Access Investigates: Celebrity Moms – Dina Lohan

It’s been 61 days since Lindsay Lohan entered rehab in Utah.

And while it’s hard to place anything less than the brunt of the blame squarely on Lindsay’s shoulders, how big a factor has mom Dina been in her daughter’s problems?

In part two of Access Hollywood’s Celebrity Moms exclusive, we take a closer look at Dina Lohan.

“What are your concerns as far as her career out there being in Hollywood? Don’t you wish you could watch her every minute and be there?” Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush asked Dina in 2004.

“Actually no, because she’d be in college, and you have to let them grow. You can’t be in their face, even as a manager,” Dina said. “I’m her mother first, obviously. Always.”

But is it obvious?

Lindsay first hit the spotlight at a very young age, beginning as a Ford model when she was five. In fact, all four of Dina’s kids have been Ford models.

But as her daughter went from Ford model to superstar, Dina became both mom and manager, while also dealing with a turbulent marriage to Lindsay’s dad, Michael.

In an article tellingly titled “Moms Gone Wild,” Vanity Fair examines the Lohan matriarch.

“It is more forgivable that a woman who comes from modest means and has never been pretentious about it all, perhaps she could look to her daughter and see the financial opportunities,” suggested Vanity Fair writer Judith Newman.

Meanwhile, Dina spoke about her daughter’s partying ways back in February – shortly after Lindsay’s first stay in rehab.

“She was 20 and went out a little bit. She was being 20,” Dina said. “I’m not going to promote bad behavior, but we were all 20. I remember when I was 20 and I wasn’t a little angel, but I wasn’t horrible.”

In fact, it’s that mindset that has caused many to accuse Dina of being more friend than mom.

“Certainly those who have seen her out on the town with Lindsay would say that she is an enabler,” Newman noted. “I’ve heard that over and over.”

In an earlier interview, Dina scoffed at the notion she is a pal first and parent second.

“I’m the party mom? I wish I had time to. I don’t go out. I wish. It’s just lies,” Dina said.

Yet when Lindsay was only 18, Dina was already busy planning her 21st birthday bash.

“What are you going to do for Lindsay’s 21st?” Billy Bush asked her.

“I just will have the biggest 21st birthday party because I can’t wait…” Dina beamed. “Hopefully go away somewhere.”

As it turns out, Lindsay’s actual 21st birthday celebration this past July was much more low-key at the Malibu Polaroid Beach House, fresh on the heels of her second stint in rehab.

And while Dina insists Lindsay is the star, not her, she certainly loves the company of celebrities. Dina once introduced herself to George Clooney as Lindsay’s assistant, saying she didn’t want to be part of the mom demographic.

And despite all of Lindsay’s troubles, it appears Dina still encourages the Hollywood dreams of her youngest daughter Ali.

“You’re going to have another starlet on your hands,” Billy told Dina in 2005.

“Oh my goodness. That’s fine. I just want them to do what they’re happy doing and pretty much, she aspires to be what Lindsay is,” Dina said.