It’s that time of year when kids start going back to school and leave the nest as they head off to college. It can be a difficult time for parents, and Tim McGraw is no exception.

Tim’s oldest daughter, Gracie, moved out of the Hill-McGraw family home last fall as she began her college career, and Tim has bittersweet feelings about the coming-of-age decision.

“It’s beautiful and it’s sad all at one time,” said Tim. “You know, you can’t wait for them to sort of see what they make of themselves and do with themselves when they get out from under your umbrella, but you’re also nervous and sad because you’re gonna miss ’em.

“And it was challenging for sure, but you know, we have a lot of confidence in her. I’m a huge fan of hers, not only as an artist, but as a person. She’s just a great, great kid and brings such a light and energy to everything that she does.”

Tim and Faith Hill are the parents to three daughters—Gracie, Maggie and Audrey—so they’ll no doubt have to go through this transition two more times. Good luck!

Gracie can be heard singing with her dad on the song “Here Tonight” on Tim’s current album, Damn Country Music.