Donna Kelce Reveals She Took Up This ‘Really Expensive’ Hobby Before Having Jason and Travis — and They Don’t Know
Donna Kelce’s Unexpected Passion: Learning to Fly Before Motherhood
Donna Kelce, mother of NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, recently opened up about a fascinating chapter in her life that few knew about. Before she embraced motherhood, Donna took up an unusual and “really expensive” hobby that she has rarely mentioned to her famous sons. In a candid conversation on her daughter-in-law Kylie Kelce’s podcast, *Not Gonna Lie*, Donna revealed that she learned how to pilot an airplane — a revelation that surprised many fans and family alike.
At 73, Donna shared that her journey into aviation happened well before Jason and Travis were born. She explained that she actually flew a plane once, embracing the thrill and challenge of piloting. However, the hobby came with a hefty price tag, and with plans to start a family, Donna and her ex-husband Ed Kelce decided it was time to shift priorities. “Ed and I decided, well, we should probably get a house and start having kids,” she said, marking the end of her flying days.
The Story Behind Donna’s Secret Hobby and Why It Remained Under Wraps
What makes Donna Kelce’s story even more intriguing is that she never really shared this adventurous side of herself with Jason and Travis. When Kylie Kelce asked if her husband knew about Donna’s flying experience, Donna admitted she wasn’t sure because she “never really brought it up” to her sons. Kylie joked that Donna saved this “cool” fact for her podcast rather than sharing it with her boys, adding a playful twist to the family dynamic.
Donna’s revelation highlights a lesser-known side of the Kelce family matriarch — one filled with ambition, adventure, and a willingness to explore new horizons before settling into motherhood. It also underscores how parents often have rich, diverse lives before their children come along, full of stories and experiences that sometimes remain hidden.
Donna Kelce’s Life Beyond Motherhood: From Aviation to Reality TV
Donna Kelce’s adventurous spirit didn’t stop with flying. In 2025, she expanded her horizons by joining the cast of *The Traitors* Season 4, a reality competition featuring celebrities from various backgrounds. Alongside Olympian Tara Lipinski and *Real Housewives* alum Dorinda Medley, Donna showcased her competitive side and charm.
Her daughter-in-law Kylie expressed excitement about Donna’s participation, saying she would be cheering her on throughout the season. Kylie also commented on how Donna’s honesty and innocence might affect her chances in the game, adding an endearing perspective on her mother-in-law’s character.
This foray into reality TV further illustrates Donna’s willingness to embrace new challenges and experiences, continuing to surprise fans and family alike.
Why Donna Kelce’s Story Inspires Us All

Donna Kelce’s story is a powerful reminder that life is full of unexpected journeys and that it’s never too late to pursue your passions. Her decision to learn flying before becoming a mom shows courage and a zest for life that transcends traditional roles. It also encourages us to appreciate the multifaceted lives our parents and elders lead beyond their family roles.
Moreover, Donna’s openness in sharing this story on a public platform like a podcast invites us to embrace our unique pasts and the hobbies or dreams we may have set aside. Whether it’s a costly hobby like flying or another passion, her experience teaches us about balancing dreams with life’s responsibilities.
What We Can Learn From Donna Kelce’s Experience
– **Pursue Your Passions:** Donna’s story encourages everyone to explore their interests, even if they seem unconventional or expensive.
– **Balance Priorities:** Life often requires us to make tough choices, like Donna did when deciding to focus on family over flying.
– **Embrace New Challenges:** From flying planes to competing on reality TV, Donna’s willingness to try new things is inspiring.
– **Celebrate Hidden Stories:** Everyone has untold stories that shape who they are — sharing them can deepen connections.
Conclusion
Donna Kelce’s revelation about her “really expensive” hobby of learning to fly before having Jason and Travis offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of the Kelce family matriarch. It reminds us that behind every family story are unique experiences and passions that define us. Whether you’re a fan of the Kelce brothers or simply inspired by stories of courage and adventure, Donna’s journey encourages us all to embrace our dreams and share our stories.
Ready to uncover more inspiring stories and exclusive insights? Stay tuned for more updates and don’t miss out on the latest from the Kelce family and beyond!




