Donna Kelce Reveals the One Golden Rule for Being the Best Grandma to Jason Kelce’s Daughters

In the Kelce household, family always comes first — and no one embodies that more than NFL matriarch Donna Kelce. At 73, the proud mother of two superstar sons, Jason and Travis Kelce, has turned her attention to the next generation: her four adorable granddaughters. From throwing them in the air during playtime to traveling across states to see them, Donna has one key piece of advice for grandparents hoping to stay close to their grandchildren: show up — but don’t be a burden.

In an exclusive chat with PEOPLE, Donna opened up about her approach to grandparenting, revealing how she has balanced decades of supporting her sons’ high-profile football careers with nurturing her family. “I’ve been very fortunate because I worked most of my life to be able to travel. That’s the one thing I try as much as I can without being a pest. I try to show up,” she said, emphasizing that a grandparent’s presence is about thoughtfulness and effort rather than imposing on a family’s schedule.

Her rule is simple but strikingly effective: travel to see your children and grandchildren. “Grandparents need to travel to their children. That’s just the way it is. Otherwise, you become a burden. That’s the way I feel,” Donna explained. She noted that many grandparents fall into the trap of expecting kids to visit them instead, but in reality, showing up in a way that respects the family’s rhythm makes all the difference.

Donna’s philosophy is already in full effect with her four granddaughters: Wyatt, 6; Elliotte, 5; Bennett, 3; and baby Finnley, just 13 months old. “I think it’s important to just show up and let them know that you care as much as you can,” she said. “It’s difficult with everybody’s busy lives, but you have to make an effort if you can. I mean, some people can’t. They can’t afford that. I’m fortunate enough to be able to do that, so it’s good.”

Her dedication extends beyond travel. Donna recently unveiled the “Gran Cave,” a home sports-viewing setup in partnership with the youth sports streaming app GameChanger. Designed for grandparents who want to keep up with every game, practice, or youth sports moment, the Gran Cave reflects her love for sports and her desire to stay connected with her family — both the NFL stars and the youngest Kelce generation.

It’s not just about being present for birthdays or holiday gatherings. Donna emphasizes creating moments that are fun and memorable for her grandchildren. “It’s kind of like a free-for-all where [Travis] is throwing them up in the air and on the couch,” she said, laughing as she described the antics of her sons with their nieces. “Jason does the same thing. It’s just amazing to see your grown-up children interact with their own kids. It’s very heartwarming.”

Travis Kelce, 36, has embraced the role of “uncle Trav” with gusto. Donna recalls that even back in November 2023, when her youngest grandchildren were just toddlers, Travis would light up around them. “He loves kids, period,” she told PEOPLE. “He’s really a good uncle — so animated and engaging. They just love him.”

Even amidst the chaos of NFL schedules, travel, and media attention, Donna Kelce’s commitment to family remains unwavering. She sees her role not as a chore but as a privilege, taking joy in the daily connections she maintains with her grandchildren. It’s a philosophy rooted in decades of watching her sons grow from talented athletes to household names.

“I’ve seen what it’s like raising kids in the spotlight,” she said. “I know how much your presence matters. Even if it’s just a little time each week, that consistency means a lot. It’s about showing love through action, not just words.”

Her advice extends to all grandparents, not just those with famous children. Donna stresses that relationships with grandchildren are built on effort, empathy, and availability. Whether it’s attending sports events, helping with homework, or simply being around for playdates, she believes these gestures leave lasting impressions on young hearts.

The Kelce clan is a tight-knit, high-profile family, but Donna ensures that her attention is always focused on what matters most: her children and grandchildren. She shares both Jason and Travis’s love for football and sports in general, but she also prioritizes the small, everyday moments that cement family bonds. “You have to carve out time, even when life is busy,” she said. “These are the memories that stick.”

For Jason Kelce, 38, a doting father of four daughters with his wife Kylie Kelce, having his mother nearby is a blessing. He has publicly praised Donna’s hands-on approach to grandparenting, noting that she balances nurturing with giving parents space to raise their kids. Her philosophy of showing up without overstepping is central to maintaining harmony within the family.

Kylie Kelce, too, echoes Donna’s sentiment, saying that the grandmother’s energy and presence add immeasurable joy to their household. From helping with bedtime routines to cheering on the girls at local sports events, Donna Kelce is a pillar of support.

Her own journey as a grandmother is also shaped by her experiences as a mother. Raising two NFL stars required resilience, flexibility, and a deep understanding of each child’s needs. Those same principles guide her today in supporting the next generation of Kelces. “I’ve had to learn patience and timing,” she said. “It’s not just about being there — it’s about being present in a way that makes the kids feel loved and understood.”

And while the spotlight often follows her sons and now her grandchildren, Donna remains grounded. “It’s easy to get swept up in the fame and the schedules, but family is the anchor,” she explained. “Seeing the smiles on their faces, hearing their laughter, that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”

In essence, Donna Kelce’s “one key rule” for being the best grandmother is deceptively simple: show up, travel when necessary, and make every moment count. It’s a philosophy that blends love, respect, and practicality — an approach that keeps her connected to her granddaughters while ensuring she doesn’t become a burden.

As she continues to juggle her own life with the demands of supporting NFL legends, a thriving family, and now the youngest Kelce generation, Donna’s message is clear: grandparents don’t need to be everywhere all the time, but the effort to be present matters more than anything else. It’s a lesson in love, loyalty, and legacy that will shape the Kelce family for generations to come.

Whether cheering on little Wyatt at soccer practice, sharing a laugh with Elliotte over breakfast, or enjoying quiet moments with baby Finnley, Donna Kelce’s unwavering commitment sets the standard for grandparents everywhere. And if there’s one thing she wants to impart, it’s that showing up — truly showing up — is the greatest gift a grandparent can give.