Joanna Gaines has two sisters: an older sister, Teresa Criswell, and a younger sister, Mary Kay "Mikey" McCall. As of 2026, Teresa is 52 years old, Joanna is 48, and Mary Kay is 44. The three sisters share a deep bond rooted in their multi-ethnic heritage and their upbringing in Texas.
Joanna Gaines, the powerhouse behind the Magnolia brand, has often attributed her success and grounded nature to her tight-knit family. While Joanna is a household name due to the massive success of Fixer Upper, the Magnolia Network, and her numerous lifestyle products, her sisters have also carved out significant paths for themselves. Understanding the dynamics of the Stevens sisters—Teresa, Joanna, and Mary Kay—provides a clearer picture of the values that drive the Gaines family empire.
The Stevens Family Foundation: A Multi-Ethnic Heritage
To understand Joanna Gaines and her sisters, one must look at the foundation laid by their parents, Jerry and Nan Stevens. Their story is one of resilience and cross-cultural love, which has deeply influenced the three daughters. Jerry, who is of Lebanese and German descent, met Nan, who is Korean, while he was stationed in Seoul, South Korea, in the early 1970s.
The couple’s marriage has lasted over 50 years, a milestone they celebrated with their children and grandchildren. This longevity and commitment to family are recurring themes in Joanna’s books and television shows. Growing up in a multi-ethnic household in the 1980s and 1990s was not always easy, particularly in smaller Texas towns where the sisters occasionally faced cultural misunderstandings. However, these experiences forged a unique bond between the three sisters, who relied on one another for support and identity.
In 2026, the Stevens family continues to be the bedrock of the Magnolia story. The sisters frequently share social media updates showing the entire family—parents, daughters, husbands, and nearly twenty grandchildren—gathering at the Gaines farmhouse or at their parents' home. This proximity, both physical and emotional, remains a central pillar of their lives.
Teresa Criswell: The Eldest Sister and Spiritual Guide
Teresa Criswell is the eldest of the three Stevens daughters. Born in 1974, she is approximately four years older than Joanna. Teresa has long been a source of inspiration for her younger sisters, often taking on a maternal or guiding role during their childhood and into adulthood.
Professional Endeavors
Teresa is a well-known author, speaker, and content creator. She hosts the podcast Let’s Talk with Teresa Criswell, where she discusses faith, family, and personal growth. Much like Joanna, Teresa uses her platform to share a message of hope and intentional living, though her focus is more explicitly centered on Christian ministry and spiritual encouragement. She has authored several books, including Heavenly Strategies for Praising God, which explores the intersection of faith and daily life.
Family and Personal Life
Teresa is married to Derek Criswell, and they have two children, Nathan and Cassie. The Criswell family has spent much of their lives in Texas, allowing for frequent reunions with the Gaines and McCall families. Teresa’s children are close in age to Joanna’s older children, creating a generational bond that mimics the closeness of the three sisters. In recent years, Teresa has also become a grandmother, adding a new layer to the Stevens family tree.
Teresa’s public presence is characterized by a "vulnerable-yet-strong" aesthetic. She often shares the "behind-the-scenes" of her life, including the challenges of parenting and the importance of maintaining a strong marriage. Her transparency has earned her a dedicated following that mirrors the loyalty seen in the Magnolia fan base.
Mary Kay "Mikey" McCall: The Youngest Sister and Creative Spirit
Mary Kay McCall, affectionately known as "Mikey" to her family and fans, is the youngest of the Stevens sisters. Born in 1982, she is four years younger than Joanna. For many years, Mikey lived away from the family’s home base in Waco, Texas, but a pivotal moment in the Fixer Upper series changed that trajectory.
The Move Back to Waco
Fans of the original Fixer Upper series will remember Mikey from one of the show's most emotional episodes (Season 5, Episode 4). At the time, Mikey and her husband, David McCall, were living in the Pacific Northwest (Portland and later Seattle) but decided to move back to their roots in Waco. Joanna and Chip Gaines renovated a stunning mid-century modern home for them, which became known as the "McCall House."
The move was significant because it meant that for the first time in many years, all three sisters lived within a short driving distance of one another. This proximity allowed their children—who are numerous—to grow up together.
A Growing Family
Mary Kay is known for having a large, bustling household. As of 2026, she and David have six children. Her journey through motherhood, including the birth of her sixth child shortly after moving back to Waco, was a highlight for fans who followed her story. Mikey’s home life is often described as energetic and creative, echoing the "Magnolia" aesthetic but with a distinct, personal flair that focuses on the joys and chaos of a large family.
While Mikey does not maintain as high a public profile as Joanna or Teresa, she is a frequent guest on their social media platforms. She is often seen assisting with Magnolia events or participating in family traditions, such as the annual "Sisters' Weekend" that the three women prioritize to maintain their connection.
Joanna Gaines: The Middle Child and Visionary
Joanna, born in 1978, occupies the "middle child" position, a role that many family psychologists suggest often leads to strong mediation skills and a drive for independence. In the Stevens family, Joanna was the one who famously turned a small boutique (the original Magnolia Market) into a global lifestyle brand.
The Impact of Sisterhood on the Magnolia Brand
The influence of her sisters is visible throughout Joanna’s work. When Joanna designs spaces, she often speaks about the importance of "home" being a sanctuary for family. This philosophy is a direct reflection of the sanctuary she found in her relationship with Teresa and Mikey. The Magnolia brand emphasizes hospitality, tradition, and the beauty of the everyday—values that were nurtured in the Stevens household.
