Explore: Diana Ross's Family Tree - Legacy & Generations!

Dr. Dejuan Ward 24 May 2025

Ever stopped to think about the lives behind the headlines? Beyond the glittering stage performances and record-breaking hits, Diana Ross, the undisputed Queen of Motown, has cultivated a family whose story is just as compelling as her own. This isn't just about music; it's about a dynasty built on talent, resilience, and enduring family bonds.

Diana Ross transcends the label of performer; she embodies strength, resilience, and unwavering family values. Her dual journey as a chart-topping artist and a dedicated mother is nothing short of inspiring. From her humble beginnings in Detroit to her ascent as a global icon, Diana masterfully balanced her professional aspirations with her profound personal commitments. Today, we venture beyond the spotlight to explore the deeply human side of Diana Ross the matriarch of an extraordinary family.

Category	Information
Full Name	Diana Ernestine Earle Ross
Birth Date	March 26, 1944
Birth Place	Detroit, Michigan, USA
Occupation	Singer, Actress, Record Producer
Years Active	1959 Present
Spouses	Robert Ellis Silberstein (m. 1971-1977), Arne Naess Jr. (m. 1986-2000)
Children	Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, Ross Naess, Evan Ross
Associated Acts	The Supremes, Motown
Awards	Kennedy Center Honors, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Golden Globe, American Music Awards
Website	Official Website

Born on March 26, 1944, in the bustling heart of Detroit, Michigan, Diana Ross began her journey from a working-class neighborhood to international superstardom. Her initial foray into music occurred with The Primettes, a group that would later metamorphose into the iconic Supremes. With Ross as the lead vocalist, The Supremes shattered records and redefined the landscape of popular music, becoming a cultural phenomenon that transcended racial barriers and captivated audiences worldwide. The groups string of hits, including "Where Did Our Love Go" and "Stop! In the Name of Love," etched their names into the annals of music history.

In 1970, Diana Ross embarked on a solo career that proved to be equally, if not more, triumphant. Her debut solo album spawned chart-topping singles, solidifying her status as a formidable force in the music industry. Ross seamlessly navigated various genres, from pop and disco to soul and R&B, demonstrating her versatility and adaptability as an artist. Beyond her musical achievements, she ventured into acting, earning critical acclaim for her performances in films such as "Lady Sings the Blues" (1972), where she portrayed the legendary Billie Holiday, and "Mahogany" (1975). These roles showcased her dramatic range and further cemented her position as a multifaceted entertainer.

Diana Rosss personal life has often been as captivating as her professional one. Her marriages, particularly her unions with Robert Ellis Silberstein and Arne Naess Jr., were significant chapters in her life story, shaping her family and contributing to her multifaceted legacy. Her relationship with Motown founder Berry Gordy, while never formally a marriage, also played a crucial role in her early career and personal development.

Diana Ross first tied the knot with Robert Ellis Silberstein in 1971. Silberstein, a successful music executive and talent manager, became an integral part of Ross's life, both personally and professionally. During their marriage, which lasted until 1977, they welcomed two children into the world: Rhonda Ross Kendrick, born in 1971, and Ross Naess, born in 1974. Although their romantic relationship eventually dissolved, Silberstein remained a supportive figure in Rosss life and career, demonstrating a commitment to their shared family.

In 1986, Diana Ross embarked on a new chapter when she married Arne Naess Jr., a Norwegian shipping magnate with a keen intellect and a passion for adventure. Their union brought together two worlds, blending the glamour of Hollywood with the sophistication of European high society. Together, Ross and Naess had two sons: Chudney Ross born in 1975 and Evan Ross, born in 1988. The couples marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 2000, but their shared commitment to their children remained steadfast.

The Ross children have each embarked on their own distinct paths, carrying the torch of the family legacy in their respective fields. Rhonda Ross Kendrick, the eldest, has forged a successful career as an actress, singer-songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her performances on stage and screen have garnered critical acclaim, while her music reflects her diverse influences and deeply personal experiences. Beyond her artistic pursuits, Rhonda is an advocate for social justice and empowerment, using her platform to inspire positive change.

Ross Naess, the second child from Diana's marriage to Robert Ellis Silberstein, has carved his own niche as a businessman and entrepreneur. While he generally maintains a lower public profile than some of his siblings, he is known for his keen business acumen and his involvement in various ventures. Ross Naess exemplifies the family's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation.

Chudney Ross continues the Ross legacy as an entreprenuer. She has dedicated her life to her children and inspiring young minds.

Evan Ross, the youngest of Diana's children, has followed in his mother's footsteps as an actor and musician. He has appeared in a variety of films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Evan has also released his own music, blending genres and pushing creative boundaries. He is married to singer Ashlee Simpson, and together they are raising a family that reflects the diversity and creativity of the Ross lineage.

As Diana Rosss children have blossomed and started families of their own, the Ross legacy has expanded into a vibrant tapestry of talent, creativity, and compassion. The grandchildren of Diana Ross are growing up in an environment that fosters individuality, encourages artistic expression, and instills a deep sense of responsibility to the community. While they are still relatively young, many of them are already showing signs of following in the footsteps of their accomplished relatives.

Rhonda Ross Kendrick's children are being raised with a strong emphasis on education, cultural awareness, and personal growth. They are encouraged to explore their interests and talents, whether it's in the arts, sciences, or community service. The values of hard work, perseverance, and empathy are instilled in them from a young age, ensuring that they will become well-rounded individuals who are committed to making a positive impact on the world.

Ross Naess's children are learning the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and social responsibility. They are encouraged to think outside the box, to pursue their passions, and to use their talents to create opportunities for themselves and others. The Naess children are also being raised to appreciate the value of giving back to the community and supporting causes that they believe in.

Evan Ross's children, including his daughter with Ashlee Simpson, are growing up in a household that celebrates diversity, creativity, and self-expression. They are encouraged to embrace their individuality, to explore their artistic talents, and to use their voices to advocate for social justice. The Ross-Simpson children are being raised to be confident, compassionate, and engaged citizens of the world.

Diana Rosss family tree is a living testament to her enduring influence and multifaceted legacy. Through her children and grandchildren, she has cultivated a dynasty that spans multiple industries and continues to inspire people around the globe. Her unwavering commitment to family, creativity, and community has set a powerful example for future generations, ensuring that the Ross name will forever be synonymous with talent, resilience, and unwavering family values.

The story of Diana Ross and her family offers a profound lesson in the importance of balancing personal and professional pursuits, of passing down values and traditions to the next generation, and of recognizing the transformative power of one individual to shape the world, not only through their own actions but through the lives they touch. Diana Rosss legacy extends far beyond the stage; it lives on in the hearts and minds of her children, her grandchildren, and all those who have been inspired by her extraordinary journey.

Consider these figures when assessing the Ross family's wide-ranging effects:

Diana Ross has sold over 100 million records worldwide, cementing her place as one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Collectively, her children and grandchildren have graced the screens in over 50 films and television shows, showcasing their diverse talents and contributing to the entertainment landscape.
The Ross family has been actively involved in numerous charitable endeavors, raising millions of dollars for various causes and demonstrating their commitment to giving back to the community.
Diana Ross has been honored with countless awards and accolades, including a Kennedy Center Honor and a Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her profound contributions to the arts and to society as a whole.