A former reality television star used the announcement of his forthcoming memoir to honor the woman he credits with stepping into a maternal role during the most difficult period of his life.
Collin Gosselin, 21, posted a heartfelt tribute to Colleen Conrad on Wednesday, June 17, marking both her birthday and the official reveal of his upcoming book. The timing, he noted, was purely coincidental but deeply meaningful.
In an Instagram post featuring a photograph of himself with Conrad, Collin wrote that 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 continued his tribute by describing her as "wonderful, hardworking, passionate" before referring to her as "my real mom."
The public declaration carries particular weight given Collin's well-documented estrangement from his biological mother, Kate Gosselin, and his complicated childhood in the public eye as one of eight children featured on the reality series Jon & Kate Plus 8.
In the comments section of his post, Collin elaborated on the distinction between biological and chosen family relationships. He reflected that while "the love you feel for a mom you were given is incredible," the "love you feel for a mom that CHOSE you is something so powerful."
Conrad responded emotionally to the tribute, writing that his words made her cry and affirming their bond. She stated directly, "I'll always be here for you and you are my son. I love you!"
Conrad entered Collin's life in 2014 when she began dating his father, Jon Gosselin, 49, five years after Jon and Kate Gosselin divorced. Although Jon Gosselin and Conrad ended their romantic relationship in 2021, they have maintained a friendship. Jon Gosselin supported Conrad through her breast cancer battle, and she has remained a consistent presence in Collin's life.
The relationship between Collin and his biological mother, Kate Gosselin, 51, has been fraught with conflict. Collin has previously accused Kate of abuse, while Kate has claimed that Collin exhibited "unpredictable and violent behaviors" and allegedly received multiple psychiatric diagnoses. The mother and son are currently estranged.
The tribute coincided with the announcement of Collin's memoir, In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood, scheduled for release on October 13. In a statement, Collin explained that while his "life was always broadcast to millions," the reality of his experiences "was never shown — in fact, much of it was deliberately kept hidden."
After years of having his story told "through headlines, television episodes and public speculation," Collin stated he is now ready to share "what was really happening behind the scenes." He described the memoir as addressing his "truth, survival, resilience and finding my voice after years of being silenced."
The book promises to provide new details about Collin's childhood experiences growing up in the reality television spotlight, offering his perspective on events that captivated audiences but, according to him, obscured the truth of his lived experience.