Karl Stefanovic‘s eldest daughter Willow has opened up about her famous family and her parent’s highly-publicised marriage breakdown.
In a candid interview with Woman’s Day magazine, the 18-year-old model revealed that the Today show host and her mother Cassandra Thorburn ‘haven’t been in the same room together for years’ following their bitter split.
Karl, 48, and Cassandra 52, were married for 21 years until their separated in mid-2016. The ex-couple also share sons Jackson, 23, and River, 16.
Willow, whose real name is Ava but prefers to go by her middle name, said she she hopes things will change by the time she turns 21 or gets married.
‘That’s something I’ve always wanted – to bring them together for special occasions, but I’ve had to distance myself from it because it’s not my issue,’ she said.
In a candid interview with Woman’s Day magazine, the 18-year-old model talked about her life in the spotlight – as well as her mum and dad’s high-profile split
Willow, whose real name is Ava but prefers to go by her middle name, admitted that Karl and Cassandra ‘haven’t been in the same room together for years’, but she hopes things will change by the time she turns 21 or gets married
‘It’s their business if they choose not to be friendly – of course I wish it wasn’t like this, but I won’t be forcing them. I hope one day we can all be together again.’
She added her mum Cassandra, a former television producer and journalist, has ‘never been happier’ in her current job as a dental nurse and receptionist.
Willow went on to reveal what she really thinks of her dad’s new wife, Jasmine Stefanovic (née Yarbrough), who shares daughter Harper, two, with the Today show presenter.
The recent high school graduate had nothing but nice things to say about her stepmother, 39, and referred to her as her ‘second mum’.
‘(Jasmine) has become more like a friend to me,’ she said, but added that Jasmine is ‘much stricter than Dad’.
The brunette celebrated her 18th birthday last Thursday and was met with flowing tributes from her family on social media.
Karl, 48, was married to Willow’s mum Cassandra Thorburn, 52, until separating in mid-2016 after 21 years of marriage. The ex-couple also share sons Jackson, 23, and River, 16. Pictured: Karl and Cassandra in 2012
To celebrate the milestone, Karl had some kind words for his lookalike girl, saying he’ll ‘love her forever and beyond’ alongside a sweet selfie of the pair cuddling up.
He also posted pictures of Willow throughout the years and a fun photo of the teen and her stepmother Jasmine posing up for a mirror selfie in matching pink outfits.
‘Happy birthday to our 18 year old goddess. I’m so proud of you. I will love you forever. And beyond,’ Karl captioned his post which got more than 7,000 likes.
Willow went on to reveal what she really thinks of her dad’s new wife, Jasmine (left), who shares daughter Harper, two, with the Today show presenter
‘Love you!!! Can’t wait to celebrate!’ Willow thanked her dad in the comments.
Shoe designer Jasmine also commented with some white love heart and champagne emojis underneath.
In 2021, Karl’s daughter announced that she was pursuing a modelling career, and had even landed a management deal.
In 2021, Karl’s daughter announced that she was pursuing a modelling career, and had even landed a management deal
Karl previously told Stellar magazine that he ‘fully supports’ daughter Willow in her ambitions to become a model.
‘She doesn’t go into anything blindly, especially the fashion world. She’s a strong, independent young woman and wants to pursue lots of things in life. We love her spirit,’ he added.
Cassandra added: ‘I encourage all my children to work hard and pursue their dreams and aspirations.
‘Willow knows who she is and what she wants, and those attributes make me extremely proud,’ she added.
Karl previously told Stellar magazine that he ‘fully supports’ daughter Ava in her ambitions to become a model
