Chrissy Teigen’s Journey to Quitting Smoking and Embracing Self-Improvement

Chrissy Teigen, the 39-year-old model and media personality, has been open about her struggles with cigarette smoking, and it seems she’s ready to leave that habit behind for good. During an interview with Access Hollywood at the 2025 Oscars on Sunday, March 2, Teigen candidly shared her efforts to quit. “I’m just furiously chewing nicotine gum tonight,” she revealed, emphasizing the challenges of her journey. “Don’t smoke, smoking is bad, stop now if you can,” she advised, showing her determination to move past this chapter of her life. Teigen, who admitted to being an “on and off smoker for too long,” expressed pride in her decision to quit, though she also acknowledged the difficulty of the process. “I have stopped for the last time. I’m very proud of myself,” she said, while also noting that she’s “extremely on edge” as she navigates withdrawal. Her honesty about her struggles underscores the tough yet important journey of overcoming addiction.

A Night Out with John Legend and the Joy of Date Night

The Oscars interview also gave Chrissy and her husband, John Legend, a chance to reflect on the rare opportunity for a date night away from their children. The couple, who share four kids—Luna (8), Miles (6), Esti (2), and Wren (20 months)—joked about the relief of having a break from parenting duties. “We’re OK, we’re all good,” Chrissy humorously remarked when asked about leaving the kids at home. The lighthearted moment highlighted the challenges and sacrifices that come with raising a family, as well as the importance of carving out time for oneself. For Chrissy and John, the evening was a much-needed chance to reconnect and celebrate their love, away from the chaos of daily life.

Opening Up About Parenting Fears on Her Podcast

Just days before her Oscars appearance, Chrissy Teigen delved into a deeply personal topic during the first episode of her podcast, Self-Conscious With Chrissy Teigen. She spoke about her fears of passing certain traits down to her children, a sentiment that resonated with her guest, author Mel Robbins. Robbins reassured Teigen that she is “never responsible for managing someone else’s emotions,” a message that seemed to bring comfort to the model. Chrissy, however, couldn’t help but reflect on her own insecurities. “I’m not alone in this,” she said, describing a recent epiphany. “Sometimes it feels very isolating to feel this way, and the fact that other people feel imprisoned by this too, that helps a lot, because one of the worst parts about it is me feeling crazy or feeling that nobody else will understand this feeling. ‘Why am I like this?’ I’m really scared of passing this along to my kids.”

The Pressure to Be Perfect and Raising Polite Children

Chrissy’s concerns about her children stem from her own fear of imposing unrealistic expectations on them. “I think that is the big realization for me, is, I can’t do this to my kids. I don’t ever want them to feel like they have to perform for everybody and be good all the time, but I know that sometimes I probably am that way,” she admitted. She explained that she never wants her children to be seen as “celebrity a—holes” and has gone to great lengths to ensure they are raised to be “the most polite.” While her intentions are good, Chrissy recognizes that this approach may not be entirely healthy. “I might go harder in the other direction to make sure that they don’t come off that way,” she said, acknowledging the need to break free from this pattern.

Chrissy’s Commitment to Therapy and Self-Improvement

Chrissy’s reflections on parenting and her fears about passing down her insecurities highlight her ongoing commitment to self-improvement and mental health. “And I really need to break that because I’m OK—another reason I’m in therapy—I’m OK with me getting the s— end of the stick on anything or living this life where I’m stressed and in pain, but I’m not OK with them [getting it],” she shared. Her willingness to confront these issues head-on, both in therapy and through her podcast, speaks to her dedication to personal growth. By addressing her own struggles, Chrissy hopes to create a healthier environment for her children and set an example of resilience and self-awareness.

A Path Forward: Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

Chrissy Teigen’s recent comments and reflections reveal a woman who is deeply committed to bettering herself for the sake of her family and her own well-being. From quitting smoking to confronting her fears about parenting, she is taking bold steps to confront her challenges. Her honesty about her struggles—whether it’s nicotine addiction, parenting anxieties, or personal insecurities—resonates with many who face similar battles. Chrissy’s journey is a reminder that growth is often messy and imperfect, but it’s through embracing vulnerability and seeking help that we can truly move forward. As she continues to navigate the complexities of life, Chrissy Teigen’s openness and resilience serve as an inspiration to those who admire her and follow her journey.