Willie Geist, 50, the warm and relatable host of Sunday Today, gave fans an intimate look into his daughter Lucie Geist’s first year at college — and it’s filled with the bittersweet emotions every parent knows too well.

Speaking with PEOPLE at the National Board of Review Annual Awards Gala on January 13, Geist revealed how life has shifted for their family of four since Lucie, 18, left for her freshman year. “She’s good,” he said, quickly clarifying, “It’s funny — the anticipation I felt before she left was much worse than the actual moment of saying goodbye. She’s so happy at school, and knowing that makes my wife Christina and me happy too.”

Lucie, along with 16-year-old son George, are shared with Willie’s wife, Christina Geist. The proud dad described how seeing Lucie thrive has “relieved all that anxiety” built up over the summer. “It’s a huge step in her life, and ours, but her joy made all that nervous energy worth it,” he explained.

Reflecting on the drop-off, Geist admitted it was emotional: “I got a bit teary hugging her goodbye. A friend once told me, ‘If they don’t look back, you’ve done it right.’ Lucie walked away, maybe gave a little glance, and then headed up the stairs — ready for this new chapter. It was beautiful.”

Willie added that the experience reminded him how all the years of parenting have paid off. “You realize that everything you’ve poured into your child for 18 years has prepared them to handle themselves — and to be happy. And she’s good. So we’re good.”

Christina Geist shared a similar perspective on Instagram back in August, calling the moment “peaceful” rather than sad: “We were proud, emotional, and yes, a little weepy — but honestly, I can’t call it sadness. It was peace.”

Before Lucie departed for college, Willie had already joked about the family’s adjustment, saying, “Somebody’s taken a tire off the car, and you’ve got to figure out how to drive on three wheels, you know?” — highlighting the humorous, tender side of parenting transitions.

Through it all, the Geists are celebrating their daughter’s independence while cherishing every memory, proving that letting go can be just as rewarding as holding on.