Kimora Lee Simmons recently shared insights about her family dynamics and her relationships with her children’s fathers, shedding light on her role as a primary caregiver. In an interview with PEOPLE, the model and fashion mogul disclosed that she doesn’t maintain significant relationships with the fathers of her children, despite usually describing their co-parenting as “okay.”
Simmons, who is a mother to two daughters—Ming Lee, 25, and Aoki Lee, 23, from her marriage to music executive Russell Simmons—expressed that her children are with her full-time. She has a 16-year-old son, Kenzo, with actor Djimon Hounsou, and a younger son, Wolfe Lee, 10, with former investment banker Tim Leissner, who recently faced legal troubles. In addition to her biological children, Simmons adopted a son, Gary, in 2020 and has a “bonus son,” Jayden, who has been part of her family since childhood.
Simmons emphasized her commitment to motherhood, stating, “I’m always ‘the mom.’” She explained how her nurturing role extends beyond her own children, with many people considering her a mother figure in their lives. She expressed gratitude for her “village” of friends and family who support her parenting journey, indicating that their assistance has been crucial.
Despite her situation, Simmons remains content with her life, stating that it does not revolve around romantic relationships. She describes herself as strong and self-reliant, believing that her resilience has played a key role in ensuring her family’s well-being. Simmons reassured that her older daughters still view her as their mother, emphasizing a strong family bond despite their independent lives, as they travel the world yet maintain a home in New York.
In a return to reality television after a decade and a half, Simmons is starring in a new series titled “Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane,” a follow-up to her earlier show, “Kimora: Life in the Fab Lane.” She described the series as akin to a “chapter two” in her life, connecting her past experiences with her present journey. The show airs on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on E!
For more information about Kimora Lee Simmons and her family dynamics, readers can look for the latest issue of PEOPLE.