In her memoir, The Stories We Tell, Joanna delves into her upbringing and the pivotal roles her sisters played in her development. She credits them with being her first "test audience" for her creative ideas and her most honest critics. In 2026, even as her empire has expanded to include a television network, a magazine, and a massive retail destination at the Silos, Joanna remains remarkably grounded, a trait she attributes to her sisters' refusal to treat her like a celebrity.
Comparison of the Stevens Sisters
The following table provides a quick reference for the ages, roles, and key details of the three sisters as of 2026.
| Feature | Teresa Criswell | Joanna Gaines | Mary Kay McCall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1974 (Approx.) | 1978 | 1982 (Approx.) |
| Current Age (2026) | 52 | 48 | 44 |
| Family Role | Eldest Sister | Middle Sister | Youngest Sister |
| Primary Vocation | Author / Podcaster | Designer / Business Owner | Homemaker / Creative |
| Spouse | Derek Criswell | Chip Gaines | David McCall |
| Number of Children | 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Key Public Work | Let’s Talk Podcast | Magnolia / Fixer Upper | Featured on Fixer Upper |
| Residence | Texas | Waco, Texas | Waco, Texas |
Cultural Heritage and the "Sisters' Weekend" Tradition
One of the most defining aspects of the sisters' adult lives is their commitment to spending quality time together. Despite their busy schedules—Joanna’s corporate responsibilities, Teresa’s speaking engagements, and Mikey’s large family—they prioritize what they call "Sisters' Weekend."
These weekends are usually low-key affairs involving cooking, shopping, and long conversations. They serve as a "reset" for the women, allowing them to step away from their public identities and return to being the Stevens girls. These gatherings are also a time when they honor their Korean heritage, often cooking traditional dishes with their mother, Nan.
Their heritage has become a point of pride and public celebration. Joanna has frequently shared her mother’s stories of immigrating to the United States and the strength it took to raise three daughters in a foreign land. This cultural background has infused the Magnolia brand with a sense of "global-meets-local" style, blending clean lines with soulful, storied pieces—much like the sisters' own lives.
Family Details and the Next Generation
As of 2026, the Stevens sisters have a combined total of 13 children (Teresa: 2, Joanna: 5, Mary Kay: 6). This "next generation" is a significant part of the family’s story. The cousins are frequently seen together at the Silos in Waco or at the Gaines farm.
The cousins range in age from young adults to primary school students. This wide age gap means the older cousins, like Teresa’s children, often mentor Joanna’s younger children, such as Crew. This intergenerational support system ensures that the family values instilled by Jerry and Nan Stevens are passed down effectively.
The Role of Jerry and Nan Stevens
The parents, Jerry and Nan, remain active in their daughters' lives. Jerry, a veteran and former Firestone tire shop owner (the location that became the first Magnolia office), and Nan, who is known for her elegance and quiet strength, are often seen in the background of Magnolia Network specials. Their presence serves as a reminder that the sisters' success is built on a foundation of hard work and marital stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all three sisters still living in Texas?
Yes, as of 2026, all three Stevens sisters reside in Texas. While Teresa and her family have lived in various parts of the state, Joanna and Mary Kay are both based in Waco. This close proximity allows the families to gather frequently for holidays, birthdays, and business events at the Magnolia Silos.
How many children do the sisters have in total?
The three sisters have 13 children between them. Teresa has two children, Joanna has five (Drake, Ella Rose, Duke, Emmie Kay, and Crew), and Mary Kay has six children. This large extended family is a central theme in many of Joanna's lifestyle and home-design projects.
What is the ethnicity of Joanna Gaines and her sisters?
The sisters have a diverse ethnic background. Their father, Jerry Stevens, is of Lebanese and German descent, and their mother, Nan Stevens, is Korean. This multi-ethnic heritage is something the sisters take great pride in and frequently highlight in their creative work and family traditions.
Do the sisters work together at Magnolia?
While Joanna is the primary face and owner of the Magnolia brand, her sisters support the business in various ways. Mary Kay has been featured in the Fixer Upper television series, and Teresa’s platform often aligns with the Magnolia message of faith and family. However, they largely maintain their own distinct professional paths—Teresa in ministry and podcasting, and Mary Kay in managing her large family and personal creative interests.
Did Mary Kay McCall move back to Waco permanently?
Yes, Mary Kay and her husband David moved back to Waco during the fifth season of Fixer Upper. They have remained in the Waco area ever since, raising their six children in the home renovated by Joanna and Chip. The move was a major life event that solidified the sisters' ability to maintain their close-knit bond.
Practical Recommendation for Fans
For those looking to stay updated on the Stevens sisters and their family details, following their individual social media platforms is the most effective method. While Joanna Gaines provides a broad look at the Magnolia empire and her immediate family, Teresa Criswell’s podcast offers a deeper, more spiritual perspective on the family’s values. Additionally, watching the "McCall House" episode of Fixer Upper (Season 5) remains the best way to see the dynamic between the sisters and witness the emotional core of their relationship. By engaging with their books and media, fans can gain a better understanding of how sisterhood and heritage continue to shape one of the most influential families in American lifestyle media.
