One mother drew attention from online critics after she joined the ranks of Beyonce's mother, Tina Knowles, Billie Eilish's mother, Maggie Baird, and Selena Gomez's mother, Mandy Teefey in this year's roster.
A mother of two football stars was named one of Glamour's 2024 Women of the Year, surprising some users who felt she did not merit this prestigious honor.
A user comments on Donna Kelce being on the cover of Glamour's 2024 Women of the Year, from an X post dated, October 4, 2024 | Source: Instagram/glamourmag/
Posing for their cover tagged, "The Moms", Donna Kelce, mom to Travis and Jason Kelce, smiled as she stood between her fellow Glamour Women of the Year, Tina Knowles and Jodie Baird, while Mandy Teefey sat on a chair in front.
In her interview with Glamour, Donna reflected on the challenges of motherhood, stating that it has been the most difficult experience of her life.
She emphasized that while going to work may be straightforward, the responsibility of raising children, especially when they rely entirely on you, is incredibly daunting. Donna expressed the struggle of wanting to do her best for her children, Travis and Jason Kelce, despite having limited resources.
Even with her deep sentiments, some users felt that Donna wasn't worthy of being included in the lineup, remarking, "I don't know how Donna Kelce rates as a cover mom. Lots more deserving."
This sentiment was echoed by others, questioning, "Why is Travis Kelce’s mama there?" and asserting that "Donna Kelce has no place here." One comment asked, "No disrespect at all, just genuine interest. How comes Kelce is featured? Who is he in comparison to the other icons?"
Donna and Travis Kelce prior to a game between the Seattle Mariners and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio, on April 7, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Another user remarked sarcastically, "So she got this…for what, exactly? Existing? She apparently never taught Travis basic household skills lol." This comment was in reference to when Donna revealed what Travis Kelce can't do, "He can't clean, he can't cook… he's getting a little better. I think he's getting some help."
Donna and Travis Kelce during the Kelce Jam at Azura Amphitheatre in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on April 28, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The disapproval continued with a user criticizing the family's perceived self-importance, "Omg! This family. 🤢🤢🤢 I can't decide who is worse - the sons or the mom. So hungry for fame."
Other users expressed their disdain while giving more details, "Oh poor Donna. You have to rent out movie theaters/restaurants!!! Feel so sorry for you & all your privilege. Maybe you, Taylor, and your clout chasing family should've thought about that beforehand 🙃."
Taylor Swift and Donna Kelce before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 12, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The user was referring to Glamour's interview where Donna was asked if she missed doing anything with her sons. The mom of two had replied that they can't really go anywhere, noting that if they want to do something, they have to rent out a restaurant or movie theater. However, she mentioned that they occasionally manage to sneak away to places that are not widely known.
Donna and Travis Kelce at the premiere of Netflix's "Quarterback" at Netflix Tudum Theater in Los Angeles, California, on July 11, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Such statements from Donna had users pointing out the family's disconnect, ".... so.... out of touch.... i can barely afford surviving. i mean i get that being known and perceived is annoying but you can lie... the inflation is going crazy, the interview isn't doin them any good pr [sic]."
Donna Kelce at the world premiere of Thursday Night Football's "Kelce" in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 8, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Some users didn't believe Donna deserved to be on the same cover as Billie's mom, with one commenting, "Billie’s mom is an activist and uses the attention she gets for good like creating her nonprofit 'support and feed'. She’s the reason Billie is so vocal about climate change and other issues that are important to her so I love seeing Maggie on the cover. Donna though?? not so much."
Donna Kelce on "Today" on October 6, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
On the flip side, other fans were quick to defend Donna, with comments like, "Mama Kelce 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 You raised amazing sons, humble, talented and hilarious!!!" Another user cheered, "Go Mama Kelce!!! Very deserving❤️❤️❤️," while one proclaimed, "🙌 Yes @donnakelce! The best mom and raised 2 good men!!"
Donna Kelce on "Today" on April 29, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
According to Donna, she raised her sons to be "unashamedly themselves," a quality they inherited from her. As the proud mother of Jason and Travis, she experienced the thrill of watching them face off in opposing teams during the 2022 Super Bowl.
Travis Kelce carries the ball against the NFC during the second half of the 2022 NFL Pro Bowl in Las Vegas, Nevada, on February 6, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Donna cannot hold her joy back at how great her sons are, saying, "Both boys, whatever they have tried to do... whenever they have tried to do something, they've tried to put their whole heart into it and try to do it the best they can. That's just their nature. That's something I didn't teach them, that's in their DNA."
The 71-year-old also shared insights about Travis's personality, noting that he thrives under the spotlight. She emphasized that he has a vibrant zest for life and is the kind of person who ensures everyone around him is laughing and enjoying themselves.
She added, "He loves attention. I mean it, he's always dancing, always joking around, always having fun things done. He just loves life."
In addition to being a supportive mom, she has her own pursuits and is set to make her onscreen debut in the upcoming Hallmark movie, "Christmas on Call," which will be released in November 2024.
Donna Kelce at the premiere of FX's "Grotesquerie" held at Spring Studios in New York City, on September 23, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
She spoke about her experience shooting the film, particularly highlighting the challenges of filming in winter clothes during the sweltering summer heat.
Donna, a former commercial banker, who was also her family's breadwinner, reflected on the progress she and her children have made. She believes it's vital for kids to understand that a woman can pursue her dreams. Having spent a long time standing still, she feels a sense of fulfillment in finally making her own moves.
