Early Life and Reality TV Exposure
Collin Thomas Gosselin was born on May 10, 2004, in Hershey, Pennsylvania, as one of the Gosselin sextuplets. His siblings include brothers Aaden and Joel, and sisters Alexis, Hannah, and Leah. Collin is a twin to Hannah. The sextuplets were preceded by twin sisters Mady and Cara, making Collin’s family a total of eight children under the care of parents Kate and Jon Gosselin. Their reality show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, catapulted the family into the spotlight, setting the stage for significant family dynamics and challenges due to the pressures of fame.
Family Dynamics and Personal Struggles
Collin’s upbringing in the public eye came with unique challenges. The fame associated with Jon & Kate Plus 8 and later Kate Plus 8 highlighted both the privileges and strains of reality TV life. The public witnessed family stress, parental divorce in 2009, and the consequences of media scrutiny. At age 12, Collin’s journey took a significant turn when Kate placed him in a residential facility due to what she described as “unpredictable and violent behavior.” However, Collin and his father, Jon, viewed this institutionalization as unnecessary and a result of overstated psychiatric concerns, leading to Collin’s nearly two-year stay in the facility.
Battle for custody and move to Jon
After court proceedings, Jon Gosselin acquired full custody of Collin and Hannah in late 2018, changing Collin’s life. Multiple court absences by Kate contributed to this result. Collin left the institution and moved in with Jon and Hannah in Pennsylvania, leaving Kate and his siblings alone.
Challenges in Family Relationships
Estrangement and Accusations
Collin’s difficult connection with his mother and brothers continues. He wanted reconciliation but blamed Kate’s decisions and reality TV demands for their breakup. Collin has also accused Kate of imprisonment and restraint, which Kate denies claiming psychiatric issues.
Sibling Relationships
Since 2016, Collin has been estranged from six of his seven siblings, maintaining a close relationship with Hannah. Living and attending college together, Collin and Hannah share a supportive bond. However, Collin’s offers for reconnection with his other siblings have not been reciprocated. Mady Gosselin, one of Collin’s older sisters, publicly criticized Collin, labeling him as aggressive, which further highlights sibling divisions.
Education and Military Service
Collin graduated high school and studied finance at Penn State after moving in with Jon. Enlisting in the U.S. was also his goal. 2023 Marine Corps. Due to his institutionalisation, Collin was discharged in August 2023 after nearly finishing boot camp. Jon and Collin see re-enlistment possibility despite this setback. After surviving a major vehicle accident in 2022, Collin reflected on his personal struggles.
Entrepreneurship: Gosselin Pressure Washing LLC
March 2025 marked a new chapter for Collin with the launch of Gosselin Pressure Washing LLC, a power-washing business nearing completion. Operating as an LLC, he offers pressure- and soft-wash services, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Balancing college coursework with business management, Collin embodies a shift towards independence and self-sufficiency.
Well‑Being and Hope for Family Reconnection
Collin often thanks his father and sister Hannah, calling them his biggest supporters. Collin wants to talk to his estranged family and mend, possibly during family occasions or holidays. Collin says his military psych test showed no long-term mental health difficulties, demonstrating his personal growth.
Family Overview
Parents
Kate Gosselin (née Kreider; b. 1975): A nurse and reality-TV figure, Kate parented eight children and recently relocated to North Carolina, maintaining custody of six while Collin and Hannah reside with Jon.
Jon Gosselin (b. 1975): Collin’s father, who has had full custody of Collin and Hannah since December 2018. His interactions with Kate are limited to legal communication.
Siblings
Mady and Cara Gosselin (b. October 2000): The older twins, with Mady residing in New York and Cara having attended Fordham University.
Sextuplets (b. May 10, 2004):
- Alexis, Aaden, Leah, Joel – Living with Kate, currently not in contact with Collin.
- Hannah – Resides with Collin and Jon, known for her close bond with Collin.
Public Perception and Media Coverage
Media outlets have covered Collin’s military service, discharge, and entrepreneurial activities. Major media sites covered his allegations of Kate’s abuse, highlighting the intricacy of these family issues. Collin emphasises self-growth and reconciliation despite these hurdles, showing his desire to overcome adversity and find healing.
FAQ
What is Collin Thomas Gosselin known for?
Collin is known for his participation in the reality TV show Jon & Kate Plus 8, his publicized family dynamics, and his entrepreneurial venture, Gosselin Pressure Washing LLC.
Why was Collin institutionalized?
Kate, Collin’s mother, reported behavioural issues that landed him in the hospital for over two years. Collin and his father Jon thought institutionalisation was unnecessary.
Is Collin in touch with his siblings?
Collin lives and studies with Hannah, but most of his siblings are distant. His sibling reunion requests have gone unanswered.
What is Collin’s business venture?
Collin founded Gosselin Pressure Washing LLC, providing pressure- and soft-wash services, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and pursuit of independence.
What are Collin’s future aspirations?
Collin aims to complete his finance degree at Penn State, build his business, and potentially reapply to the Marines, remaining hopeful for restored family ties.
