Yolanda Hadid, born on January 11, 1964, in Papendrecht, Netherlands, is a Dutch-American television personality, former model, and wellness advocate. She grew up in a family shaped by tragedy, as her father passed away when she was just seven years old. Despite the early challenges, Yolanda pursued a career in modeling, which led her to sign with Ford Models at the young age of 16. Her modeling career blossomed in the 1980s and 1990s, where she became a prominent figure in international fashion.
A Stellar Modeling Career in the 1980s and 1990s
Yolanda Hadid’s career as a model began when she was discovered in her teens, and it quickly took off. She moved to Paris, where she worked with top agencies and traveled around the world for high-profile runway shows. During the height of her modeling career, Yolanda worked in major fashion capitals such as Milan, Sydney, and Tokyo. She appeared in prominent ad campaigns and magazines, building a strong reputation in the fashion world.
However, Yolanda’s career wasn’t just about the glamorous runway walks; it was also about enduring hard work in a competitive industry. Over the course of 15 years, Yolanda built an impressive portfolio before deciding to step back from modeling to focus on family life.
Transition to Reality TV: Yolanda’s Big Break
Yolanda Hadid is perhaps best known for her role on the reality television show, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She joined the cast in 2012, where her candid and open persona won the hearts of many viewers. On the show, Yolanda shared not only her glamorous life but also her personal struggles, including her battle with Lyme disease. Her time on the show lasted until 2016, during which she earned a dedicated fan base, who appreciated her honesty and vulnerability.
After her success on The Real Housewives, Yolanda took on another reality TV project, hosting Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid in 2018. This show focused on helping young models succeed in the fashion industry. Through it, Yolanda offered guidance based on her own modeling experience, and her expertise became a valuable resource for aspiring models trying to navigate the competitive world of fashion.
Personal Life: Marriages, Family, and Children
Yolanda’s personal life has often been in the spotlight, particularly her relationships and marriages. She married real estate developer Mohamed Hadid in 1994. Together, they had three children: Gigi, Bella, and Anwar Hadid, all of whom have followed in their mother’s footsteps and become internationally recognized models. Yolanda and Mohamed had a high-profile marriage but separated in 2000.
Her second marriage was to music producer David Foster in 2011. The couple had a whirlwind romance, and their wedding was an extravagant affair. However, after six years of marriage, they divorced in 2017. Yolanda’s relationship with David was often documented on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and fans followed their ups and downs throughout their marriage. Despite the divorce, Yolanda has spoken positively about her relationship with David and their shared respect for each other.
In 2019, Yolanda entered a relationship with Joseph Jingoli, a businessman from Pennsylvania. They got engaged, but after six years together, they parted ways in early 2025.
Lyme Disease Battle: Yolanda’s Health Struggles
One of the most public aspects of Yolanda Hadid’s life has been her ongoing battle with Lyme disease. Diagnosed in 2012, Yolanda has used her platform to raise awareness about the illness, which she has described as “invisible.” Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria transmitted through ticks, has severely impacted her health over the years, leaving her with debilitating symptoms.
Throughout her time on The Real Housewives, Yolanda shared the struggles of dealing with Lyme disease, which included cognitive difficulties, fatigue, and muscle pain. She became an advocate for others suffering from the condition, speaking out about the challenges of living with a disease that is not well understood by the medical community.
In 2017, Yolanda published a memoir titled Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease, which detailed her experiences. In the book, Yolanda also shared her journey of finding treatments and her hope for a cure.
Yolanda Hadid Children: Gigi, Bella, and Anwar Hadid
Yolanda’s children, Gigi, Bella, and Anwar, have become some of the most recognizable figures in the fashion industry. Her eldest daughter, Gigi Hadid, is an international supermodel who has worked with top designers and appeared in major ad campaigns. Gigi’s career skyrocketed in the mid-2010s, and she quickly became a household name in the fashion world.
Bella Hadid, Yolanda’s second daughter, is also a renowned model and has gained fame for her striking looks and powerful presence on the runway. Like Gigi, Bella has walked for high-fashion brands such as Versace, Chanel, and Dior.
Her youngest son, Anwar Hadid, has followed his sisters into modeling, working with well-known fashion brands and magazines. The Hadid children have not only made a name for themselves in the fashion world but have also become advocates for various causes, including mental health awareness and body positivity.
Yolanda Hadid Homes: A Glimpse into Her Luxurious Lifestyle
Over the years, Yolanda has lived in some stunning properties, with her homes becoming a focal point of her public life. Yolanda previously resided in a sprawling mansion in Malibu, which became synonymous with her lifestyle and public persona. After moving out of her Malibu house, Yolanda purchased a 32-acre farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania, where she focused on a more peaceful, rural lifestyle. This property, which she listed for sale in 2025, became a symbol of her attempt to regain control over her health and life.
She has also owned homes in Texas and New York, demonstrating her bi-coastal lifestyle. Despite moving between different locations, Yolanda’s homes reflect her love for design, nature, and wellness.
Yolanda Hadid Social Media and Advocacy
Yolanda remains an influential figure on social media, where she shares aspects of her life, including her personal wellness journey, family milestones, and advocacy work for Lyme disease awareness. On her Instagram, she often posts about her health regimen, sustainable living, and home décor, staying connected to her audience through a mix of personal and professional content.
Her social media presence continues to be a reflection of her evolving identity — one that balances her past as a model with her future as a mother, wellness advocate, and public figure.
Conclusion
Yolanda Hadid has gone through a remarkable transformation over the years, from a celebrated fashion model in the 1980s to a respected reality TV star and Lyme disease advocate. Her story is one of perseverance, resilience, and reinvention. Despite the challenges she’s faced, including her health struggles and personal ups and downs, Yolanda has remained a strong and influential figure in the public eye.
As she continues to focus on her health and family, Yolanda’s journey is far from over, and her legacy as a model, reality TV star, and wellness advocate is cemented in both the fashion world and the hearts of her fans.
