This summer has presented its share of difficulties for Ree Drummond and her family. In a recent heartfelt post on her popular Pioneer Woman blog, the beloved Food Network personality shared insights into the demanding and strenuous summer her husband, Ladd, has experienced on their Oklahoma ranch.
“Ladd has had…a busy, slightly rough summer,” Ree wrote, offering a glimpse into the relentless work ethic that defines their lives. She elaborated on the toll the season has taken, mentioning “the work, the early mornings, the unrelenting grind, the exhaustion…it has been a little much.” Ree humorously noted that these were her observations, as Ladd himself would likely downplay the hardship, simply attributing it to the nature of ranching life.
The cumulative effect of the demanding work schedule led Ree to openly question the sustainability of their current pace. “A couple of weeks ago, after watching him limp inside, covered in dust and blood after a particularly long day, I actually said the words, ‘I don’t think we can do this anymore.'” While acknowledging a touch of jest in her statement, she admitted to a genuine underlying concern for Ladd’s well-being amidst the grueling ranch work.
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Ree Drummond and her husband Ladd Drummond on their Oklahoma ranch.
Her blog post, which primarily served as a joyful recap of her daughter Paige’s surprise engagement, provided a poignant backdrop to the Drummond family’s life. Ree reflected on how these moments of celebration become even more precious against the backdrop of their daily challenges. “So to see him smiling and walking around and enjoying the celebration of his second child and the man she’s gonna marry…well, it made me feel a little better about things. 😂” she shared, adding a touch of her signature humor. The promise of summer’s end also offered a sense of relief and anticipation for a change of pace.
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Ree Drummond and Ladd Drummond pictured during daughter Paige’s engagement celebration.
Paige Drummond’s engagement to David Andersen on August 4th marked a joyous occasion for the family. Interestingly, the last Drummond family wedding, that of older daughter Alex, coincided with a significant health event for Ladd. He was involved in a truck collision with his nephew Caleb while responding to a fire near their property. The accident resulted in Ladd breaking his neck in two places, requiring him to wear a neck brace at Alex’s wedding. This past incident underscores the inherent risks and physical demands of ranching life that the Drummond family faces.
Currently, Ladd benefits from Paige’s full-time return to the ranch in January. Ree expressed her delight in having Paige back home in a June interview, noting, “It’s really great to have her home.” Paige resides in the former home of Ree’s in-laws, Chuck (who passed away in 2022) and Nan (who passed in 2018), keeping a piece of family history alive.
While Paige’s long-term plans remain open, Ree cherishes her daughter’s present contribution to the ranch. Ree acknowledged in a May Pioneer Woman blog post the physical nature of Paige’s work, mentioning she is “getting banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.” However, Ree proudly told PEOPLE that Paige is more than capable of handling the challenges. “She’s very strong, not just physically, but she’s got a pretty strong heart and personality, so it’s fun to watch her kind of jump in and learn the ropes — not as Ladd’s kid, but as one of the cowboys basically. Cowgirls, I should say,” Ree added with her characteristic warmth and humor.
