Ina Garten gets candid on difficult childhood, meeting Jeffrey, more

In this extended cut, Ina Garten opens up to TODAY's Hoda Kotb about her difficult childhood, why she says her life 'started' when she married Jeffrey, how she found her voice in the competitive culinary world and more.
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#inagarten #celebrity #chef

[@jbt6007]

God bless Ina. She really came through an abusive childhood as a true survivor.

[@amaris1117]

Amen 🙏

[@CatCat-v5g]

She wasn't 'abused'. Stop being so dramatic! She had an upper-middle-class upbringing with distant parents, that's all..🙄

[@italiancountrygal]

@@CatCat-v5g It is abuse - I had the same kind of father.

[@jbt6007]

@@CatCat-v5g dragging a child around by their hair is distant parents

[@hattiem.7966]

​@@CatCat-v5gThere is such a thing as verbal and mental abuse.

[@IAmLadyLuxe]

This is the best interview - young people need to listen to understand the ebbs and flows of relationships and finding yourself as a person. She is speaking truth.

[@frankiebean476]

I just cried a little bit thinking about all the times Jeffrey has responded to her with "that sounds like a wonderful idea" on her show now knowing how she grew up 💞

[@RobinMarconeCassidyRN]

I give Ina so much credit for opening up to her fans about her life story. I always felt she was a private person so making that decision is truly amazing. Out of everything she said, that deeply touched me was " my life started with Jeffrey" The love between Jeffrey and Ina is so deep and honestly real. You just can't hide and pretend so I see the immense love they have for each other. It's so pure.

[@josimpson7999]

Yes. She has what most people want…but never find.

[@NitaKerns]

Child-free QUEEN!! Kids aren't for everyone and we need to stop making people feel bad for it.

[@Theresa-t6d]

She is the person I look up to most for this child free decision I have made. ❤ love her!

[@cleigh951]

did you watch this fully??? She did not have children because she had an unhealthy childhood....her parents were not loving and she did not want to recreate that with her own children. That is the reason.

[@rumblefish9]

Most survivors of abuse often choose to not have children. I did. My mom was psychologically, emotionally and physically abusive. I chose not to have children or marry. I'm not sure that my mom loved me either. The only feeling I felt from her was resentment. I grew up not knowing my real dad lived in the same city. When he died when I was 24, my mom went "Your dad died. Here's a pizza."

[@josimpson7999]

Agreed. They weren’t for me either. Having a career and travelling world was my goal and I achieved it.

[@rpaafourever7908]

@@cleigh951 Sounds like a darn good reason to me! If only majority of the people who DO have kids were as self aware and honest with themselves..

[@timjanas]

“I have no idea what’s ahead and I don’t need to know” - that is great wisdom

[@CuriousandCultured]

I love how relaxed and laid back she is about the future.

[@bdrienne]

I'm reading her book now. She has had such a rich and interesting life. It's incredible that she was able to be so self-made after being raised by people who just tore her down so much.

[@Larry-qw3rp]

Thank you Ina. This was a very brave interview. 😅

[@staceyroberts3468]

I’d never have guessed her early life was like this. I’m so happy her life turned into meeting a man who’d appreciate her so much. There’s so many of us who r determined to change our life as soon as we have control over it. And live happy and fulfilling lives!

[@susanharkema2888]

Her kindness and self-effacing spirit and laugh just drew me in from the first moment.

[@shawnfender7237]

I have been a fan of Ina's for years. I love her soothing voice. I had no idea about her childhood. I now respect her even more.

[@CatCat-v5g]

Why? Because she had an extremely privileged childhood with extremely strict discipline?

[@adamstein1591]

@@CatCat-v5gyou call that childhood privileged?

[@nolanpribnow7441]

Ina, if you read these comments I want you to know how much we love you. I’ve watched you on television since I was a child. You’ve taught me how to entertain and have fun with my guests. Thank you 🙏🏼.

[@TNewsh]

Inspiring story...I like that she said "don't plan too much for the future. Just let it all happen." It's kinda relieving to hear a successful person say that.

