Donna Mills became a mom at 54 & found new love at 60 – At 82 she’s still an iconic blonde & looks radiant

Actress Donna Mills is one of those women who are gifted with exceptional beauty. No matter how many years pass by, they still look as gorgeous as ever.Her looks, along with her talent, helped Mills become a household name. From the moment she landed a role on the CBS daytime soap opera The Secret Storm in 1966, it was obvious she was meant for great things. As all eyes were on her, her career skyrocketed with the iconic role of scheming, manipulative vixen Abby Cunningham on the long-running primetime soap opera Knots Landing and a major recurring guest-starring role in the popular soap opera General Hospital.

Wikipedia Commons / Alan Light
At the same time as her career blossomed, Mills was also trying to find love. Eventually, she started a relationship with guitarist Richard Holland, the ex-husband of singer Chaka Khan with whom he had a son, Damian. Many believed that Mills and Holland made a somewhat odd couple as their personalities were very different. She perceived herself as an active and motivated go-getter, while Holland rarely found motivation to do things. Those close to him always described him as laid back.The public even believed that he was with her for her money and the comfort she provided for him. Shortly after they started a relationship, Holland settled with Mills in her $1.5 million mansion where she prepared a room for his son who visited them and sometimes stayed with them over the weekends.
Jim Ellwanger / Flickr
The two stayed together and she always considered their relationship “turbulent.” During the 20 years they were going on and off, they never started a family or had a child on their own.Mills was way too busy building her career and never felt like something was missing in her life, until she reached 54 and decided she wanted to become a mother. Many criticized her decision, saying it was late for her to embark on such a journey as parenthood, but Mills was determined to have a child. In 1994, at the height of her acting career, Mills adopted daughter Chloe, who was just four days old.The role of a mother was so fitting to Mills that she made a shocking decision to put her career on hold and focus on raising her baby girl.Even today, 28 years after Chloe entered her life, their mother-daughter bond is as strong as ever.Chloe is a celebrity in her own right. She is an influencer and a model, as well as a member of the popular California-based arts, politics and media club Soho House. She’s dating musician Bailey Joshua.Just like her daughter, Mills found love herself. Although her relationship with Holland was an unstable one, the Knots Landing star never lost hope of falling in love again. For the last 20 years, she’s been together with another Hollywood star, actor and producer Larry Gilman, whom she describes as her soul mate.He is best known for his roles in the television series Texas Rangers between 1980 to 1981, the feature film Secrets, and the popular CBS war comedy-drama television series, M*A*S*H.In 2015, he surprised her with a vineyard.
Recently, Mills posed alongside two other stars of her kind, Linda Gray and Joan Collins. The three 80s lead women appeared radiant and glowing, leaving their fans in awe.It’s safe to say that the three actresses defy age.The trio had come together for a magazine shoot, as was evident from Mills’ caption, which read:“What a delight working with these lovely ladies. Thank you Hello Magazine @hellomag for a terrific story in your latest issue.”Mills was dressed in a sparkling pink outfit, while Collins stunned in a gorgeous black dress and Gray opted for a shimmery gray and silver attire.As expected, the post attracted the attention of many who dubbed the three ladies “icons,” “soap queens,” and “legends.”

“Dallas, Dynasty & Knots Landing in one frame. These Iconic ladies made those shows!” a fan wrote.

My Four Kids Objected at My Wedding – When I Found Out Why, My Heart Sank

Margaret has found love again ten years after her first husband’s passing. But it seems like her problems are far from over. When the officiant at her wedding asks if anyone objects, her four children stand up and say they do. Margaret’s heart sinks as she wonders what went wrong and why her once supportive children are now objecting. What happened?

The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the windows as I sat in my favorite armchair. “Oh, James, I miss you every day,” I murmured, my fingers tracing the edges of the old photograph.

A woman sitting and looking at photos | Source: Midjourney

The photo album lay open on my lap, filled with memories of a life that once was.

I looked at the picture of James, his smile so vivid, almost as if he was still here with me. Oh dear! We met in college, young and full of dreams.

Our first date was at a small café near campus, where we talked for hours about everything and nothing. He had this way of making me feel special as if I was the only person in the world who mattered.

A couple kissing | Source: Pexels

A couple kissing | Source: Pexels

As I flipped through the pages, each photo brought back a flood of memories. There was our wedding day, a beautiful sunny afternoon in June.

