Helena Christensen just shared the sweetest Instagram post celebrating motherhood. In the essay, she reflects on her son Mingus, as he approaches an important transition from high school to adulthood. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the famous model opened up about her life-changing journey into motherhood. She didn’t mince words at the TriBeCa Ball, the gala benefiting the New York Academy of Art, which was held on April 15th. Mingus was born in October of 1999. Christensen followed him every step of the way since then, from a front-row seat to watching him grow into manhood and launching his musical career.
Christensen, who co-parents Mingus with actor Norman Reedus, told us how proud she was of her son’s recent college graduation. She jokingly informed him, “Alright, rent-free is over now that you’ve graduated.” As they smiled for the cameras, her comment expressed the jubilant sentiment of this glorious new chapter in his life.
She shared deep, personal thoughts on her experience of becoming a mother. “If you have a child, then every day you are learning,” she said, “because you’re seeing it in your child’s perspective. This point of view has really colored her experience as she’s learned to have both the challenges and pieces of parenting that bring her joy.
Mingus, named after jazz great Charles Mingus, has carried on his mother’s love of the craft. In her performance, Christensen gave a passionate and personal testimonial about her deep connection to music. She adds, “I’m so infatuated with music that I played it 24/7, as soon as he was in my womb and all of his life.” Her inspiring commitment to music is clearly still making an impact on Mingus, who is now writing his own deep and lovely pieces.
Christensen danced and smiled as she exulted over her son’s budding artistic talents. She added, “It fills my heart with joy and appreciation to watch him taste his love of music! This passion for music, one shared from day one between M.-A.
Now 56, photographer, mother, and former Victoria’s Secret Angel Helena Christensen makes the perfect model—and she knows it. She adds that she’s still very close with Norman Reedus. The couple’s supportive relationship provides a base for their family life, enabling them to both share and celebrate Mingus’ accomplishments.