Gwyneth Paltrow wasn’t prepared for the emotions she would experience during apivotal moment in her daughter’s life.
The actress and Goop founder, 50, chatted with PEOPLE during the GwynethPaltrow x Copper Fit Feel the Fit Press Day in Santa Monica, California, onWednesday evening, where she opened up about sending daughter Apple BlytheMartin to college for the first time.
“It was horrible. It was truly horrifying,” Paltrow tells PEOPLE exclusively.”I was sick to my stomach, bursting into tears.”
The mother of two notes she “getting more and more used to” her only daughterbeing away at school, especially after seeing “how happy she is and settled”during a recent “parents weekend” visit.
At least one other visit has happened since. “She came home for October breakjust last weekend, so that was amazing,” Paltrow adds. “I see her, but not asmuch as I’d like. I’d like to see her every day, but I’m so happy for her.She’s doing great.”
Never miss a story — sign up for ** PEOPLE ‘s free daily newsletter** to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicycelebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Gwyneth Paltrow attends the Gwyneth Paltrow for Copper Fit Press Tour
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Copper Fit Gwyneth Paltrow
RELATED: Gwyneth Paltrow Says Daughter Apple Starting College Is ‘Almostas Profound as Giving Birth’
Paltrow welcomed Apple in 2004 with ex-husband Chris Martin, whom she splitfrom in 2014. They also share a 16-year-old son, Moses, while the Shakespearein Love actress is also stepmom to husband Brad Falchuk’s two children: sonBrody and daughter Isabella.
Back in June, Paltrow congratulated her daughter on her high school graduationby sharing a photo from the special day on her Instagram Story at the time. Init, the star could be seen posing beside Apple and Martin, 45.
“Congratulations to all of the graduates especially @applemartin,” she wrote,adding a “Class of 2022” sticker under the sweet family photo.
Story continues
gwyneth paltrow
Bertrand Rindoff Petroff/Getty Gwyneth Paltrow
Just a month before, the Academy Award winner celebrated Apple’s 18thbirthday. On Instagram, Paltrow shared a picture of the teen posing in frontof a mirror, writing in the caption how “proud” she is of Apple.
“18. I’m a bit of a loss for words this morning (😭). I could not be moreproud of the woman you are. You are everything I could have dreamed of and somuch more,” she said. “Proud doesn’t cover it, my heart swells with feelings Ican’t put in to words. You are deeply extraordinary in every way.”
“Happy birthday my darling girl. I hope you know how special you are, and howmuch light you have brought to all who are lucky enough to know you.Especially me. I say it all the time and I will never stop… in the words ofauntie Drew, I was born the day you were born. I love you. ❤️ Mama,” Paltrowcontinued.
RELATED VIDEO: Gwyneth Paltrow Shares Rare Photo with Her Two Teenage Kidsas She Reflects on Summer 2022
Want to get the biggest stories from PEOPLE every weekday? Subscribe to our new podcast ** PEOPLE Every Day, to get the essentialcelebrity, entertainment and human interest news stories Monday throughFriday.**
Paltrow previously opened up about sending Apple away to school in a sit downwith CBS Sunday Morning that aired in September. The proud mom hasn’t sharedany details about where Apple is going to school or what she is studying.
During the interview, Tracy Smith asked Paltrow how she felt about herdaughter starting college, to which she replied, “I know this sounds nuts, butit feels almost as profound as giving birth.”