Yolanda Hadid Bio, Age, Height, Husbands, Family, Affairs, Career, Net Worth

From a Dutch farm girl discovered at 16 to the matriarch of the world’s most famous supermodel dynasty, Yolanda Hadid has lived multiple lives in the public eye—international runway model, reality TV fixture, devoted mother, Lyme disease warrior, and twice-divorced socialite now navigating single life after a shocking 2025 breakup. Her journey from the Netherlands to Beverly Hills, through two high-profile marriages and a devastating chronic illness, has made her one of reality television’s most compelling figures and the architect of the Hadid family’s multi-generational fame.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Birth & Upbringing
Born Yolanda van den Herik on January 11, 1964, in Papendrecht—a small town in the Dutch province of Zuid-Holland—Yolanda grew up in a working-class family far removed from the glamour she would later inhabit. Her father died in a car accident when she was just seven years old, leaving her mother, Ans van den Herik, to raise Yolanda and her brother alone. This early trauma instilled in Yolanda a fierce independence and work ethic that would define her career.

The Discovery
At age 16, while attending a local fashion show in Holland, Dutch designer Frans Molenaar approached Yolanda to fill in for a model who hadn’t shown up. The impromptu opportunity led to her discovery by Eileen Ford, legendary founder of Ford Models, who signed the teenage Yolanda to an exclusive contract. “I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in Beverly Hills, but I was born with a great deal of self-worth,” Yolanda later reflected.

International Modeling Career (1980–1994)
For 15 years, Yolanda lived the jet-set lifestyle of a top international model, walking runways in Paris, Milan, Sydney, Tokyo, and New York. She appeared in major fashion campaigns and graced the pages of Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. The discipline and professionalism she learned during this era would later inform her parenting style and her approach to her children’s modeling careers.

Move to America
In 1994, at age 30, Yolanda relocated to Los Angeles to marry real estate developer Mohamed Hadid and start a family, effectively retiring from full-time modeling to focus on motherhood.

Career Journey

Modeling Career (1980–1994)

Yolanda’s modeling career spanned the golden age of the supermodel, working with Ford Models during the agency’s peak influence. She walked for major European designers and developed the signature look—blonde hair, strong bone structure, and statuesque presence—that her daughters would later inherit and amplify.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (2012–2016)

Breakthrough Television
Yolanda joined the cast of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills in Season 3 (2012), immediately establishing herself as a different breed of Housewife. While others flaunted wealth and drama, Yolanda presented herself as a domestic goddess—organizing her famous clear refrigerator filled with lemons from her orchard, arranging flowers from her garden, and espousing a philosophy of disciplined self-care.

Signature Storylines

• The Lemon Grove: Her Malibu estate’s lemon trees and perfectly organized walk-in refrigerator became iconic symbols of her domestic perfectionism
• Lyme Disease Battle: Her 2012 diagnosis became a central storyline, documenting her decline from vibrant socialite to bedridden patient
• Marriage to David Foster: The show documented the strain her illness placed on her marriage to the Grammy-winning producer
• “Dutch Directness”: Her no-nonsense communication style created both allies and enemies among the cast

Exit & Legacy
Yolanda left RHOBH after Season 6 in 2016, citing her declining health and desire to focus on healing. Her four-season run established her as one of the franchise’s most memorable cast members—equal parts aspirational lifestyle guru and relatable health warrior.

Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid (2018)

Following RHOBH, Yolanda starred in her own Lifetime reality series, Making a Model with Yolanda Hadid, where she mentored aspiring young models. The show lasted one season but reinforced her image as a “momager” figure in the fashion industry.

Author & Advocate (2017–Present)

In 2017, Yolanda published her memoir, Believe Me: My Battle With the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease, detailing her harrowing journey through misdiagnosis, experimental treatments, and eventual remission. The book became a touchstone for the Lyme disease community and established her as a leading advocate for chronic illness awareness.

