The global spotlight was firmly fixed on Paris for the much-anticipated 2024 Olympic Games, a grand stage where athletic prowess and national pride converge. But amidst the thrilling competitions and monumental moments, it was a familiar face from the world of entertainment and pop culture who captured our attention in a uniquely Chrissy Teigen way. Always one to draw a crowd and command headlines, Chrissy Teigen, alongside her beloved husband John Legend and their children, brought their signature blend of star power and endearing relatability to the Olympic festivities. Her presence alone created a buzz, a testament to the magnetic personality that has made her a household name far beyond the pages of magazines or the sets of hit TV shows.
From her early days as a striking presence in the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, making her professional modeling debut in 2010 and gracing the 50th-anniversary cover in 2014 alongside Nina Agdal and Lily Aldridge, Chrissy has cultivated a career that is anything but conventional. She was named “Rookie of the Year” in her inaugural Sports Illustrated appearance, an early indicator of the star she was destined to become. Her friend and fellow model, Brooklyn Decker, even introduced her to the people at Sports Illustrated to cast her, highlighting the interconnectedness of the fashion world. But she wasn’t content to simply embody the glamorous model persona. As she shared with The Daily Beast, she “always wanted to be a teacher or wanted to do something with food. But modeling, I just never thought I could do it myself really ever.”
Yet, she was discovered around the age of 18 while working at a surf shop in California, a serendipitous beginning to a career that would defy expectations. This initial foray quickly blossomed, with Chrissy making her mark not just in high fashion, appearing in magazines like Cosmopolitan, Glamour, and Italian Vogue, but also in the burgeoning digital space. Recognizing a deeper passion, Chrissy started her own blog, So Delushious, in 2011, providing an outlet to share her recipes and opinions. “I always loved food and I think I kind of needed an outlet,” she told Marie Claire. “I didn’t want to just talk about modeling all the time and just be in the modeling realm.” This venture proved to be a stroke of genius, leading to the incredibly successful “Cravings” cookbook series, with her first book, Cravings: Recipes for All of the Food You Want to Eat, becoming a New York Times bestseller and the second-best-selling cookbook of 2016. She followed this up with Cravings: Hungry for More in 2018 and even launched a line of cookware through Target, though that partnership later concluded as a “mutual decision” in May 2021.
Her transition to television was equally seamless, leveraging her striking looks and outgoing personality. She started as a guest host for the entertainment news show EXTRA in 2010, then hosted the 2013 VH1 reality series Model Employee. While that show didn’t take off quite as planned, her role as “color commentator” on the wildly popular Lip Sync Battle, which debuted in 2015 alongside LL Cool J, cemented her status as a television personality. She co-hosted the 2015 Billboard Music Awards with Ludacris and even appeared as a panelist on Tyra Banks’s syndicated daytime talk show, FABLife, from September 2015 to June 2016, where she served as the group’s food expert. Her comedic timing and natural charm were also evident in her role as a judge on the comedy competition series Bring the Funny in 2019, and her own comedic court show, Chrissy’s Court, which debuted in 2020 on Quibi and later moved to The Roku Channel, becoming the platform’s most watched unscripted premiere ever. It’s clear Chrissy has a knack for entertainment and connecting with audiences.
But beyond her professional endeavors, Chrissy Teigen has become synonymous with authentic social media engagement. With millions of followers across platforms, she built a brand on her candid and humorous posts, turning “relatability into a brand.” This very transparency, however, also led to moments where she chose to step back, such as in spring 2020 when she took a break from social media after an influx of negative comments. Her willingness to share the highs and lows of her life, from her personal thoughts to her family’s most intimate moments, is a defining characteristic of her public persona. It’s this very quality that made her presence at the Paris Olympics 2024 so significant, transforming a simple family outing into a moment of profound public connection.
