Diana Ross: Children, Relationships, and Life Facts

Few pop icons carry as many rumors as Diana Ross, from whispered affairs to wig debates. Here’s what the records actually show about her children, her relationships, and where she stands today.

Children: 5 ·
Number-one singles (Billboard Hot 100): 18 (12 with The Supremes, 6 as a solo artist) ·
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions: 2 (as member of The Supremes, as solo artist)

Six key facts about Diana Ross’s life at a glance:

How many children does Diana Ross have?

Names and ages of her children

• Diana Ross has five children: Rhonda, Tracee, Chudney, Ross, and Evan (Wikipedia biography).
• Rhonda was born in 1971, Tracee in 1972, Chudney in 1975, Ross in 1987, and Evan in 1988.

Who are the fathers of Diana Ross’s children?

• Rhonda’s father is Berry Gordy, Motown founder (Wikipedia).
• Tracee and Chudney are from her marriage to Robert Ellis Silberstein (Wikipedia).
• Ross and Evan are from her marriage to Arne Næss Jr. (Wikipedia).
• No other paternity claims are verified.

Bottom line: Five children, three fathers, all publicly acknowledged. The speculation about additional secret children lacks any credible source.

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What did Michael Jackson leave Diana Ross?

Michael Jackson’s will and bequests

Michael Jackson’s 2002 will, made public after his death in 2009, included a specific bequest to Diana Ross and named her as the alternate guardian for his children if his mother Katherine could not serve (YouTube – The Kempire). The will placed Ross above Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of two of Jackson’s children.

Diana Ross’s role in Jackson’s life

Jackson publicly called Ross “the love of his life” in interviews. Despite rumors of a romantic relationship, no evidence supports that claim (Wikipedia).

The implication: Jackson’s gesture underscores a bond that has fueled speculation for decades.

Is Diana Ross’s hair a wig?

Diana Ross’s hairstyles over the decades

Throughout her Motown years and solo career, Diana Ross has worn wigs and hair extensions as part of her stage persona (Wikipedia). In recent public appearances, she has been photographed with shorter, natural-looking hair, but wigs remain a regular part of her performance wardrobe.

Natural hair and extensions

No definitive statement from Ross confirms whether she ever wears a full wig or simply uses extensions. The question persists largely because of the dramatic volume and consistency of her hair over six decades.

Was Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross lovers?

Smokey Robinson’s public statements

In an interview with The Guardian published April 27, 2024, Smokey Robinson, aged 83, confirmed he and Diana Ross had a year-long affair during his first marriage to Claudette Rogers (E! Online). Robinson stated the affair “lasted about a year” and occurred while both were working at Motown. He claimed Ross ended the relationship because she knew he still loved his wife.

Context of their relationship

Diana Ross has never publicly confirmed the affair. Both were close friends and collaborators. Robinson also laughed off the rumor that he and Ross are Michael Jackson’s biological parents, calling it “funny” (E! Online).

The catch: without Ross’s confirmation, the story remains incomplete.

What is Diana Ross doing now?

Current tours and performances

Diana Ross continues to perform live. In 2025 she announced the “Diana in Motion” worldwide tour, with dates extending into 2026 (Official Diana Ross website). She remains active on Instagram and Facebook, sharing behind-the-scenes content.

Social media and fan engagement

No retirement plans have been announced. Ross periodically posts tour updates and archival footage.

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Is Diana Ross LGBTQ?

Sexual orientation rumors

Diana Ross has not publicly identified as LGBTQ. Rumors have circulated for decades, often fueled by her close friendships with gay icons and her androgynous stage style. However, no evidence supports any non-heterosexual identity (Wikipedia).

Diana Ross’s public statements

Ross has been married twice to men and has children from relationships with men. She has never addressed the rumors directly.

The pattern: Ross’s silence on the matter leaves room for interpretation but no evidence.

The timeline shows a career marked by artistic achievement rather than personal scandal.

Key quotes

“I wasn’t going after her and she wasn’t going after me. It just happened.”
— Smokey Robinson to E! Online, 2024

“Diana Ross is the love of my life. I’ve never stopped loving her.”
— Michael Jackson, YouTube – The Kempire

“I never heard that one, man! That’s pretty good. That’s funny!”
— Smokey Robinson, dismissing the rumor that he and Ross are Michael Jackson’s parents, E! Online

For the singer who defined Motown glamour, the gap between myth and fact is wide. What’s clear: Diana Ross built a career on talent and resilience, not scandal. For fans looking for verified answers, the evidence points to a private woman who let her work speak — and whose biggest mystery may simply be that she prefers it that way.

For a deeper look into Diana Ross’s family and finances, Diana Rosss personal life and career offers a comprehensive overview of her children, marriages, and net worth.

Frequently asked questions