This summer has presented its share of difficulties for Ree Drummond and her family. In a recent post on her popular Pioneer Woman blog, the beloved Food Network personality shared insights into the demanding months her husband, Ladd, has faced on their Oklahoma ranch.
“Ladd has had…a busy, slightly rough summer. I think I say this ever [sic] year, but the work, the early mornings, the unrelenting grind, the exhaustion…it has been a little much,” Ree confessed to her readers. She playfully added that these were her observations, not Ladd’s complaints, as he tends to simply accept the demanding ranch work as “what he does and it’s part of life.”
However, the strain of the work this season led Ree to contemplate the sustainability of their demanding lifestyle. “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.’ It was partly in jest, but also maybe a little bit not,” she admitted, revealing the genuine concern behind her lighthearted tone.
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Ree Drummond candidly discusses Ladd’s demanding summer ranch work in her latest blog post.
Ree further elaborated on her worries, stating, “How much harder can you work, how much longer can you do this, are you okay, is what I was really thinking.” This reveals the deep concern Ree holds for Ladd’s well-being amidst the relentless pressures of ranching.
In her blog post, which was primarily a joyful recap of her daughter Paige’s surprise engagement, Ree beautifully highlighted how the Drummond family’s moments of happiness serve as a counterbalance to the hardships they face. The engagement celebration offered a welcome respite and a reminder of the joys that punctuate their demanding lives.
“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 wrote, adding a touch of her signature humor. “And summer will be over soon!” This optimistic outlook underscores the family’s resilience and their ability to find joy even during challenging times.
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The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, cherishes moments of joy with Ladd amidst the challenges of ranch life.
Paige, 24, became engaged to her boyfriend, David Andersen, on August 4th. The anticipation of wedding bells on the Drummond ranch brings back memories of a previous health scare Ladd experienced during their elder daughter Alex’s wedding preparations. Ladd was involved in a serious 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 highlights the inherent risks associated with ranch work and the Drummond family’s strength in overcoming adversity.
Currently, Ladd benefits from Paige’s full-time assistance on the ranch since January. Ree shared in a June interview with PEOPLE, “It’s really great to have her home.” Paige’s return to the ranch and her dedicated work ethic have been a significant support for Ladd, especially during demanding periods.
Ree clarified that Paige resides in town, in the former home of Ree’s in-laws. Ladd’s father, Chuck, affectionately known as Pa-Pa, passed away in 2022, and his mother, Nan, in 2018. The family’s history and connection to the ranch run deep, with Paige now contributing to its ongoing legacy.
While Paige’s long-term plans remain open, Ree values her presence on the ranch. “In terms of how long she’ll stay or whether it’ll be a period of her life or forever, we’re not really trying to predict or think about it too far in advance,” Ree explained. “I love that she’s here. She’s the first of our kids to really come back and work on the ranch full time.” This underscores the close-knit family dynamic and the importance of family support in their lives.
In a May blog post on The Pioneer Woman, Ree mentioned Paige experiencing the physical demands of ranch work, “getting banged up, scratched, bruised, and clobbered.” Despite the physically taxing nature of ranching, Ree proudly told PEOPLE that Paige is thriving. “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 laughed, emphasizing Paige’s capability and integration into the ranch workforce.
