Collin Gosselin Calls Jon Gosselin's Ex Colleen Conrad His "Real Mom"

Collin went on to further express his love for Colleen—who dated his father from 2014 to 2021—in a comment on his post, writing, "The love you feel for a mom you were given is incredible. But the love you feel for a mom that CHOSE you is something so powerful. I am so fortunate @colleen.conrad122 I love you so much."

In the years since the TLC alum's father—dad to his and Kate’s sextuplets Collin, Alexis Gosselin, Leah Gosselin, Joel Gosselin, Hannah Gosselin and Aaden Gosselin as well as 25-year-old twins Mady Gosselin and Cara Gosselin—and his ex-girlfriend broke up, Colleen has remained close with Collin.

In fact, Colleen spoke out in defense of Collin in August 2023 during a public back and forth between him and estranged mom Kate, during which the pair disputed his claim that she was behind his estrangement from several of his siblings. (Jon had custody of Collin and sister Hannah, while Kate had custody of the rest of their siblings.)

After Kate alleged that Collin exhibited "violent behavior" toward his family and has "multiple psychiatric diagnoses," Colleen clapped back at the "derogatory statements" in a lengthy Instagram statement.

"These statements were made by family members who have been estranged from his life since he was 12," she wrote in part. "Collin is not only someone I love dearly but has also been a significant figure in my family's life."

"After Jon and I separated, and Jon moved out, Collin lived with me until he turned 18 so I saw him every day. He thrived and was always kind and respectful," she added. "He never talked back to me. He was never violent and is far from being considered dangerous. He is there for me when I need him, even bringing me white roses every time he visits."

As Collin mentioned in his tribute to Colleen on June 17, he is set to relive that time in his life—not to mention his upbringing on Jon & Kate Plus 8—in the forthcoming memoir In the Shadow of Eight: Surviving the Reality of My Childhood. 

"My life was always broadcast to millions, but what was actually happening in my life was never shown—in fact, much of it was deliberately kept hidden,” Collin told Us Weekly in a statement published June 17. “For years, other people told my story through headlines, television episodes and public speculation."