Diana Ross’s Family: Love, Lies and Heartbreak
Diana Ross, the legendary and influential singer, has had a complex and multifaceted relationship with her children. This article explores her family life, focusing on her impregnation, marriage, and eventual separation from various significant men in her life. Ross's children have played a pivotal role in her life, both happiness and heartbreak.
Impregnation and Early Family Life
In 1965, Diana Ross became romantically entangled with Berry Gordy, the CEO of Motown. Their relationship was long-lasting and resulted in the birth of their first child, Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein, in August 1971. Tragically, the relationship between Ross and Gordy did not continue beyond their child's birth.
Tragedy struck again in January 1971; when Ross was two months pregnant with Rhonda, she married Robert Ellis Silberstein, her manager at the time. This marriage was initially meant to be Ross's primary relationship, but much to her future daughter's confusion, Ross kept her pregnancy a secret from Silberstein until her marriage. Soon after their marriage, Ross gave birth to Rhonda, who was then raised by Robert as his own daughter, with Ross telling her false information about her biological father when she was merely 13 years old. This was a pivotal moment in Ross's life, as she had no choice but to acknowledge her true paternity.
The Ross-Silberstein Family
Roberts Ellis and Ross had two daughters: Tracee Joy Silberstein, born in 1972, and Chudney Lane Silberstein, born in 1975. These two daughters were born into a family that combined Ross's fame and Silberstein's wealth, leading to a more stable and luxurious upbringing.
Despite their relationship, Ross and Silberstein divorced in 1977, seeking different paths in life. Ross moved to New York City in the early 1980s, marking a significant change in her personal and professional life as she relocated from Los Angeles, where Motown was situated.
Second Marriage and New Life
In 1985, Ross met Arne Nss Jr., a Norwegian shipping magnate, and they married the following year. This marriage brought Ross closer to Nss's family, including his three older children: Katinka Christoffer and folk singer Leona Naess. Together, Ross and Nss had two sons: Ross Arne, born in 1987, and Evan Olav, born in 1988. However, their relationship was short-lived, and the marriage ended in 2000 after it was revealed that Nss had fathered another child with another woman in Norway.
Despite the divorce, Ross maintained a strong bond with her stepchildren, all of whom she considers important members of her extended family.
Current Family and Legacy
Today, Diana Ross has a total of seven grandchildren. Rhonda's son, Raif-Henok, was born in 2009, while Ross and Nss's two sons, Leif and Idingo, were born in 2016 and 2017, respectively. Chudney's daughters, Callaway Lane and Everlee, were born in 2012 and 2019, and Ross's youngest son, Evan's daughter, Jagger Snow, and her grandson, Ziggy, were born in 2015 and 2020, respectively.
Throughout her life, Ross has navigated complex relationships, raising a family that has brought her both joy and heartache. Her resilience and ability to forge ahead even in the face of such challenges have made her a beloved figure in the music industry and beyond.