For Diana Ross, there’s simply no mountain high enough to keep her from being an incredible mother to her beloved children. Over the last five decades, this legendary star of "Endless Love" has balanced her role as one of the biggest names in showbiz with being the best mom possible to her five children. It’s a testament to her strength, dedication, and love.
Starting a Family: The Early Years
It all began in August 1971 when Diana welcomed her first child, Rhonda Ross, with her former partner, Berry Gordy. From the moment Rhonda entered the world, Diana embraced her role as a proud and loving parent. Just months after Rhonda’s birth, Diana married her first husband, Robert Ellis Silberstein. Together, they raised Rhonda along with their two daughters, Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross, until their divorce in 1977. Despite the challenges of a high-profile career and a demanding schedule, Diana made it a priority to be there for her children every step of the way.
A New Chapter: Expanding the Family
After her first marriage ended, Diana found love again in 1986 when she married Arne Naess Jr., a Norwegian shipping magnate. This union brought even more joy into her life with the birth of two sons: Ross Arne Naess in October 1987 and Evan Ross in August 1988. Even though Diana and Arne parted ways in 2000, she remained steadfast in her commitment to keeping her family close. Whether it was bringing her kids along to red carpet events or involving them in her career milestones, Diana ensured that her family remained a central part of her life.
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The Influence of a Legendary Mother
Diana’s influence extends far beyond her music. Her daughter Tracee Ellis Ross, who has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a successful actress starring in ABC’s "Black-ish," often speaks about how much she admires Diana. In a heartfelt interview with W magazine in November 2017, Tracee shared, “My mom is so supportive. She likes everything I do. I have a really good mommy.” Tracee also praised Diana for giving her and her siblings the freedom to pursue their dreams. “I was raised by a woman who lived out her dreams,” Tracee explained. “So she’s not living them out through me or her children. She gave us the space and courage to dream and design the lives we wanted to live. It’s an incredible gift.”
Being the child of one of the world’s most legendary singers could be intimidating, but Tracee has never felt overshadowed by her mother’s fame. In fact, she feels grateful for growing up in Diana’s embrace rather than her shadow. As she told Elle Canada, “My mom always made sure we knew that we were more important than fame. That’s a testament to her unconditional love.”
Family Support: Through Thick and Thin
In 2022, Diana embarked on a tour, and her family was there every step of the way to show their support. Evan Ross, his wife Ashlee Simpson, and their children attended her performance at the O2 in London. This outing was especially meaningful for their youngest child, Ziggy, as it marked the first time he saw his grandmother perform on stage. It wasn’t just Evan’s family showing up; several of Diana’s other children also attended her iconic performance at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2022. Tracee even wore a shirt featuring her mother’s face as she watched Diana take the stage, proving just how proud she is of her legendary mom.
Tracee opened up about growing up with a famous mother in an October 2021 interview with Harper’s Bazaar. “Because of the childhood I had and my mother’s career, I had to find a sense of home and safety within myself and with people,” she reflected. “My friendships are home for me. My family is home for me. It’s an energetic connection that creates a sense of safety and groundedness, where I don’t have to wear any mask. I can just be myself.”
Scroll through the gallery below to see Diana’s cutest photos with her kids through the years!
