Last updated on: November 21, 2024

Geraldine McGraw, popularly known as “Jerrie,” is the mother of the famous TV personality and psychologist, Dr. Phil McGraw. While Dr. Phil is well known for his tough-love approach on TV, his mother’s influence played a big part in shaping him into the person he is today. Geraldine was not only a mother to Dr. Phil but was also a key figure in his life who helped guide him through his early years.

Early Childhood and Family History

Geraldine McGraw, originally Geraldine Stevens, grew up in a warm loving family environment. Geraldine was married to Joseph J. McGraw. Initially, Joseph J. McGraw worked in the North Texas oil fields but later became a psychologist. Joseph McGraw’s change of profession greatly influenced Dr. Phil. It made him pick psychology as his career when he was older.

Dr. Phil grew up with three sisters: Deana, Donna, and Brenda. He was the only son in the family, and this again helped him receive a mix of influences that would mould his compassionate yet straight-forward personality. Geraldine was a strong, supportive mother to her children. She made sure they were brought up with stability and good values.

Role as Mother

Geraldine played an important role in raising Dr. Phil. She and her husband, Joseph, provided a stable home environment. Geraldine was loving, nurturing, and helped instill the family values Dr. Phil often talks about on his show.

Though he is known for his blunt and demanding style, much of this originated in the life lessons he learned growing up. His mother, Geraldine, was a constant and strong presence in his life. She taught him always to be kind, strong, and a stand-up for what was right.

Influence on the Career of Dr. Phil

Often, Dr. Phil claims his family provided the encouragement and lessons he needed. His mother was especially pivotal in what makes him help others, as this was an important part of what he learned about helping others, and this is something that he took into his career as a psychologist on television.

Geraldine was supportive not just in private but proud of her son’s success. Rising to fame is no easy feat, and the foundations his family, and especially his mother, had laid paved the way for Dr. Phil’s rise.

Geraldine’s Legacy

Geraldine died in 2011 when she was 84 years old, but her legacy will live on. She is known as a loving mom who loved her children and other family members dearly. The strength and kindness helped shape the McGraw family, and her influence continues to be felt through Dr. Phil and his work.

An impact of Geraldine can also be realized in the personal life of Dr. Phil. He has shared how the family molded him, which he uses lessons learned from them to help others realize. He always emphasizes family values and how they are a solution to overcoming life’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Phil McGraw Net worth, Age, Wife, Family, Facts & More

Family and Personal Life

Geraldine was part of a very close family. The siblings Dr. Phil had were a close part of his life. The older sister Deana McGraw Prater worked as a nurse and presented Dr. Phil with a lot of support. Deana was also participating in Dr. Phil’s weight-loss program.

Important women in his life included Dr. Phil’s other sisters, Donna Jo McGraw Madsen and Brenda Watters. His sister Donna was a licensed vocational nurse, and Brenda was always supporting Dr. Phil.

In his personal life, Dr. Phil is married to Robin McGraw since 1976. He has two sons, Jay and Jordan McGraw, who are into entertainment. Dr. Phil and his mother share the same feeling, as she was also very supportive in his personal life.

Source: celebs.infoseemedia.com