[@Look_Over_There]

I love the fact that Ina gets told she’s loved so much good for her

[@katiemclaneak5182]

Ina….. I never would have imagined you didn’t have a warm loving open parent because I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT OF YOU AS WARM, LOVELY, SMART AND SO PERSONABLE. AND JOYOUS …. your inner peace radiates. It has been AP,easure watching you.

[@angelacoyne2317]

WOW Ina and I had similar childhoods!! I became a people pleaser to gain approval! I have so many dreams and goals and needed a Jeffrey to encourage and believe in me! Happy for her!

[@lb1798]

💔

[@Daniela-ku5lo]

What a warm and kind lady considering she came from such a cold family. So happy she met Jeffrey and had a happy adult life. She deserves it!

[@alvinalmodovar3142]

I feel like Ina was speaking to me! I have always loved her sense of self and dignity. I am almost 50 and I feel like my life has just begun! Thank you Ina for your wisdom, recipes, style and all around class. I LOVE INA!

[@margotgray3330]

Ina, thank you for just being you. Your story resonates with so many women growing up in that time. You're a powerhouse, and I love how you and Jeffrey have backed each other through the decades.

[@radioheadfanlove]

This babe is a LEGEND. Was already my favorite chef, but now I adore here 10x more!!!! Love you too Hoda, what a great interview!

[@imoadams2959]

INA, YOU ARE SO LOVED!!! Bless your beautiful heart. 💞

[@Justfactsnofiction-ql2fj]

We March in the same line Ina. Truly, we never know what baskets we all carry. Being kind is the best way to live.

[@alexandrabush8077]

This was such a good interview!!

[@Heybros233]

No matter your religion, politics, ethnicity we can all agree INA is a Goddess and one outstanding woman, she is so authentic and beautiful. I really look up to her.

[@tracyconery398]

I love Ina Garten but this video breaks my heart. It also gives me joy to know that she has survived her abusive, unloving childhood. The fact that she found love and a beautiful fulfilled career and amazing life story despite the sadness she had to endure...what an inspiration.!

[@lb1798]

14:09 When she describes her father apologizing,they describe it as extraordinary and courageous....I just don't see it that way. He was a cowardly bully who was proved wrong,and had to admit it. That sounds like admittance (him) & acceptance (Ina) that doesn't equal an apology.

[@FM-ij7iu]

Ina is such a darling person. I’m in the middle of listening to her book. I’m either crying or laughing. We had similar childhood experiences but I never found the support Jeffrey provided. So nice to hear of such a happy ending to an abusive childhood. ❤

[@Chrissyreadsandwrites]

Hoda is such a great interviewer. This is a fascinating conversation.

[@user-bn7cg5kz9p]

@@Chrissyreadsandwrites she interrupted Ina a lot and tried to complete Ina’s thoughts which was unnecessary. Is that what you call a good interviewer? I respectfully disagree.

[@melissam7067]

parts of the interview are awful-what do you remember about (your father dragging you around by the hair). i mean seriously? the interviewer is provoking strong painful memories, perhaps to get her to cry....which then boosts the ratings.

[@jessicamoore1314]

@@user-bn7cg5kz9pAnd she seems so in-genuine

[@Ladybird.21]

@@jessicamoore1314disingenuous.🙃 Yeah, considering the subject matter, Hoda could definitely have asked her questions in a more sensitive manner. Still, appreciate Ina’s openness and vulnerability.

[@betsybabf748]

Hoda is excellent and always such an experienced professional.

[@julieelle1682]

Two absolutely beautiful ladies talking about love and life and doing it so incredibly well with heart and soul

[@NK-4628]

I teared up during this, seeing someone who lived a very similar childhood to mine. I think in many ways, we had very similar closed-off, "hard" parents. My father is now gone -- he never apologized, and I knew he would always blame me for his lashing out, figuratively and literally. I've been No Contact for over 11 years from my mother, and have had a lot of therapy. The guilt still eats at me, but I feel "free" even though I'm still looking over my shoulder. I still hear all their cruel words when I struggle, or doubt myself. I was told "Is it any wonder you havent got any friends?", so Ina's story really made me tear up. The hurt still stings, even though its been over 40 years. I really applaud Ina's strength, and drive to forge ahead and finally be herself. Thank you, Ina, and huge thanks to Jeffrey, too.

