If you’ve ever listened to Erykah Badu’s soulful music or heard the iconic OutKast song “Ms. Jackson,” you might have wondered about the real story behind these creative forces. At the heart of it all is Kolleen Maria Gipson, a woman whose quiet strength, artistic flair, and nurturing spirit shaped one of music’s most unique voices. But who exactly is Kolleen Maria Gipson? What was her early life like, and how did she influence her daughter’s journey? This article unpacks everything you need to know about Kolleen Maria Gipson, from her background and family to her career and her special relationship with Erykah Badu.
Who is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
So, who is Kolleen Maria Gipson? Born in 1950 in Grimes, Texas, Kolleen Maria Gipson is best known as the mother of Erykah Badu, the Grammy-winning singer and songwriter. But that’s just the start of her story. Kolleen is also a retired actress who once graced local stages, and she’s a creative soul who passed on her love for the arts to her children.
Interestingly, Kolleen is sometimes called the real “Ms. Jackson,” a reference made famous by OutKast’s hit song. The track was inspired by Erykah Badu’s relationship with rapper André 3000, and it brought Kolleen into the limelight in an unexpected way. Yet, despite these public connections, Kolleen has always preferred a life away from the spotlight, focusing on her family and personal passions.
| Name | Kolleen Maria Gipson (also known as Kolleen Maria Wright) |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 1950 |
| Birth Place | Grimes, Texas |
| Occupation | Actress (retired) |
| Spouse | William Wright Jr. (married August 21, 1970) |
| Children | Erykah Badu, Koryan (Nayrok) Wright, Eevin Wright |
| Grandchildren | Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, Mars Merkaba Thedford |
Early Life
Naturally, every story has a beginning, and Kolleen Maria Gipson’s started in Grimes, Texas. Though not much is publicly known about her childhood, it’s clear that creativity ran deep in her veins from an early age. She developed a strong interest in the arts, especially acting and fashion. These passions weren’t just hobbies—they became a part of her identity and later, a source of inspiration for her children.
Growing up in a small Texas town, Kolleen learned the value of community, resilience, and self-expression. These lessons would later shape the way she raised her own children, encouraging them to embrace their individuality and artistic talents.
Marriage and Family
Then, in 1970, Kolleen Maria Gipson married William Wright Jr. in Dallas, Texas. Their union brought three children into the world: Erykah Badu (born Erica Abi Wright), Koryan (known as Nayrok) Wright, and Eevin Wright.
However, life wasn’t always easy. After her divorce from William Wright Jr., Kolleen found herself raising her children mostly as a single mother. She leaned on her extended family for support, but she was the guiding force at home. Her ability to balance the roles of provider, nurturer, and creative mentor speaks volumes about her character.
Kolleen’s home was a place where music, art, and self-expression were encouraged. She taught her kids to dream big, work hard, and stay true to themselves. It’s no wonder that Erykah Badu often credits her mother for her artistic drive and fearless individuality.
Career Timeline and Achievements
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s journey is marked by both personal and professional milestones. Let’s break down her life events in a simple timeline:
- 1950: Born in Grimes, Texas.
- 1970: Married William Wright Jr. in Dallas, Texas.
- 1970s–1980s: Pursued acting, performing in local plays and community theater.
- Post-divorce: Shifted focus to raising her children, while keeping her creative spirit alive at home.
- Later years: Stepped back from public life but occasionally appeared in media with her daughter Erykah Badu.
While Kolleen’s acting career didn’t lead to national fame, her involvement in the arts left a lasting impression on her family. She became known for her creative energy, her love of fashion, and her ability to inspire those around her.
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s Career
But what exactly did Kolleen Maria Gipson do in her career? In her younger years, she was active in local theater, performing in plays and productions in the Dallas area. Acting wasn’t just a pastime for her—it was a way to express herself and connect with others.
As her family grew, Kolleen made the decision to step back from the stage and focus on raising her children. Still, her passion for the arts never faded. She brought creativity into her home, encouraging her kids to explore music, dance, and visual arts. Erykah Badu has often spoken about how her mother’s artistic influence shaped her own career, from her unique fashion sense to her fearless approach to music.
Kolleen’s creativity wasn’t limited to acting. She had a flair for fashion and design, often making clothes and accessories for herself and her family. This love of style is something Erykah Badu has carried forward, becoming known for her bold and eclectic looks.
Relationship with Erykah Badu
Of course, one of the most fascinating aspects of Kolleen Maria Gipson’s life is her relationship with her daughter, Erykah Badu. The bond between mother and daughter is strong, supportive, and deeply creative.
Erykah has often credited Kolleen for nurturing her talents and encouraging her to pursue her dreams. From a young age, Erykah was exposed to music, art, and culture, thanks to her mother’s influence. Kolleen didn’t just support her daughter’s ambitions—she actively participated in them, attending performances, offering advice, and providing a safe space for creative exploration.
Their relationship entered the public eye in a big way with the release of OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson.” The song was a public apology from André 3000 (Erykah’s former partner) to Kolleen, following his breakup with Erykah. Suddenly, Kolleen became a cultural reference point, known as the real “Ms. Jackson.” While she never sought the spotlight, Kolleen handled the attention with grace and humor, further endearing her to fans.
Net Worth
When it comes to financial details, Kolleen Maria Gipson has always valued her privacy. There’s no public information about her net worth, and she hasn’t pursued fame or fortune in the traditional sense. Instead, her focus has been on family, creativity, and living a meaningful life.
It’s worth noting that her daughter, Erykah Badu, has achieved significant success in the music industry. However, Kolleen herself has chosen to remain out of the public eye, content with the life she’s built and the legacy she’s passed on to her children.
List of Known Facts
To make things easy, here’s a quick list of key facts about Kolleen Maria Gipson:
- Born in 1950 in Grimes, Texas.
- Actress in her early years, performing in local plays.
- Married William Wright Jr. in 1970.
- Mother to Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright.
- Grandmother to Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, and Mars Merkaba Thedford.
- Known as the inspiration for OutKast’s song “Ms. Jackson.”
- Maintains a private life with minimal public appearances.
Conclusion
In the end, Kolleen Maria Gipson is more than just Erykah Badu’s mother or the inspiration behind a famous song. She’s a creative force in her own right, a loving mother, and a woman who chose family over fame. Her early passion for the arts, her dedication as a single parent, and her ability to inspire those around her make her a quiet but powerful presence in her family’s story.
While Kolleen Maria Gipson has always preferred to stay out of the spotlight, her influence is impossible to miss. From the stage to the home, from Grimes, Texas to the world stage, her legacy lives on in the music, style, and spirit of her children—especially Erykah Badu. For those curious about the woman behind the music, Kolleen Maria Gipson’s story is a reminder that sometimes, the most important influences are the ones we don’t always see.
