Her Early Life
Diana Ross, born Diana Ernestine Ross on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, is an American singer and actress of legendary status. She emerged as a musical powerhouse, best known for her role as the lead singer of the iconic group The Supremes. Despite recent false rumors of her passing, Diana Ross remains very much alive and continues contributing to the entertainment world.
Diana’s upbringing was marked by resilience and challenges. She was the second of six siblings born to Ernestine (née Moten) and Fred Ross, Sr. Her early years were shaped by adversity when her mother fell seriously ill with tuberculosis. Diana and her siblings temporarily moved to Bessemer, Alabama, to live with their grandparents while their mother recovered. Upon her mother’s recovery, the family returned to their hometown of Detroit, where Diana’s journey to musical stardom began.
Relationship
When Diana found herself two months pregnant with a child conceived during her relationship with Motown executive Berry Gordy, she decided to marry music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein in January of 1971. The following August, they joyfully welcomed their first child, Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein, into the world, and Robert lovingly embraced her as his own. Their family expanded further with the arrival of two more daughters. Tracy Joy Silberstein, who would later gain fame as the actress Tracee Ellis Ross, was born in 1972, followed by Chudney Lane Silberstein, born three years later in 1975.
Diana’s journey led her to a new chapter when she entered matrimony with Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr in 1986. This union introduced her to the role of a stepmother, as she warmly welcomed Arne’s older children, Katinka, Christoffer, and singer Leona Naess, forging a close-knit blended family. Diana also wholeheartedly embraced her role as a mother to two sons, Ross Arne in 1987 and Evan Olav in 1988. However, this marriage encountered its own challenges, ultimately resulting in divorce in 2000 amid reports of Arne fathering a child in Norway, as disclosed by The Chicago Tribune in 2014.
Career
Diana Ross’s extraordinary career is a testament to her unparalleled talent. She gained prominence as the lead vocalist of The Supremes during the 1960s, a period that saw numerous number-one hit singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Her contributions to Motown history are nothing short of legendary, establishing her as one of the most successful acts of that era.
Beyond her musical prowess, Diana Ross ventured into acting and achieved acclaim on the silver screen. Her roles in films like “Lady Sings the Blues” earned her critical acclaim and showcased her versatility as a performer. She seamlessly transitioned between music and acting, solidifying her status as an entertainment icon.
Net Worth
While Diana Ross’s estimated net worth stands at an impressive $250 million, her value to the entertainment world extends far beyond monetary measures. She has earned her place in history as a groundbreaking artist and a trailblazer who opened doors for generations of aspiring artists.