all these things, and I thought to myself, ‘This is wonderful. I’ve accomplished nearly everything I’ve wanted in my career. But what about my personal life?'” she reflected.

“How does that make me feel? Do I really want to go through life never experiencing motherhood—the most meaningful role of all? Absolutely not. I knew I needed that in my life,” the actress reflected.

“My career was always my main focus, but at some point, I came to a realization—there was an emptiness. That missing piece was a child,” she admitted.

Donna Mills at the 46th Annual Writers Guild of America Awards on March 13, 1994, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

This realization prompted Donna Mills to make a life-changing decision. In 1994, at 54 and single, she adopted a baby girl, whom she named Chloe. “I went for it. I adopted her when she was just four days old,” the actress revealed. “And that’s probably the greatest joy of my life,” she said with heartfelt emotion.

However, some people questioned whether she was too old to raise a child. “At that point, I was 54, and people would say, ‘You’re going to be so old to have a toddler running around.’ But I never felt that way,” she recalled. “I never felt older than the other mothers who were likely in their 20s.”

A screenshot of Donna and Chloe Mills from an Instagram post dated May 26, 2022. | Source: Instagram/thedonnamills

If anything, the Hollywood star felt that the timing of her decision to adopt was perfect and even encouraged others to consider a similar path. “If you want to focus on your career, I believe having a child later in life is better than having one early,” she said.

A screenshot of Donna and Chloe Mills from an Instagram post dated May 26, 2022. | Source: Instagram/thedonnamills

When it came to the moment she met Chloe, the actress admitted it was “probably the best moment of my entire life when she was placed in my arms. […] Those are the happiest times of my life—sitting in the rocking chair with her on my chest, singing to her.”

Committed to providing Chloe with the best childhood possible, the actress made a life-changing decision—she wanted to be a hands-on mother. As a result, she took a step back from Hollywood, pausing her career for 18 years to devote herself entirely to raising her daughter.

A screenshot of Donna and Chloe Mills from an Instagram post dated May 26, 2022. | Source: Instagram/thedonnamills

“I didn’t become a mom at 54 just to hand her over to a nanny,” she shared. “In the first few years, I did work—I did some TV movies and things like that because I could take her with me,” the actress clarified. “But when she started school, I knew I couldn’t be away for two months at a time,” she added.

However, once Chloe left for college, the actress felt it was the right time to return to acting. “It’s going to be a bit of a struggle to get back,” she confessed at the time. “The casting directors are 12, and they have no idea who I am. It was definitely a challenge,” she admitted.

n addition to offering insights on motherhood and revitalizing her career, Donna has shared her secrets for aging gracefully. She has avoided cosmetic procedures, instead opting for natural beauty and a healthy lifestyle.

“I typically work out every day. As a former dancer, I have a ballet bar in my gym upstairs, and I just got a Peloton for my birthday,” she explained. “I focus on weight training and a lot of stretching.”

Chloe and Donna Mills at the "Merv Griffins 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Live Auction of Trees" event on December 12, 2000, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images Chloe and Donna Mills at the “Merv Griffins 7th Annual Christmas Tree Lane Lighting Ceremony and Live Auction of Trees” event on December 12, 2000, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Her diet has been a significant factor in preserving her youthful energy. “I’ve always focused on healthy eating. I avoid sugar, pasta, and starches,” she continued. “I primarily eat proteins and vegetables.”

Chloe and Donna Mills at the premiere of “When Dinosaurs Roamed America” on July 7, 2001, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

When it comes to skincare, Donna has a simple rule: “The key is to stay out of the sun!” She added, “Someone once asked me why I don’t get cosmetic enhancements. I said no, because I don’t want to look like a duck. I’d rather have lines than a duck bill.”

Chloe and Donna Mills at the Los Angeles opening of “Mamma Mia!” on April 25, 2004, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Just as she embraced natural beauty and aging gracefully, Donna also took a strong stance on her independence in relationships.

