Kimora Lee Simmons proudly embraces motherhood as her most cherished role, and her family has grown beyond the five children she has raised at home.

In a recent interview on Today with Jenna & Friends, aired on December 3rd, the business mogul and mother of five shared insights into how her family circle has expanded.

In addition to her children Ming, Aoki, Kenzo, Wolfe, and her adopted son Gary, Kimora has also taken on a nurturing role for other young individuals close to her, including the daughters of her late best friend, Kim Porter.

“I have my kids, and then I have kids on the side,” Kimora quipped. “I have a stepdaughter, or rather, an additional daughter. I have another son, a bonus son named Jaden, who’s part of the show, and another who’s been with us for many years. After my friend Kim Porter passed away, I’ve been caring for her children, even though some are adults now, but some, like the twins, are just 18.”

When asked if these young people seek her guidance as her own children do, Kimora responded without pause. “Absolutely, they’re with me all the time. I just finished a call with them! I’m like a mom to many.”

When asked whether they turn to her the way her own children do, she didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, they’re with me. I just got off the phone with them! I’m a lot of people’s mom.”

Porter, who died in 2018, was mother to twins D’Lila and Jessie, 18, as well as sons Quincy, 33, and Christian, 26. The former model’s connection to them has only deepened in the years since Porter’s passing, especially as their father, Sean “Diddy” Combs, remains in jail following his September arrest.

For the 50-year-old, expanding her household isn’t new, caring is simply what she does. She shares son Kenzo, 16, with Djimon Hounsou; daughter Ming, 25, and daughter Aoki, 21, with Russell Simmons; son Wolfe, 10, with Tim Leissner; and welcomed Gary through adoption at age 10.

The mother-of-many often gives fans glimpses into her full, blended, ever-growing family. In June, she celebrated Kenzo’s 16th birthday with a sweet Instagram tribute showing him standing nearly a head taller than her.

“Happy birthday to my 6’7” baby @kenzoklh. I’m so proud of you for the young man that you’re becoming!” she wrote. “An amazing brother, son, friend, teammate and so much more! Mama loves you sooooo much!! Keep rising to the top! I’m right by your side every step of the way!”

This fall, Kenzo starred in his first modeling campaign, and credited his mom as one of his biggest style inspirations.

“Some fashion influences of mine would definitely be my mom, who helps me and talks to me about those types of things,” he told the brand Eve.

Kimora proudly shared the campaign on Instagram, writing, “So proud of my baby @kenzoklh for his first modeling campaign for @weareeve_!!! Congratulations! Mama loves you!”