I could still hear the laughter of our friends and family, see the joy in James’ eyes as we said our vows. We were so happy, so full of hope for the future.

An older woman smiling at her wedding | Source: Midjourney

An older woman smiling at her wedding | Source: Midjourney

We had our share of adventures, traveling to places we’d always dreamed of. There was the trip to Italy, where we got lost in the winding streets of Rome and ended up having the best pizza we’d ever tasted.

Or the time we went camping in the Rockies, and James insisted on making a campfire despite the pouring rain. We laughed so much that night, huddled together under a makeshift tent, feeling like nothing could ever go wrong.

A tent and mountains | Source: Pexels

A tent and mountains | Source: Pexels

But then life happened.

When I was 42, James fell ill, and despite our hopes and prayers, he passed away. The day I lost him was the hardest day of my life. The house felt empty, and my heart ached with a loneliness I couldn’t escape.

A sad woman at a funeral | Source: Pexels

A sad woman at a funeral | Source: Pexels

For years, I believed that kind of love was a once-in-a-lifetime thing. I went through the motions, keeping busy with hobbies and spending time with friends, but something was always missing.

That’s when Michael came into my life. Two years ago.

An older couple embracing | Source: Pexels

An older couple embracing | Source: Pexels

Michael was different from James in many ways, but he brought a light back into my life. We met at a friend’s dinner party, and his kindness and sense of humor drew me in.

Slowly, he became an important part of my life. I felt that warmth of love again, something I thought was gone forever. So when he proposed six months ago, I immediately said yes.

Hands showing couple rings | Source: Pexels

Hands showing couple rings | Source: Pexels

I closed the photo album, holding it close to my chest.

“James, you’ll always be my first love,” I whispered, feeling a tear slip down my cheek. “But I think you’d be happy for me. I found someone who makes me smile again.”

An older woman hugging an album | Source: Midjourney

An older woman hugging an album | Source: Midjourney

I looked around the cozy living room, the place that held so many memories. Today, my house buzzed with excitement as we prepared for Michael and my wedding.

My children were all here, making everything perfect.

“Mom, can you help me with this banner?” Jackson called from the living room.

Wedding arrangements | Source: Pexels

Wedding arrangements | Source: Pexels

He was adjusting the decorations, making sure every detail was just right. Jackson always had an eye for these things.

“Of course, dear,” I said, walking over to give him a hand.

As I helped him, I glanced around the room and felt a wave of happiness wash over me. Harry was coordinating with the caterers on the phone.

Food at a wedding | Source: Pexels

Food at a wedding | Source: Pexels

“Make sure they know about the vegetarian options,” I reminded him. He nodded, giving me a thumbs-up.

Oliver was in the corner, arranging flowers with such care. “These lilies look beautiful, Oliver,” I said.

“Thanks, Mom. I just want everything to be perfect for you and Michael,” he replied, his eyes shining with love and excitement.

A man holding flowers | Source: Freepik

A man holding flowers | Source: Freepik

Benjamin, my youngest, was moving around, making sure everything was running smoothly. “Mom, I’ve checked the sound system. It’s all set for the music and speeches,” he said, giving me a quick hug.

“Thank you, Ben. You’re all doing such a great job,” I said, feeling a lump in my throat.

My children were truly a blessing.

Four men | Source: Freepik

Four men | Source: Freepik

Michael was in the living room, reviewing his vows. He looked up and smiled as I walked over.

“How are you holding up?” he asked, taking my hand.

“I’m doing great, thanks to all of you,” I said, squeezing his hand. “I’m so lucky to have such wonderful children and to have you in my life.”

A happy older couple at home | Source: Freepik

A happy older couple at home | Source: Freepik

“We’re all here for you, Mom,” Jackson said, joining us. “We want your day to be perfect.”

“And it will be because of all your hard work,” I said, my heart swelling with pride and love.

As the day went on, the house was filled with laughter and chatter. It was chaotic but in the best possible way.

A happy family | Source: Pexels

A happy family | Source: Pexels

As the sun set that evening, we gathered in the backyard for a small rehearsal dinner.

The space was adorned with twinkling lights and flowers.

Everything seemed breathtaking.

Chair and tables arranged in the backyard | Source: Pexels

Chair and tables arranged in the backyard | Source: Pexels

“Mom, do you like everything?” Jackson asked, taking a seat beside me.

“I do, honey,” I replied with a smile.

Michael came over and wrapped his arm around me. “Are you ready for tomorrow, love?” he asked with a smile.