Chrissy, John Legend, and their children, including son Miles and daughter Luna, were photographed at various Olympic events, soaking in the atmosphere of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events. They were seen attending the Artistic Gymnastics Women’s Qualification on day two of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on July 28, 2024, and graced the red carpet ahead of the opening ceremony on July 26, 2024. These were picture-perfect moments, capturing the family enjoying the international spectacle. As always, Chrissy looked effortlessly stylish, embodying that celebrity-chic appeal that E! News readers adore. It’s expected that a fashion icon like Chrissy Teigen would turn heads with her choices, creating a stir with her every appearance, and the Olympics provided a grand stage for her innate sense of style and presence.
However, it was a seemingly casual photo shared on Chrissy’s Instagram that truly sparked a deeper conversation, transcending typical celebrity gossip and fashion commentary. In one of the photos from the Olympic Games, her 6-year-old son Miles had his arm up, and for the eagle-eyed social media users, a distinct detail was visible: a continuous glucose monitor, or CGM. This small device, barely noticeable to the casual observer, was immediately recognized by a dedicated community of followers, particularly parents of children living with type 1 diabetes. The response was immediate and overwhelming.
Chrissy herself noted the incredible outpouring of support, writing, “Miles had his arm up, and soooo many of you reached out to say the most beautiful and incredible words I have ever witnessed on this platform. You noticed his type-1 diabetes monitor and extended so much love and encouragement in every way possible.” This moment underscored the unique connection Chrissy has forged with her audience, transforming a family photo into a platform for vital awareness and shared experience. It’s a testament to her honesty that she chose to address the observation directly, rather than letting speculation fester.
In a candid follow-up, the model and cookbook author shared that Miles had recently been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. His journey to diagnosis began earlier in the summer when he was hospitalized for an intestinal infection that started while he was at a summer camp. During his treatment, doctors noticed something “off” in his blood work, prompting further investigation. Chrissy revealed the often-unseen reality of type 1 diabetes diagnosis in young children, stating, “I’ve learned since then that this is how so many young children end up being diagnosed with type-1—going to the hospital for something completely different.” It’s a powerful insight that many parents can relate to, highlighting how insidious and unexpected the onset of this chronic condition can be.
After more testing, the family learned that Miles was in the “honeymoon period” of a lifelong journey with Type 1 diabetes. This term refers to a temporary phase shortly after diagnosis when the pancreas still produces some insulin, though it eventually stops completely. Chrissy’s post conveyed the weight of this new reality, yet also a sense of determination. “Last night we gave him his first shot of insulin and here we go! A different, new world for us and we are certainly learning so much on the fly,” she shared, articulating the steep learning curve that families face when navigating a new diagnosis. Her words resonated deeply with the community of parents who have walked a similar path, offering not just empathy but also a sense of solidarity.
Type 1 diabetes, previously known as insulin-dependent or juvenile diabetes, is a chronic autoimmune disease for which there is currently no cure. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it impacts more than 2 million adults and kids. Unlike Type 2 diabetes, which is often linked to lifestyle factors and genetics and can sometimes be prevented, Type 1 diabetes has no known way to prevent its onset. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-making cells in the pancreas. This means the pancreas makes little to no insulin, a crucial hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
While it is frequently diagnosed in children, teens, and young adults, Type 1 diabetes can indeed develop at any age. The symptoms can often be subtle or easily mistaken for other conditions, especially in very young children, leading to potential delays in diagnosis. The CDC outlines several key symptoms that parents should be aware of: beyond the commonly known excessive thirst and frequent urination, other indicators can include unexplained weight loss, dry mouth, persistent fatigue and weakness, an increased appetite, and even slow-healing cuts. Recognizing these signs early is paramount for timely intervention and management.
For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, life is dependent on external sources of insulin, which can be delivered through daily injections or via an insulin pump. Beyond insulin administration, managing the disease requires diligent monitoring of blood glucose levels multiple times throughout the day, whether by traditional finger pricks or by utilizing continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), like the one Miles was seen wearing. This constant vigilance is essential to prevent complications such as hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar, and diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition that can occur when the body produces high levels of blood acids called ketones. In the long term, uncontrolled Type 1 diabetes can lead to increased risks of nerve damage, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, underscoring the importance of lifelong management.