[@michaeld.williamsiii9026]

Sending you much caring thoughts and a virtual hug. 😪❤️‍🩹😪 I also can sadly relate to a degree, to you and Ina as well. Especially as someone whom was neglected, physically abused, and abandoned ultimately by the woman whom birthed me. 🙇🏽😥🙇🏽 My biological father to briefly share, tried but tragically lost his life due to an overdose.😢💔😢I ended up becoming a foster child/teen ultimately being adopted by a woman whom incredibly chose me in the end. Becoming the mother I truly never, ever had whom sadly if not devastatingly passed.😰😭😰

[@NK-4628]

@@michaeld.williamsiii9026 thank you, and strength for you also. I'm so sorry for all you've endured. Hug accepted, and returned.

[@jacquelynfairchild369]

I can't believe it!!! You childhood sounds exactly like mine. At the dinner table my Dad would be listening to the TV, the radio and reading all at the same time!! There was no way of talking to him.!!! He was just unavailable!!!❤❤❤❤

[@sharonw9229]

I’ve been fascinated by Ina since day one on FN. I’ve seen her live when she toured years ago for a book release. She spoke on stage and did a Q&A and answered one of my questions! I’m a chef and I’ve always been impressed with her talent. More importantly though, I’ve always felt she’s real, kind and not narcissistic in any way. You rock Ina! ❤️

[@hetoako]

Ina is the epitome of one who lives in the now

[@callie.envoyage]

Ina, you are sincerely wonderful. Hoda, what a treat.. you are so beyond talented, generous and warm in this interview. What a gift from you both. Thank you!

[@jasonbruner6771]

Ina just brings PURE comfort. I’m so glad I found this interview… I have so much respect for her. Definitely going to buy the book now. Eat well, live well! Love you, Ina ❤

[@Theresa-t6d]

I have loved you, Ina, since the first time I ever saw you on TV. You have this beautiful, calm, intelligent, warm, confident energy that gives us a glimpse into how special and great you are. I never had a good Mom and always related and looked up to you. I thought “this is the kind of woman that should be my Mom”. Now I know why. You rose like phoenix. 💜

[@MegaLabStudios]

My auntie in my head and in the kitchen. Heartbroken hearing her childhood story, kinda reminds me of mine in some ways. Growing up my friends and school were definitely my escape. Thanks you for sharing yourself with us Ina! 🧡

[@lorismith5369]

Ina, I have been seeing you for 20 years. Today, I have a collection of just YOUR cookbooks on my kitchen counter. My daughter and I have learned a lot from you. We appreciate you . Wishing a Happy Thanksgiving to you and Jeffrey! ❤🦃

[@DebbieCauley]

Ina,you’re just the best! Cheers to you & Jeffery ❤️

[@bookerdog1234]

Amazing soul and so humble.

[@Ingrid_S1024]

Ina’s childhood experience similar to mine. My mother was passed away when I was almost 4 years old, during child birth to my brother. She had brain aneurysms. My baby brother & I were left to live with my aunt & uncle while my father perused for his career in different city. I remembered I was beaten with bamboo stick and locked in a dark room. I cried almost every day. At that time I felt abandoned & neglected, and no one cared for my brother & I , not even my own father. My father remarried a year later. My brother & I moved with my father, step mother, step sibling 5 years later. My father was really never around because of work. When he was home he was just physically home but not mentally & emotionally for my brother & I. When he got upset/triggered he yelled on top of his lung. We are all scared of him. I left home and went to the US for school. Then I met my husband. We went back to get married and had children. My father did not come to our wedding and the birth of my 2 sons. I now lived in Canada with my husband & 2 children. My brother & I are in the late 50s. We do not have good relationship with my father & my siblings. My brother and his abusive wife do not really have relationship with me, my father & other sibling. Sadly we are all kind of grown a part like stranger. All of these because of childhood trauma and unavailable parents.

