Yolanda Hadid’s journey from a small-town farm girl in Holland to a multi-millionaire and former model on the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” is truly remarkable. Despite her glamorous image on TV, her path to success was filled with challenges and perseverance. She entered the modeling world without any privileges, worked hard to support her family, and passed on her valuable lessons to her daughters, Gigi and Bella. Facing the Bravo spotlight and a Lyme disease diagnosis simultaneously, Hadid’s life took a different turn.
However, beyond the cameras, Hadid’s life story is extensive and fascinating. Currently, she has embraced a quieter lifestyle on her Pennsylvania farm, enjoying days filled with horseback riding and quality time with her cowboy partner. From her days as a cover girl to a contented cowgirl, Yolanda Hadid has undergone a breathtaking transformation.
Yolanda Hadid’s Humble Roots in Holland
Yolanda Hadid’s upbringing in the quaint town of Papendrecht in South Holland stands in stark contrast to her later life in the spotlight. She cherished a simple childhood, learning to ride horses and helping out on the family farm alongside her brother. Despite her glamorous persona, Hadid identifies herself as a “farm girl from Holland” at heart, finding her true happiness rooted in her humble beginnings.
Raised in modest circumstances without financial privileges, Hadid took on the responsibility of providing for her family after her father passed away when she was just seven years old. This early struggle motivated her to strive for financial independence, propelling her beyond her Dutch origins. Her journey from poverty to prosperity is a testament to her determination and resilience.
Overcoming Tragedy and Finding Solace in Horses
The tragic loss of her father in a car accident when she was just seven years old marked a turning point in Yolanda Hadid’s life. Struggling with the absence of her father, she found solace in her bond with horses, which became an enduring passion. Sharing a deep connection with a horse she received after her father’s death, Hadid poured her love and grief into these majestic animals, describing the experience as therapeutic.
Dedicating her time to horse riding amidst part-time jobs and academic responsibilities, Hadid immersed herself in the equestrian world. Her unwavering dedication and endless energy propelled her forward, shaping her identity and offering solace during trying times.
From Tragedy to Triumph: Yolanda Hadid’s Global Modeling Career
Yolanda Hadid’s early loss of her father ignited a fierce determination within her to support her family, leading her to pursue a career in modeling. Making a conscious decision to become the primary provider, she ventured into the competitive world of fashion and modeling. Her resilience and drive propelled her to international success, transcending her humble beginnings and propelling her onto the global stage.
When Yolanda Hadid had the chance to step in as a runway model during a fashion show, it marked the beginning of her modeling career. From her humble beginnings working at a restaurant, she quickly transitioned to walking the catwalks in Milan and beyond. Her unexpected foray into modeling set her on a path she had never anticipated, taking her far from her roots.
Yolanda’s first marriage was to real estate mogul Mohamed Hadid, a union that brought her into a world of luxury and high society. Despite the opulence, the marriage eventually ended in 2000 due to infidelity issues. Rumors and accusations about affairs surfaced, but Yolanda chose to focus on co-parenting and friendship with Mohamed for the sake of their children.
During her marriage to Mohamed Hadid, Yolanda welcomed three children: Gigi, Bella, and Anwar. All three children have made their mark in the modeling and entertainment industries, following in their mother’s footsteps. Yolanda’s upbringing and her relationship with her own mother influenced her parenting style, emphasizing values of consistency, trust, and respect.
Yolanda later married David Foster, her second husband whom she met through Mohamed. The introduction by her ex-husband led to a relationship that culminated in marriage in 2011. David Foster, a renowned musician and producer, brought his own success and accolades to their union, adding another layer of fame to their lives.
The Canadian man had been married three times before meeting Yolanda and has five daughters from his previous marriages. All of his daughters were present at his and Yolanda’s wedding to walk him down the aisle.
Following their marriage, the couple purchased a six-bedroom mansion in Malibu that was often featured on the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” Yolanda expressed her happiness with their home life in a 2014 interview, revealing her pride in creating a welcoming space for her husband.
Yolanda Hadid was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in 2012, experiencing symptoms like fatigue and muscle weakness. This condition, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria transmitted by blacklegged ticks, can lead to prolonged symptoms, including exhaustion and difficulty thinking.
Her battle with chronic Lyme disease led Yolanda to contemplate suicide due to the intense pain and suffering she endured daily. Despite not knowing how she contracted the illness, she attributed it to her time spent on a farm with horses in Santa Barbara, which also affected her children Bella and Anwar.
Yolanda Hadid joined the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in its third season in 2012, despite struggling with health issues, including neurological Lyme disease. Her deteriorating health and conflicts with some cast members made filming challenging, particularly her well-known feud with Lisa Rinna.
After three seasons on the show, Yolanda decided to leave the Housewives due to the negative impact it had on her well-being. She found the dynamics between the women and the constant drama too overwhelming, leading to her departure from the series in 2022.
Yolanda Hadid and David Foster’s marriage ended in divorce after four years in December 2015, following their appearances on the show. While fans speculated that Yolanda’s Lyme disease played a role in their split, David Foster insisted that their divorce was not primarily due to her health issues.**David Foster Reveals Reasons Behind Divorce from Yolanda Hadid**
David Foster, renowned music producer, has made it clear that Yolanda Hadid’s health was not the reason for their divorce. He stated in an interview with *People* that there was another undisclosed reason behind their split that had nothing to do with her illness.
Foster has expressed his negative feelings towards the Bravo reality franchise, particularly his time on *Real Housewives of Beverly Hills*. He found the experience to be unpleasant, and he lamented not being recognized for his musical achievements during an interview with the *Los Angeles Times*.
**Yolanda Hadid Embraces Farm Life in Pennsylvania**
Yolanda Hadid, the former model, has returned to her rural upbringing by purchasing a farm in Pennsylvania. Since leaving the chaos of reality TV and going through a divorce, she seems to have found peace in her new lifestyle, interacting with various animals on the farm.
Hadid shared her joy about observing the changing seasons on her farm and meeting her current boyfriend, Joseph Jingoli, who lives nearby and shares her love for farm life and horses. Their shared experiences, including overcoming health scares, have deepened their bond and appreciation for life.