Though viewers may feel like they know Chip and Joanna Gaines (and their adorable family) through their hit HGTV show, “Fixer Upper,” the unofficial mayors of Waco, Texas, are spilling even more of their secrets.
The two recently penned their first book, The Magnolia Story, which delves into Chip and Joanna’s childhood, their many business ventures, along with cute stories about their faith and their four kiddos. The Huffington Post chatted with the Gaines earlier this week during a tour stop for their new book.
Advertisement
Here are five things you may not know about Chip and Jo:
1. The process of writing a book didn’t come easy for them.
Chip: The hardest part for me was the spelling [bothlaugh]. That took me a while, and then grammar was a close second right after that. But other than those two, very difficult things, I think just putting it all together. Jo and I were recalling things from 10 to 15 years ago, so she would have one perspective and I would have another and we were kind of wrestling with exactly how to communicate certain issues or certain points. But honestly, we both loved the experience. I cannot believe how the experience of writing the book almost was a life changing experience in itself.
2. If they could live outside of Waco, Texas, they would settle down in New York City or Playa del Carmen.
Joanna: I would be right here in New York City.
Chip: I love it. Mexico.
Joanna: Probably like Cancun [both laugh].
Chip: Aw no! Back in my day, there was a place called Playa del Carmen that was kinda like a miniature, baby sister to Cancun. It was really authentic and you could go there and really feel like you were off the grid. It’s gotten a bit touristy over the past decade, but if you can imagine that 10 years ago that would be my hot spot.
Advertisement
3. They’re not that into beach vacations.
Joanna: If I have vacation time, I wanna stay home. Traveling to me with a bigger family doesn’t ever feel like vacation. But I think you, Chip, what do you think? Skiing or beach?
Chip: Not the beach, for sure not the beach. When I go to Mexico, I literally wear head-to-toe clothes like a normal person.
Joanna: He can’t wear sandals.
Chip: ‘Cause my feet are too short and fat, so I’m constantly holding on to the little sandal thing in between my toes. And I can’t jog in flip-flops, not that I jog typically, but at least when I have the opportunity to jog. I love the mountains, love Mexico, either of those two would be an option.
4. Their favorite artist to jam out to in the car is the one behind their show’s theme song.
Joanna: Johnnyswim. Are you kidding me?
Chip: You bet. They’re who we think we look like when we’re not looking in the mirror.
Joanna: Then you’re with them and you’re like, “They are very cool.”
Chip: “Oh shoot, we do not look like those two.” I mean, when you meet them, you’re like, “How did I think we were somewhat doppelgängers?” But I’m kind of a country western guy.
Advertisement
Joanna: We like to listen to Waylon Jennings, The Highwaymen ...
Chip: You know who Jo loves? Cyndi Lauper. We love Cyndi Lauper. We just [get in the car] scream, roll the windows down, let our hair down and go bananas.
Joanna: I think she believes you. [Editor’s note: I do indeed believe whatever Chip tells me, but also take it with a grain of salt].
5. Their kids don’t know who many celebrities are aside from Taylor Swift.
Chip: My kids are all kind of geeked out, at least from the boys’ perspective, from an athlete standpoint. So we met a couple of Texas Rangers, that was really exciting. We met the big ol’ tight end for the Dallas Cowboys named Jason Witten and my boys were both really geeked out about that. Who are the girls interested in? You know who they love? Amanda (Amanda Sudano-Ramirez from Johnnyswim).
Joanna: They do love Amanda. The kids are a little young, they don’t even get what [famous] means. There’s somebody ... Taylor Swift.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Advertisement
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.