Current Ventures (2026)

• Interior Design: Featured in Architectural Digest for her Pennsylvania farm and Texas ranch designs
• Honey Collection: Maintains an extensive “honey bar” collected from travels worldwide
• Lyme Disease Advocacy: Continues fundraising and awareness work through Global Lyme Alliance
• Social Media: 3.7 million Instagram followers; earns estimated $22,000–$30,000 monthly from sponsored content

Personal Life

Marriage to Mohamed Hadid (1994–2000)

The Beginning
Yolanda married Palestinian-American real estate developer Mohamed Hadid in 1994, shortly after moving to Los Angeles. Mohamed, who had fled Nazareth, Israel as a child and built a luxury real estate empire, provided the financial foundation for Yolanda’s transition from working model to society wife.

Children
The couple welcomed three children in quick succession:

• Jelena “Gigi” Hadid (April 23, 1995)
• Isabella “Bella” Hadid (October 9, 1996)
• Anwar Hadid (June 22, 1999)

Divorce & Co-Parenting
Yolanda and Mohamed divorced in 2000, with the split finalized in 2003. Despite the end of their marriage, they developed an exemplary co-parenting relationship. Yolanda moved to Santa Barbara to raise the children while Mohamed remained involved. “When you divorce, when you have small children, you put your ego aside,” Yolanda explained. “This is not about how I feel about my ex-husband. This is about how my children feel.”

Marriage to David Foster (2011–2017)

The Courtship
Yolanda met 16-time Grammy Award-winning music producer David Foster in 2006, introduced by Mohamed Hadid himself. Foster proposed on Christmas Eve 2010, and they married on November 11, 2011, at an 11:11 ceremony (Foster’s lucky number).

Reality TV Marriage
Their marriage played out on RHOBH, initially appearing as a fairy-tale union between a domestic goddess and a music legend. However, as Yolanda’s Lyme disease worsened, the strain became evident. Foster’s daughters from previous marriages (including actresses Erin and Sara Foster) appeared on the show, creating a complex blended family dynamic.

The Divorce
In December 2015, after four years of marriage and nine years together, the couple announced their separation. The divorce was finalized in October 2017. In their joint statement, they cited “the inevitable challenges that come with managing a marriage, careers, blended families, and health issues.” David has since married singer katharine mcphee (2019) and had a son, Rennie.

Relationship with Joseph Jingoli (2017–2025)

The Meeting
Following her divorce from Foster, Yolanda moved to a farm in New Hope, Pennsylvania, in 2017 to heal physically and emotionally. There she met Joseph Jingoli, CEO of a construction and development company and founder of The F.A.R.M. Team nonprofit, which helps young people in recovery through farm work.

The Romance
Yolanda later described manifesting the relationship through a “love spiral”—writing down everything she wanted in a partner. “He magically just rang the doorbell at the farm,” she recalled. They began dating in 2019, with Yolanda appreciating that Jingoli was “39 years sober” and shared her love of nature and horses.

Engagement & Breakup

• 2022: Jingoli proposed during a romantic trip to Yolanda’s native Holland
• August 2024: Yolanda casually referred to him as her “fiancé” in an Architectural Digest interview, confirming the engagement
• January 2025: The couple quietly ended their engagement after six years together
• June 2025: News broke publicly; sources stated they “remain friends and have nothing but fond memories”

Yolanda has since embraced the “single moms club,” focusing on her health, her children, and her grandchildren.

Family Dynamics

The Hadid Dynasty
Yolanda’s greatest legacy is arguably the modeling careers she nurtured in her children. Under her guidance:

• Gigi Hadid became one of the world’s highest-paid models, with a net worth of $30 million
• Bella Hadid followed, building a $25 million fortune and launching her own fragrance brand, Orebella
• Anwar Hadid pursued modeling and music

Grandmotherhood
In September 2020, Yolanda became a grandmother when Gigi and then-boyfriend Zayn Malik welcomed daughter Khai. Yolanda has embraced the role, frequently sharing photos of her “grandbaby” and stating that grandchildren “make the sunshine every day.”

The Secret Half-Sister (2025)
In June 2025—coinciding with news of Yolanda’s breakup—Gigi and Bella revealed they had discovered a previously unknown half-sister, Aydan Nix, born from a brief relationship Mohamed Hadid had over 20 years ago. Aydan, 23, learned of her biological connection through a genetic test and connected with the family in late 2023.

Mother’s Death (2019)
Yolanda’s mother, Ans van den Herik, died on August 30, 2019, at age 78 after battling cancer six times. Yolanda posted an emotional tribute: “RIP my guardian angel Mama. Thank you for loving me the way that you did and for making me the woman that I am today.”