The outpouring of supportive comments on Chrissy’s post was a poignant reflection of the shared experiences within the Type 1 diabetes community. As one commenter beautifully put it, “You have the support of all type 1 parents on your side. We all know how scary and frustrating it is.” This collective empathy highlights Chrissy’s unique ability to foster connection and understanding. By openly sharing her family’s new journey, she has not only demystified a complex medical condition but also provided comfort and validation to countless others navigating similar challenges. Her Olympic appearance, initially a moment of celebrity glamour, transformed into a powerful platform for health awareness, once again proving that Chrissy Teigen is far more than just a famous face; she is a relatable voice for real-life struggles.
The Olympics, usually a stage for unparalleled athletic feats and national glory, unexpectedly became a deeply personal platform for Chrissy Teigen. While her family’s attendance offered countless glimpses of celebrity glamour, with Chrissy herself looking effortlessly stylish, it was a subtle detail in an Instagram photo—her 6-year-old son Miles’s continuous glucose monitor, or CGM—that unlocked a floodgate of empathy and understanding that transcended typical celebrity gossip. This wasn’t just a moment of lighthearted celebrity news; it was a profound testament to the power of openness, transforming a casual family snapshot into a global beacon of vital health awareness and support for the Type 1 diabetes community, resonating with a depth that only true vulnerability can achieve.
Miles’s arm, innocently raised in a photo, revealed a small device that spoke volumes to millions. It was a detail barely noticeable to the casual observer, yet immediately recognized by a dedicated community, particularly parents of children living with Type 1 diabetes. Chrissy herself expressed awe at the almost instantaneous, heartfelt reaction, noting, ‘Miles had his arm up, and soooo many of you reached out to say the most beautiful and incredible words I have ever witnessed on this platform. You noticed his type-1 diabetes monitor and extended so much love and encouragement in every way possible.’ This truly incredible outpouring of support, unprompted and deeply empathetic, underscored the unique connection Chrissy has cultivated with her audience, proving that true relatability resonates far beyond superficial celebrity appeal or red-carpet appearances. It was a powerful demonstration of a digital community coming together in shared experience.
Her immediate follow-up, candidly sharing Miles’s recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, was met with an even deeper wave of solidarity. She bravely revealed the often-unseen reality of diagnosis in young children, detailing how Miles’s journey began earlier in the summer with an intestinal infection while he was at summer camp. It was during his treatment that doctors noticed something ‘off’ in his blood work, prompting further investigation. Her honest observation, ‘I’ve learned since then that this is how so many young children end up being diagnosed with type-1—going to the hospital for something completely different,’ struck a profound chord with countless parents who recognized the insidious, unexpected, and often circuitous onset of this chronic condition. It’s a powerful insight that helps to demystify the diagnostic process for many, offering clarity, validation, and a sense of shared experience that alleviates the isolation new parents of T1D children often feel.
This raw honesty about Miles’s ‘honeymoon period’—a temporary phase shortly after diagnosis where the pancreas still produces some insulin before stopping completely—and the family’s first insulin shot painted a vivid, emotional picture of their new reality. ‘Last night we gave him his first shot of insulin and here we go! A different, new world for us and we are certainly learning so much on the fly,’ she shared, articulating the steep learning curve and immediate demands placed on families navigating a new diagnosis. Her words resonated deeply, offering not just information but a palpable sense of shared vulnerability and determination that further cemented her bond with the community. It wasn’t just about sharing medical facts; it was about sharing the emotional weight, the apprehension, and the newfound resolve required to embrace this ‘new world,’ fostering a deep sense of solidarity among those who have walked a similar path.
The response from the Type 1 diabetes community was particularly poignant and overwhelming, reflecting a collective empathy that transcended typical digital interaction. As one commenter beautifully put it, ‘You have the support of all type 1 parents on your side. We all know how scary and frustrating it is.’ This collective understanding, shared instantly across the internet, highlighted Chrissy’s unparalleled ability to foster connection and genuine understanding. By openly sharing her family’s new journey, she not only demystified a complex medical condition, but also provided immense comfort and validation to countless others navigating similar challenges. Her Olympic appearance, initially a moment of celebrity glamour and fashion buzz, transformed into a powerful platform for crucial health awareness, once again proving that Chrissy Teigen is far more than just a famous face; she is a relatable, empathetic voice for real-life struggles, creating bridges where there were once only gaps of understanding.
