Elin Nordegren: kids can have two loving parents that show respect for each other

People Magazine scored a new interview with Elin Nordegren, which was just her second interview since her then-husband Tiger Woods’ scandal broke in late 2009. Elin isn’t one to tell all and she’s definitely kept her head down, but I wonder if there was any debate at People whether to put Elin on the cover instead of Drew Barrymore and her second baby. It’s possible that Elin didn’t want to cover People again. She seems to shy away from publicity.

The last we heard from Elin she was giving a rather wonderful commencement speech at her college, where she was named valedictorian. In People, Elin sounds just a gracious and humble as she came across in her speech. We’ve heard that she’s good friends with her ex husband’s latest official piece, Lindsey Vonn, and that she even went on vacation with Lindsey and Tiger. I was skeptical of that story, but I believe it after reading this interview. Elin told People that everything is good with her ex, that they’re focusing on co-parenting and that he’s a great father. In the print edition they confirm that Elin is dating her neighbor, Chris Cline, 55, “a coal executive with four kids and a net worth of $1.5 billion.” Damn!

On her charity work
I’m passionate about single moms being encouraged to get their degree. I want to find a way to help and inspire even one single parent that it’s never too late to follow your dream.

I’m not saying ‘Oh, I had it so hard, but I still finished school.’ I know how fortunate I am.

On why she’s speaking now
This is the first time I feel like there’s a good reason for me to be in the news.

On her relationship with Tiger
I have moved on and I am in a good place. Our relationship is centered around our children and we are doing really good – we really are. He is a great father.

On coparenting
In the beginning, you tamp down the animosity for the kids’ sake. I’m not going to deny that I went through the wringer. But I don’t think I doubted we’d end up here. That was always my dream, that the kids can have two loving parents that show respect for each other. And I feel that’s what they have.

On Tiger’s relationship with Lindsey Vonn
I’m happy for Tiger… In general, in any kind of stepparent relationship, I’m happy that there’s somebody else loving my children. I grew up with great relationships with my stepparents.

On if she would like more kids
I think I would like that… but I have a boy and a girl, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I feel like I’m in a great spot – great if it happens, great if it doesn’t.

[From People, print edition and online]

I’m sure getting over $100 million in a divorce settlement has significantly eased Elin’s transition to single mom, but she’ll admit that she’s privileged. She’s not spending her days shopping for designer goods, she’s a hands-on mom who is trying to better herself. Elin could have held a massive grudge against Tiger, who would even blame her for that, but she didn’t. She wanted to have a good relationship with her ex, and with his new girlfriend, for her kids’ sake. I don’t think this is all lip service, either. Elin really feels this way, she wants to be a good mom and have a decent relationship with her ex. I’ve never heard a celebrity speak about divorce this way, and I remain very impressed with her.

The print edition has more, including photos of Elin at home. Her decorating sense is contemporary yet homey, with lots of white and neutral colors.

Photo credit: Rollins college and FameFlynet

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