Controversies

Lyme Disease Skepticism
During her RHOBH tenure, castmates including lisa vanderpump and Kyle Richards questioned the severity of Yolanda’s illness, suggesting it was exaggerated for storyline purposes. The “Munchausen” speculation caused Yolanda significant emotional distress and contributed to her departure from the show. She has since become an outspoken critic of medical gaslighting.

Parenting Criticism
Yolanda’s strict parenting style—emphasizing discipline, healthy eating, and professional ambition—drew criticism from viewers who felt she pushed her daughters too hard. She defended her approach as necessary preparation for the brutal modeling industry.

David Foster Divorce Fallout
Rumors swirled that Foster left Yolanda because of her illness, though both denied this. Foster’s daughter Erin later revealed that watching her father on RHOBH was “uncomfortable” and that the marriage’s dissolution was more complex than portrayed.

2025 Breakup Timing
The announcement of Yolanda’s split from Joseph Jingoli coincided with the revelation of Mohamed Hadid’s secret daughter, leading to speculation about interconnected family drama, though sources maintain the breakup was amicable and unrelated.

Physical Statistics

Quotes

On forgiveness and relationships:
“I believe forgiveness is the best form of love in any relationship. It takes a strong person to say they’re sorry and an even stronger person to forgive.”

On her Lyme disease journey:
“I choose to live in the present because when you suffer from chronic illness, you don’t have a choice. It’s day by day, one foot in front of the other. When there is a good day, you soak up that moment.”

On healing:
“It took me a while to learn the true meaning of patience and surrender, but I have finally accepted that healing doesn’t happen on our schedule. It doesn’t have a clock or a calendar.”

On self-worth:
“I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in Beverly Hills, but I was born with a great deal of self-worth.”

On motherhood:
“Motherhood is a privilege and the greatest blessing in my life. Thank you Gigi, Bella, and Anwar for teaching me the true meaning of unconditional love.”

Favorites

Salary & Net Worth

Net Worth: $45 Million (Estimated)

Income Sources:

• RHOBH Salary: $100,000 per episode (during her tenure)
• Real Estate Profits: $15 million profit from Malibu mansion sale (2016)
• Divorce Settlements: $3.6 million from Mohamed Hadid including $6 million Malibu home, Santa Barbara mansion, vehicles, and $30,000 monthly child support
• Book Sales: Believe Me memoir royalties
• Instagram Earnings: $22,000–$30,000 monthly (estimated $266,000–$365,000 annually from sponsored content)
• Television: Making a Model salary and production fees
• Speaking Engagements: Lyme disease advocacy events

Real Estate Portfolio:

• Pennsylvania Farm: Purchased 2017, primary residence for healing
• Texas Ranch: Fort Worth property, current primary residence (as of 2026)
• Former Malibu Estate: Sold for $19.5 million (originally purchased land for $4.5 million, built 11,000 sq ft mansion)

Interesting Facts

1. The Lemon Queen: Her RHOBH refrigerator—perfectly organized with glass containers of lemons from her grove—became so iconic it inspired countless memes and copycat organization trends.
2. Honey Bar: Instead of a tequila bar (her fiancé is sober), Yolanda maintains a “honey bar” with jars collected from her travels worldwide.
3. Dutch Directness: Her blunt communication style on RHOBH (“Don’t tell me you’re my friend, act like one”) became her trademark and inspired both admiration and conflict.
4. Mother’s Cancer Battle: Her mother Ans survived cancer six times before her death in 2019, inspiring Yolanda’s resilience in her own health battles.
5. Manifestation Practitioner: She literally wrote down qualities she wanted in a partner before meeting Joseph Jingoli, whom she describes as “magically” appearing at her farm.
6. Grandmother at 56: Became a grandmother in 2020 when Gigi gave birth to Khai, and has embraced the role enthusiastically.
7. Equestrian Passion: All three Hadid children ride horses, a love passed down from Yolanda’s mother and continued at her Pennsylvania farm.
8. Secret Engagement: Kept her engagement to Joseph Jingoli private for two years before casually mentioning it in an Architectural Digest interview.
9. Lyme Disease Family: All three of her children (Gigi, Bella, and Anwar) have been diagnosed with Lyme disease, making advocacy deeply personal.
10. Farm Transformation: Her Pennsylvania property serves as both her home and a wellness sanctuary where she grows flowers, keeps bees, and hosts her family.

