When Nicole Avant sat down to write her book about surviving the grief of losing her mom Jacqueline, one person urged her to share even the uncomfortable parts of that relationship — Gwyneth Paltrow. And it was the Goop founder who was on hand to help the Think You’ll Be Happy author explore that mother-daughter dynamic even further at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel on Wednesday.
Gwyneth definitely understands Nicole as a woman and she understands how important it is to honor female sisterhood. She understands the importance of all relationships, especially mother-daughter relationships.
Nicole wanted to have somebody who is focused and honest and obviously a very dear friend to have the conversation with her, especially on her mom’s birthday.
Had she lived, Jacqueline Avant would have turned 84 on March 6, the same day Nicole turned 56. Three years earlier, mother and daughter healed old wounds over lunch. Months after that heartfelt discussion, Jacqueline was killed by a home intruder at the house she shared with music exec Clarence Avant.
Nicole says it was Paltrow who pushed her to include that bittersweet moment in her book. She was the one to give Nicole the courage to write the funny and quirky things about her mom and to talk about her mom taking accountability when she did hurt her feelings.
During their fireside chat, Nicole and Paltrow discussed coparenting, specifically the challenges they faced as stepmoms. Paltrow shared her personal growth from a difficult relationship with her stepkids, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries with love.
Nicole agreed that it was hard but emphasized the importance of respecting oneself and putting up boundaries with love. She shared that her mom advised her that one day the stepchildren would appreciate her, which eventually happened.
Sharon Stone, whom Nicole presented with an honor, donated a $40,000 check to the Jacqueline Avant Children and Family Center in Los Angeles, in memory of Jacqueline's inspiring legacy.
Nicole wishes to celebrate her mother's legacy every day, especially on March 6, by giving to others in need and embracing the idea of being fully human, just like Jacquie embodied.