“I think so,” I replied, leaning into him. “It’s hard to believe it’s almost here.”

A happy couple | Source: Pexels

A happy couple | Source: Pexels

Oliver raised his glass. “A toast to Mom and Michael. May your love be as bright and lasting as these lights,” he said, and everyone clinked their glasses together.

“To Mom and Michael!” they all echoed, their faces full of joy and support.

Glasses clinking | Source: Pexels

Glasses clinking | Source: Pexels

I looked around at my children, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you all for being here and for everything you’ve done. I couldn’t have asked for a better family,” I said, my voice trembling with emotion.

“Mom, we wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Benjamin said, smiling warmly.

A smiling man at dinner table | Source: Pexels

A smiling man at dinner table | Source: Pexels

Oliver nodded. “Yeah, we’re so glad to see you happy again.”

But despite the laughter and love surrounding me, a part of my heart ached for Emily, my estranged daughter.

I couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever forgive me. Her absence was a constant reminder of the pain that still lingered.

A sad woman | Source: Midjourney

A sad woman | Source: Midjourney

“Emily would have loved this,” I said quietly, more to myself than anyone else.

Michael squeezed my hand. “She still might come around, Margaret. Give it time.”

“I hope so,” I replied, trying to push the sadness away.

Happy man capturing photos | Source: Pexels

Happy man capturing photos | Source: Pexels

The next day, my heart raced as I stood beside Michael, facing the officiant at our picturesque outdoor venue.

The flowers and twinkling lights created a magical atmosphere, but nothing could prepare me for what happened next.

A dinner table at a wedding | Source: Pexels

A dinner table at a wedding | Source: Pexels

“If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace,” the officiant said. My four children stood together, their faces serious.

“We do!” they said in unison.

My heart sank. Everything had been so perfect until yesterday.

A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman | Source: Midjourney

Before I could ask, Jackson spoke up. “You can’t get married, Mom, at least not without one person.”

The children moved aside, creating a path. And there she was. Emily. I couldn’t believe my eyes!

A pretty woman | Source: Unsplash

A pretty woman | Source: Unsplash

She walked towards us with tears streaming down her face.

My emotions swirled within me, almost overwhelming.

“Mom, I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice trembling.

A sad woman | Source: Midjourney

A sad woman | Source: Midjourney

Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed to embrace her.

“I’m sorry, Ma. I blamed you for Dad’s death, but over the years, I realized how unfair that was,” she added, pulling away. “He made a choice, and you honored his wishes. I was too hurt to see that.”

Back when James was suffering from his illness, he made me sign a document.

A man singing a document | Source: Pexels

A man singing a document | Source: Pexels

It said that if his heart stopped, we wouldn’t resuscitate him. I honored his wishes, and it broke my heart.

Emily was devastated and said I killed him.

She disappeared from my life, and I feared I would never see her again.

An angry woman yelling | Source: Freepik

An angry woman yelling | Source: Freepik

“I’ve missed you so much, honey,” I told her. “I’ve tried to reach out, to explain, but I understand why you couldn’t hear me then.”

Emily again wrapped me in a hug, both of us crying as we reconciled.

“I don’t want you to start this new chapter of your life without knowing that I support you. Michael seems wonderful, and I want to be a part of your life again. Thanks to my brothers who called me here,” she said.

Two women embracing | Source: Midjourney

Two women embracing | Source: Midjourney

Michael stepped forward, gently taking Emily’s hand. “Emily, I’ve heard so much about you. Your mother loves you deeply. This means everything to her.”

With tears in my eyes and my heart full, I turned back to the officiant. “Let’s continue,” I said.

Michael and I shared our vows, and when the officiant pronounced us husband and wife, we shared our first kiss as a married couple. The reception was even better.

People at a wedding reception | Source: Unsplash

People at a wedding reception | Source: Unsplash

My five children were together and happy.

Emily raised her glass for a toast and looked at Michael and me. “To new beginnings, to love, and to family. Here’s to Mom and Michael and to all of us being together again.”

The room echoed with cheers and clinking glasses. I looked around, my heart swelling with gratitude and completeness. My family was whole again, and I was stepping into a new chapter with everyone I loved by my side.

A happy newlywed couple | Source: Midjourney

A happy newlywed couple | Source: Midjourney

Have you ever been in such a situation and experienced something heartwarming at a wedding?

A couple | Source: Unsplash

A couple | Source: Unsplash

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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