Did You Know Already?

• Yolanda’s first husband Mohamed Hadid was introduced to her by a mutual friend in Los Angeles; they married within months of meeting.
• She received the “Star Light” award from the Lyme Research Alliance in 2013 for her advocacy work.
• David Foster wrote the iconic Whitney Houston song “I Have Nothing”—a fact his current wife Katharine McPhee cited as “the real reason I married David.”
• Yolanda’s brother’s existence is rarely mentioned; she primarily discusses her late mother and her own children in public.
• She was diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 after years of mysterious symptoms; at one point she lost the ability to read, write, or watch TV.
• Her 2025 breakup with Joseph Jingoli came just days before news broke that Mohamed Hadid had a secret 23-year-old daughter, though the events were reportedly unrelated.
• Yolanda has stated she wants to be buried in Holland next to her mother when she dies.

Social Media Links

• Instagram: @yolanda.hadid — 3.7 million followers
• Twitter/X: @YolandaHadid — Limited activity
• Facebook: Yolanda Hadid — 80,000+ followers (less active)
• TikTok: Occasional appearances via daughters’ accounts

Note: Yolanda reduced social media activity in 2025 following her breakup and daughter Bella’s health crisis, focusing on family privacy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Yolanda Hadid?
Yolanda Hadid was born on January 11, 1964, making her 62 years old years old as of 2026.

How tall is Yolanda Hadid?
Yolanda is listed at 5’8″ (1.73m), though some sources suggest she may have lost slight height with age and osteoporosis, with estimates ranging down to 5’7″.

Who are Yolanda Hadid’s husbands?
Yolanda has been married twice: first to real estate developer Mohamed Hadid (1994–2000), with whom she had three children; and second to music producer David Foster (2011–2017). She was engaged to construction CEO Joseph Jingoli from 2022 until their breakup in January 2025.

What is Yolanda Hadid’s net worth?
Yolanda’s estimated net worth is $45 million, derived from her modeling career, RHOBH salary, real estate investments, divorce settlements, book sales, and social media earnings.

Does Yolanda Hadid have Lyme disease?
Yes. Yolanda was diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease in 2012 and has been open about her debilitating symptoms, treatments, and eventual remission. She published a memoir, Believe Me, about her experience. Her children Gigi, Bella, and Anwar have also been diagnosed.

Who are Yolanda Hadid’s children?
Yolanda has three children with Mohamed Hadid: supermodels Gigi Hadid (b. 1995) and Bella Hadid (b. 1996), and model/musician Anwar Hadid (b. 1999). She also has two stepdaughters from Mohamed’s previous marriage: Marielle and Alana Hadid.

Is Yolanda Hadid still married to David Foster?
No. Yolanda and David Foster divorced in 2017. Foster has since married singer Katharine McPhee and had a son. Yolanda was most recently engaged to Joseph Jingoli until their 2025 breakup.

Where does Yolanda Hadid live now?
As of 2026, Yolanda primarily resides at her ranch in Fort Worth, Texas, while maintaining her farm in Pennsylvania where she lived during her relationship with Joseph Jingoli.

What is Yolanda Hadid doing now?
Yolanda focuses on her health, her family (including granddaughter Khai), Lyme disease advocacy, interior design projects, and managing her social media presence. She remains single following her 2025 breakup with Joseph Jingoli.

Conclusion

Yolanda Hadid’s journey from Dutch farm girl to international supermodel, reality TV star, and matriarch of a modeling dynasty encapsulates the modern American success story—one marked by glamour, struggle, reinvention, and resilience. At 61, navigating single life after a broken engagement while supporting her children through health crises and career triumphs, Yolanda remains a figure of fascination. Her legacy extends beyond the runway or the reality show confessionals; it lives in the careers she nurtured, the awareness she raised for chronic illness, and the unwavering self-worth she maintained through two divorces, debilitating disease, and public scrutiny.

Whether organizing her famous lemon refrigerator, advocating for Lyme disease research, or simply being “Oma” to her granddaughter, Yolanda Hadid continues to prove that life’s greatest roles often come after the cameras stop rolling.

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