This public moment, while exceptionally significant, is far from an isolated incident in Chrissy Teigen’s long-standing journey of openness and vulnerability. Her entire public persona, the very ‘brand’ she has cultivated, is built on a foundation of authentic sharing and relatable candor, particularly when it comes to her personal life and family. From the very beginning of her relationship with the effortlessly talented John Legend, meeting him on the set of his ‘Stereo’ music video in 2006, to their engagement in December 2011 and their gorgeous Italian wedding in September 2013, their story has unfolded largely in the public eye. Her willingness to share these intimate milestones, the highs and lows, the celebrations and challenges, has long been a distinguishing hallmark of her approach, setting her apart from many celebrities who prefer to maintain strict boundaries of privacy. It’s this continuous thread of authenticity that makes each new revelation, like Miles’s diagnosis, feel less like a public announcement and more like a conversation with a trusted friend.
But it’s her profound vulnerability regarding her fertility journey and the deeply personal quest to build her family that has truly solidified her unparalleled connection with millions globally. Chrissy and John have openly shared the joys, heartbreaks, and complexities of creating their family, bravely revealing that their first two beloved children, daughter Luna (born in 2016) and son Miles (born in 2018), were both conceived via in vitro fertilization (IVF). This candid disclosure, navigating a topic often whispered about in hushed tones, immediately resonated with the countless individuals and couples quietly navigating similar challenges. Her public discourse on IVF, a journey many undertake in isolation, offered a refreshing sense of solidarity, normalizing the process and reducing the often-heavy stigma associated with fertility treatments. She brought a very private struggle into the public discourse, making it accessible and understandable.
The most intensely personal and impactful revelation came in October 2020, when Teigen experienced a devastating pregnancy loss at 20 weeks while expecting their third child, whom they lovingly named Jack. Her raw, unfiltered sharing of this immense grief, accompanied by hauntingly beautiful and incredibly vulnerable photographs, immediately sparked a global conversation about pregnancy loss, a topic historically shrouded in silence, shame, and misunderstanding. What was initially, and understandably, described as a miscarriage by the family was later clarified by Teigen in September 2022, with immense courage and clarity, as ‘an abortion to save my life for a baby that had absolutely no chance.’ This incredibly brave and forthright clarification further amplified her impact, bringing crucial awareness to the complex medical realities that sometimes necessitate such heartbreaking decisions, especially in the wake of significant public discourse around reproductive rights. Her willingness to use the correct medical terminology, even when painful, educated and empowered countless others.
Her decision to share such an intensely private, painful, and often stigmatized experience had an immediate, profound, and deeply human effect on her followers. Many used the comments section of her posts to share their own untold stories of loss, finding immense solace, validation, and a sense of belonging in her shared vulnerability. As Dr. Janelle Luk, Medical Director of Generation Next Fertility in New York City and a former OB-GYN, aptly observed at the time, ‘Not many people want to talk about loss. It’s amazing for someone with (Teigen’s) status to talk about, ‘Hey, it happens to me, too.” This highlights the profound, almost unparalleled impact a public figure can have by simply being genuinely human, creating a much-needed space for collective healing, shared understanding, and breaking down societal taboos. She made it okay to talk about the unspeakable.
The ripple effect of her honesty extended far beyond immediate emotional comfort, providing long-term psychological support. Patricia Walters-Fischer, who suffered a miscarriage nearly two decades prior, found enduring comfort in Teigen’s pregnancy loss post, noting, ‘It’s not just today that the loss happens. She will remember the birthday… We plan that child’s life to the age of 18… Those moments continue to mentally happen.’ This profound observation speaks volumes about the enduring, often invisible, nature of grief and the long-term support her vulnerability provides. By openly acknowledging the continuous mental and emotional journey of loss, including the milestones that will never be, Teigen validated the unspoken experiences of countless others, proving that even a global celebrity doesn’t operate in a vacuum, insulated from universal human struggles. She showed that grief is a process, not a singular event.