[@JetSettinGio]

This interview was so refreshing. I love these women especially Ina. Her perspective on life is one that I aspire to have. You just rarely hear successful people speak about life the way she does.

[@lupesandoval6495]

Thank you for sharing your story. I too had an abusive childhood. Now as an adult I am still healing from it. 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@debbiedean3165]

This interview with Ina was lovely, candid, and inspiring, thank you 😊

[@JojiN-xv9ld]

Love this interview. Ms. Kotb is a great interviewer. you can tell she's genuinely interested talking to the guest. And of course, Ina... have been following her forever...love her and can't wait to get my full Ina cookbook collection. blessings to you both.

[@rah62]

She is not "Mrs" Kotb. There is no "Mr" Kotb.

[@anneerickson6347]

Jeffrey is the most fortunate man on earth. ❤

[@starsatnight3058]

I can relate to Ina as I had an emotionally abusive mother & passive father. I, too, realize that many grew up in FAR worse situations than I did - yet there is pain there that takes years to understand. I was always treated as silly or stupid...yet ended up being the most educated one in our family unit. I, too, moved away from it at age 22 & married a great man & never looked back for anything. I wonder if it was a symptom of the 1960s/70s era. Parents were very emotionally disconnected. They often were very concerned about their image. They rarely showed empathy for their children...& feelings just weren't discussed. Ah well...we love you Ina! It means so much that you are sharing your story with us!

[@kimreed6733]

And yes Ina, we love and respect you!

[@shelsethreg]

She’s just incredible. An absolute role model. What a wonderful interview.

[@danyelmoulden3803]

We DO love you, Ina! Such an inspiring story! And I love hearing that she wrote her FIRST book at 52. I'm 53, and just starting to get a vision for what I want in life! (And like Ina, PARIS is part of my vision!) It's never too late, is it!

[@VanessaJeffery-w3f]

Wow ina...what a fantastic lady you are,,,you've overcome your childhood and found true love with Jeffery and are loved by so many all over the world..what a strong woman x

[@wl4006]

Very moving and authentic this dialogue. What Ina shared about her childhood really made me cry. Both Ina and Jeffrey are a blessed union. No doubt. ❤ Just ordered Ina's memoir on amazon 😊

[@Elkycreates]

Ina’s experiences shine through in this interview as it does in all her cooking shows which is why I love Ina. I’ll be reading her memoir for sure. She exudes that kind of gratitude and compassion which I only see in people that have lived through the extraordinary. Would love to meet her one day.

[@OdileFeria]

Ina is one of the most beloved person that I’ve ever see. Beside may mother, who was the most spectacular, nice, loving person that I ever met and know. Ina is one of the the best . God bless her and bless Jeffrey for make her happy .

[@robynrains7252]

I’ve been an Ina fan for years 🩷 This is a fantastic conversation. Thanks Hoda and Ina 😊👍

[@yvonnerolley9676]

Inas kind nature shows in her love of nurturing through cooking and friendships etc very attractive love her books and her programs

[@79jensing]

Soooooo fascinating to get a little peak into Ina's personal life! Love her so much!

[@terryrogers-kulick9499]

I am a fan of Ina from the beginning of her Food Network days. I found this interview with Hoda fantastic and heartwarming!

[@lupitaramirez5009]

I can so relate to ina, she not alone.. at 65 I still can’t forget my mother’s behavior. I just made sure I did better with my kids … thank goodness I have amazing grownups 😊

[@sjohnson65456]

Is that you in your picture/how old were you there?

[@michelleshafto4141]

I love Ina, i love her voice, it's very soothing. And i love her recipes. Whenever i want to look up a recipe, i always Google it from Ina. And she looks amazing too, she looks exactly the same as she did twenty-forty years ago.

[@vm3016]

We love you Ina!❤ I never buy memoirs, but I will buy hers. I admire Ina so much.

[@linabailey4947]

This LADY is so amazing and so inspirational! Thank you for standing up for yourself when no one else did!💖💥

[@ilovefredreika]

Fabulous interview, thank u Hoda & Ina.

