The Story of Kristin Chenoweth’s Adoption Proves the Importance of Family

Special connections with our family are some of the most important in our lives. And no one knows this better than actress, singer, and New York Times best-selling author, Kristin Chenoweth. She was adopted at a young age and has a really strong and beautiful bond with her adoptive parents. Her story shows us that family is powerful, even when it’s different.

At Bright Side, we believe that every family is unique. So, we are sharing this heartwarming story to encourage you to celebrate your exceptional relationships with the people you love.

She was adopted at a young age.

Kristin Chenoweth was born in Oklahoma, but her birth mother gave her up for adoption after she was born to give her a better life. She was apparently heartbroken. Luckily, at only 5 days old, she was adopted by loving parents, Junie and Jerry Chenoweth.

Her parents were always open about the situation.

Her whole life, her adoption was never a secret, and her parents always discussed it openly with the young Kristin. They used to say to her, “The lady that had you in her belly could not take care of you the way she wanted to, and she loved you so much.” In fact, they always celebrated her “gotcha day,” the date she was adopted, 5 days after her birthday.

Kristin and her parents are grateful for the adoption.

She has said that being adopted was one of the best things to ever happen to her. In fact, she is grateful to have had a birth mother who recognized that she wasn’t ready to be a mom. Kristin says, “I recognize how fortunate I am to have parents who love and support me unconditionally. The fact that they are not my biological parents does not change the fact that they are simply my parents.”

Kristin’s parents also feel so grateful to have her as their child. Her dad always used to say, “Man, did we win the lottery.” To which Kristin would reply, ’’No, I won the lottery!’’

Her mom always told Kristin that her birth mother “gave you life, but we get to give you a life.” She feels that her history has made her grow into a more empathetic person, capable of seeing when people feel abandoned or are in pain.

She recognizes the beauty of adopted families.

Kristin thinks that adopted families are beautiful because they are chosen. She counts herself lucky to have parents who chose to love and care for her when her birth mother couldn’t. She says, ’’I often say adoption is a full-circle blessing, and I truly believe it. Adopted children were not abandoned, we were chosen.’’

Kristin knows that adoption has shaped who she is today and wants to share the beauty of adoption. When reflecting on her past, she asked herself the question, “What will I do with my love today?”

This is now the title of her children’s book, which follows a young girl who adopts a lonely dog looking for a home. The book is partially based on her own history of being adopted. She hopes the message of love in her book will encourage people, saying, “Extra love in your heart and your home is waiting for somebody who is all alone.”

What are you grateful for in your family? What do you think your children have taught you about life?