Despite the profound loss of Jack, Chrissy and John continued their journey to expand their beloved family, illustrating incredible resilience and unwavering hope. In January 2023, Teigen joyfully gave birth to their third child, daughter Esti Maxine Stephens, who was also conceived via IVF. Just five short months later, they once again shared exhilarating news: the arrival of their fourth child, son Wren Alexander Stephens, born via surrogacy in June 2023. Teigen’s extensive and heartfelt Instagram post detailing this complex, yet ultimately triumphant, journey was another masterclass in candid storytelling. She eloquently described her lifelong dream of having four children, the devastation of loss, hesitantly exploring the option of surrogacy, and then ultimately finding ‘the most incredible, loving, compassionate surrogate,’ whom she lovingly referred to only as Alexandra. She even shared the poignant serendipity of Alexandra becoming pregnant on their second try, just as Teigen herself ‘crept toward the safe zone’ of her own pregnancy with Esti.
Her public message to their surrogate was an incredibly moving and beautiful acknowledgment of the often-unseen heroes in fertility journeys. ‘We want to say thank you for this incredible gift you have given us, Alexandra. And we are so happy to tell the world he is here, with a name forever connected to you,’ she wrote. While some online commenters, understandably, pointed out the privilege of having the financial ability to pay for multiple IVF treatments and surrogacy, not to mention the extensive life expenses that accompany raising four children, the overwhelming public response celebrated the family’s happy ending and universally commended Teigen for her ongoing, unwavering openness throughout this deeply personal saga. It highlighted the evolving conversations around modern family building.
Psychology experts consistently affirm the immense power of such narratives of resilience and hope. Matthew Gallagher, an associate professor of clinical psychology at the University of Houston, noted that stories offering ‘hope after heartbreak’ provide crucial resilience against debilitating conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. He eloquently described such public sharing as ‘a resource that even people who are facing all kinds of obstacles are able to maintain and are able to rely on to cope with all kinds of different stressors.’ Chrissy Teigen’s life, unfolding so transparently and authentically in the public eye, undeniably serves as this very resource for her millions of followers, offering a beacon of light through their own dark times.
Indeed, her fans consistently express deep gratitude for her unparalleled willingness to share the unvarnished truth of her life. Therapist and author Chanel Dokun’s heartfelt comment, ‘Thank you @chrissyteigen and @jonlegend for opening your hearts and life stories to us. The way you demystify the miraculous tragedy and triumph of life is a gift,’ perfectly summarizes the profound sentiment. Chrissy doesn’t just entertain her vast audience; she educates, she validates, she connects, and she inspires. Her profound vulnerability transforms personal pain and private medical journeys into a collective source of strength, understanding, and shared humanity. This unique approach proves that authenticity, even in the relentless glare of the global spotlight, can forge genuine community and profound understanding, making her one of the most relatable and impactful public figures of our time.
Whether it’s the quiet, yet powerful, revelation of a medical device on her son’s arm at the Olympics, the raw, visceral grief of pregnancy loss, or the intricate, often challenging details of expanding her family through the modern miracles of IVF and surrogacy, Chrissy Teigen consistently, courageously chooses the path of openness. This deliberate choice has cemented her status not merely as a celebrated model, television personality, and cookbook author, but as a deeply human figure who isn’t afraid to share the messy, difficult, and ultimately beautiful realities of life. Her unwavering willingness to be vulnerable, to show the world that even celebrities face profound challenges, has fundamentally reshaped public perception, fostering deeper empathy and vital community support for conditions and experiences that are too often silently endured. In a world frequently dominated by curated perfection and carefully constructed public images, Chrissy Teigen’s genuine, unwavering transparency continues to be her most compelling, impactful, and truly inspiring trait. It’s a powerful reminder that real connection happens when we dare to be real.
