Jessica Biel Offers Insight into Family Life in Montana with Justin Timberlake

Jessica Biel recently provided a rare look into her family life with husband Justin Timberlake and their two children in rural Montana. The actress welcomed InStyle magazine into her home situated in the majestic Rocky Mountains, where she participated in an engaging photo shoot for the outlet’s Summer Issue and shared her thoughts in an exclusive interview. This glimpse into her life marks a significant departure from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

The 43-year-old Biel and her 45-year-old husband left the hustle of Hollywood behind several years ago, relocating to Big Sky, Montana. They are raising their sons, Silas, who is 10, and Phineas, who is 4, in a more serene environment, far removed from the constant media attention.

Balancing Career and Parenthood

During the interview, Biel candidly discussed the challenges of balancing her acting career with the demands of motherhood. Family time has become an essential priority for her. Biel remarked, “Spending time with the family unit is a huge priority right now, because I’ve been gone, Justin’s been gone.” This acknowledgment highlights the difficulty many working parents face in managing their professional responsibilities while striving to cultivate family connections.

Biel shared her typical Saturday routine when she is not occupied with work commitments. Her weekends often include skiing with Timberlake in the morning, followed by picking up their children from ski school. In the afternoons, they enjoy hitting the slopes together as a family. She noted, “These moments at this time feel kind of priceless,” illustrating the value she places on quality family time.

Shared Parenting Responsibilities

Jessica Biel explained that she and Timberlake divide parenting duties when both are home with their children. She emphasized that their approach mirrors what many other parents do. “We’re doing the same thing every other parent is doing: ‘Okay, tennis. You got the tennis? I’ll get the thing.'” This relatable sentiment showcases their commitment to a cooperative parenting model.

Biel feels fortunate to have a strong support system of family and friends, assisting her in balancing a demanding work schedule and parental responsibilities. She remarked, “It really takes a village to raise any kid, let alone in a wild business like this where parents are traveling for long times for work.” This statement speaks volumes about her understanding of the community’s role in nurturing her children amidst her high-profile career.

Pursuing Film Opportunities

The actress is set to appear in the upcoming film Matchbox, associated with the renowned Mattel toy brand. The film was developed following the remarkable success of the 2024 movie Barbie, and its production took her to Morocco, Slovakia, and Hungary. However, she reflected on the filming schedule’s unfortunate timing, as Timberlake was engaged in his Forget Tomorrow World Tour at the same time. Biel recounted, “The timing of the movie’s shoot literally couldn’t have been worse.”

Despite the hectic circumstances, Biel ensured that Silas and Phineas visited her in Europe during the filming period. She credited their success to the incredible travel teachers and nanny, along with family support, stating, “The kids are good, we’re good, it’s all positive; it’s just when you’re in the middle of it, you’re like, ‘What am I doing?'” This reflective approach underscores her struggles and triumphs as a working mother.

The Challenges of Parenting and Work

Despite her successful career, Biel admitted that finding the right balance as a working mother often poses challenges. She candidly expressed, “It’s so hard. I don’t do it very well all the time.” However, she also conveyed wisdom from her producing partner, Michelle Purple, who advised her to be fully present in each role. “When you’re working, you’re 100-percent working, and when you’re home, you’re 100-percent home. Do not take a work call when you’re at home with the kids,” Biel recounted. This advice effectively emphasizes the importance of being mindful and engaged in both personal and professional pursuits.

Learning to Enforce Boundaries

Biel reflected on her evolving parenting style, confessing that she unexpectedly found herself in the role of the rule enforcer. She had previously assumed that Timberlake would take on that responsibility, given her gentle, easygoing personality. “I drop a boundary and I’m like ‘Nope, you can’t cross it.’ It took a while to learn that, but it’s an important skill to have,” she explained. This realization highlights the flexibility of parenting roles within their family.

The couple, married since 2012, purchased their home in the exclusive Yellowstone Club community in Blue Sky in 2015, shortly before Silas was born. Biel welcomed Phineas during the summer of 2020. In 2021, they briefly listed their Los Angeles mansion for $35 million before removing it from the market. Furthermore, they sold their New York City penthouse for $29 million in 2022, showcasing their recent real estate ventures.

Creating a Private Family Environment

In a 2024 conversation on SiriusXM’s “Let’s Talk Off Camera With Kelly Ripa,” Biel shared insights into their decision to establish Montana as their primary residence. It was a choice made to protect their children from the pressures of living in Hollywood. Biel remarked, “You get hammered on the East Coast. You kind of get hammered on the West Coast. That’s why we don’t really live there anymore. We’re just trying to create some normalcy for these kids.” Their commitment to providing a grounding environment for their children stands out amidst their public careers.

Furthermore, Biel and Timberlake prioritize their children’s privacy, acknowledging that their kids did not choose to live in the public eye. She stated, “I don’t want to expose them in a way until they have an ability to make that decision for themselves.” This thinking reflects a growing awareness among celebrity parents about the importance of childhood autonomy in the age of social media.

Navigating Public Appearances

Although Silas and Phineas have occasionally appeared on their parents’ social media accounts, Biel maintains that they do not show their sons’ faces, respecting their privacy. Biel highlighted the complexity of navigating public exposure for their children, saying, “It’s a tricky one, a tricky balance. We do really try hard not to expose them in a way that they’re not comfortable with.” This sentiment resonates with many parents who grapple with similar dilemmas in an increasingly digital world.

Silas had a rare public moment last August when he attended the US Open with Biel. She proactively prepared him for the media attention by discussing his comfort levels concerning photographers. This approach demonstrates her commitment to involving her children in decision-making processes related to their public engagements.

Biel described their experience at the event, acknowledging the fine line between exposing their child to new experiences while maintaining boundaries. She stated, “You really want to give your kids every experience,” emphasizing her intention to provide enriching moments for her children.

Encouraging Future Ventures

Biel expressed some ambivalence regarding whether to encourage Silas’ natural talents. She believes he could excel as a child actor but prefers he waits until he is older to make such a decision. “When you’re 18 years old, you want to be professional? Have at it. That’s your choice. That’s what I would like to hold on to, if possible, for him,” she expressed. This nurturing approach underlines her desire to support Silas in following his interests while allowing him the space to mature before entering the industry.

Finding Balance in a Busy Life

Ultimately, Biel’s journey as a mother and a professional is marked by love, challenges, and lessons learned. She continues to navigate the demanding balance of her career and family life with grace, demonstrating the everyday realities faced by working parents everywhere. As she embraces her roles both on screen and at home, Biel remains dedicated to providing her children with a stable and loving environment.