[@louisel.sinniger2057]

Do what you love, you’ll be good at it. Such true words. I really enjoy Ina, have for many years. Her style of cooking and explaining is so up my alley. I learned cooking from my grandma and the style is EXACTLY like Ina’s. This woman seems so relaxed, kind, caring. A gem for sure!

[@CuriousandCultured]

This was an Incredible interview! Ina's story is so inspiring.

[@claritag8831]

Best interview ever!!!!

[@patin319]

I love her….her voice in her recipes made cooking the best part !❤

[@christylohr2633]

Fantastic interview!

[@firefly275]

Ina, you are amazing! Class act!

[@Kim-qt7yn]

Such an evolved and insightful person…and then there’s her talent! Thank you Ina🫶

[@gailkellas2147]

You are not alone Ina, I understand where your coming from❤

[@jackiespina]

I adore her! As if I didn’t love her already, now I love her with deep appreciation.

[@mandaslovinglife6772]

Ina, you are such a BEAUTIFUL person and thank you for sharing your story with us.

[@annagarcia8957]

I had no idea Ina went through so much as a child. Well Ina we see you and we LOVE YOU ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@RuthieBowling]

Ina and Jeffrey are a beautiful couple.❤️🙏

[@sherrywarren-biers3327]

Wow…..such a great interview! Ina has a special warmth and caring nature. Who would have guessed she experienced a cold, unloving upbringing. 🥰

[@KimJeffer]

Thanks for this interview. I remember watching Ina on Sunday mornings. I always referred to Ina's show as" My Lady is on" on. Ina is just likeable. I am a friend she hasnt met. Keep unwrapping lifes gifts in front of you Ina.

[@gmock9427]

My girl. I love her authenticity.

[@fluffylilmarshmallow4525]

Wow, what an extraordinary, beautiful, kind and loving woman, and so much talent to boot!

[@janetcorey5102]

To say Ina is great, and we love her is an understatement. 💕

[@simspyce1]

What a wonderful interview. I don't feel so alone about having an unavailable mother.

[@melindaruggeri2641]

I love that she said “ I wanted a partner”

[@debbielente4766]

Ina you are not the only one... German and Irish family...my mother sounds like your mother. Same thing..I did not feel anything when she passed...I do not feel guilty about it

[@lb1798]

Ina has an incredible calmness in her voice. She is so creative, I wonder what she would have been like if she would have had different parents. A joyless mother and a tempermental/ABUSIVE father is a life of misery. I KNOW Ina thanks God for Jeffrey EVERY DAY❤

[@lilypad5]

So glad she found her Jeffrey. I never found mine.

[@angelforceforyou]

Ina is divine and btw her bracelet is nice too!

[@ashleymain7751]

I always knew I had a connection to her for a reason.

[@clairecross3364]

What an intelligent, interesting and accomplished woman. Can’t wait to read the book!

[@ConstanceRenaeJohnson]

I think you are wonderful. I had a dysfunctional family and childhood. I am so happy for you that your life and Jeffrey has been everything and more! Bless you!

[@naomimittell4961]

Great interview. I need to get your book. You are one of my favorites!

[@bonniesteel5236]

for me, it was Barefoot Contessa. i had never seen a shop so perfect. i was just a teenager when i first saw it on t.v., but i wanted to go there

[@EllisEllis-qp2fb]

Great interview. I can definitely relate to Ina Garten's relationship with her mother.

[@lb1798]

Smart and Kind and Funny. Im so glad she found Jeffrey❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@barbking286]

I so look forward to this amazing read.

[@shoddypockets9666]

What an inspirational woman 💚

[@judd442009]

Jeffrey Garten: "Do what you love."

[@The2011Godfather]

Wow this was an incredible interview. I ran to Amazon to order her memoir

[@roxygirl1960]

Love, Love Ina Garten. She’s the real deal ❤

[@AprilPratt-yr3oi]

So many life lessons 💖

[@crismarieb6275]

I used to enjoy watching her when I was younger it just relaxed me. To know she had a hard childhood with such cold parents she still gives off this energy of peace and love ❤

[@Mssearay]

I do love Ina, and her shows and books are well written.