Although she had her share of romances, Donna never walked down the aisle. “I’ve always been tremendously independent. I still am,” she shared, revealing that she turned down marriage proposals throughout the years.

Donna and Chloe Mills at the "Wicked" Los Angeles opening night on June 22, 2005, in California. | Source: Getty Images Donna and Chloe Mills at the “Wicked” Los Angeles opening night on June 22, 2005, in California. | Source: Getty Images

However, Donna has been in a committed relationship with actor and producer Larry Gilman for over 16 years. “We’re like married but never married,” she said. “I never really saw the necessity of being married.”

However, when asked if she would consider marriage now, Donna made her position clear. “If there were some ritualistic kind of reason for doing it or something like that, I would. But probably not,” she explained. “At this point, I think it would be so difficult to mix finances and everything else.”

Chloe Mills – Following in Her Mother’s Footsteps

Chloe has followed in her mother’s illustrious footsteps, pursuing a career in acting. She landed roles in the 2021 film Aftermath and the 2023 movie Ladies of the ’80s: A Divas Christmas.

Beyond acting, she also pursued modeling, boasting an impressive 5’10” frame, rich brown hair, and captivating hazel eyes. However, Donna has always been fiercely protective of her daughter, particularly in light of the industry’s ongoing controversies.

“I’ve given her advice all along because she’s been a model for several years, and they often face the toughest challenges,” Donna shared. “They’re all beautiful with amazing bodies, but there are many photographers who can be quite predatory.”

The actress prioritized Chloe’s safety throughout her career. “I always told her, ‘If anything seems off, don’t hesitate—turn around and leave immediately,’” she shared. “I also stay in close contact with her agents to ensure they’re fully aware of where they’re sending her.”

Chloe has always expressed gratitude for her mother’s unwavering support. “She was there for every activity I did, every show I performed in, every tennis match I played. She was always there,” Chloe shared.

Donna and Chloe Mills at the UK premiere of “NOPE” at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 28, 2022, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Although many years have gone by since Donna first cradled Chloe in her arms, their connection remains unshakable. “We make it a point to see each other at least once a week, and we’re always in touch—whether it’s a call or a quick text,” Donna revealed. As a testament to their unbreakable bond, the duo even got matching tattoos.

Their strong bond has been lovingly shared on social media as well. In November 2023, Donna posted a heartwarming photo on Instagram featuring herself and Chloe, both beaming with smiles.

Fans were quick to express their admiration for the duo. One fan wrote, “Your daughter is a cutie too,” while another commented, “Such a pretty girl.” A third admirer shared, “You are still gorgeous, and so is your daughter.” A fourth fan added, “She’s beautiful just like her mum ❤️,” on a separate post featuring Chloe and her iconic mother.

In October 2024, Donna excitedly shared some wonderful news on Instagram — Chloe was expecting a baby. “My baby girl is having a baby!! And we gave her the shower of her dreams. Can’t wait to meet the little guy. I know I’ll love him as much as I love her,” the proud mom wrote.

On October 27, 2024, Chloe was celebrated with a beautiful baby shower, marking the joyful occasion of her soon-to-arrive son.

Chloe’s longtime partner, Travis Collings, is the proud father of the actress’s first grandchild. While the couple prefers to keep their relationship mostly out of the spotlight, they have offered small glimpses into their joy and anticipation as they embark on the journey of parenthood together.

By February 2025, Chloe joyfully welcomed her son and shared the happy news on social media. “Colter Benjamin Collings 🫶🏽✨🌊 🫧newborn bliss…we are so in love with you baby boy!” she captioned the heartwarming post.

Donna Mills’ transition from Hollywood icon to devoted mother shows that it’s never too late to embrace motherhood. She paused her thriving career to raise Chloe, and their unshakable bond remains stronger than ever. Now, as Chloe begins her own family, the 84-year-old actress is stepping into an exciting new chapter of life — grandmotherhood.