When OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson” topped the charts in 2000, millions sang along without knowing the real woman behind the song. Kolleen Maria Gipson didn’t just inspire a Grammy-winning track—she raised one of music’s most distinctive voices while building a life that proved strength doesn’t always make headlines.
Who Is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
Kolleen Maria Gipson became a household name through her daughter, neo-soul icon Erykah Badu, but her story runs much deeper. Born in 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, she worked as an actress in Dallas theater while raising three children on her own. After her marriage to William Wright Jr. ended, she faced the challenge of single motherhood head-on, balancing her passion for performing arts with the demands of providing for her family.
Her influence on Erykah’s artistic development started early. From age four, she brought her young daughter to rehearsals and performances, creating an environment where creativity wasn’t just encouraged—it was a way of life. Today, friends and family know her by the affectionate nickname “Queenie,” a fitting title for the matriarch who shaped multiple generations of artists.
Early Life and Texas Roots
Growing up in Grimes County during the 1950s, Kolleen learned resilience from her parents, L.A. Gipson and N.M. Gipson. The rural Texas community where she spent her childhood centered on faith and family, values that would later define her approach to parenthood. Life in the modest Southern setting taught her about hard work and perseverance—lessons that became essential when she later navigated single motherhood while pursuing theater.
The close-knit environment shaped her character in ways that showed up decades later when she raised her own children. She carried forward the community spirit and strong family bonds she experienced growing up, creating a similar foundation for her kids despite facing different challenges.
Marriage to William Wright Jr. and Family Life
At just 20 years old, Kolleen married William Wright Jr. in Dallas in 1970. Their union brought three children into the world: Erica Abi Wright (who would become Erykah Badu) on February 26, 1971, followed by Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright. But the marriage didn’t last. When William left the family early in the children’s lives, Kolleen found herself responsible for three young kids with no roadmap for what came next.
The split could’ve broken her, but instead it revealed her strength. She refused to let her circumstances define her children’s futures. With help from extended family—including her own mother, Erykah’s godmother Gwen Hargrove, and other family matriarchs—she created a multi-generational household centered on female strength and creative expression.
Actress and Theater Career
Kolleen’s work as an actress in Dallas theatrical productions gave her children a front-row seat to the performing arts. She performed at venues like the Dallas Theatre Centre, contributing to the local arts scene at a time when opportunities for women, especially single mothers, weren’t plentiful. While specific production credits remain scarce in public records, her involvement in theater left a lasting mark on her family.
She didn’t just act on stage—she brought the stage home. Young Erykah tagged along to performances and rehearsals, absorbing everything from music and dance to dramatic storytelling. This constant exposure to creativity planted seeds that would later bloom into one of music’s most original voices.
Raising Erykah Badu: A Mother’s Influence
Kolleen’s parenting style broke the mold. She didn’t push her daughter toward conventional paths or traditional success markers. Instead, she supported Erykah’s early performances at the Dallas Theater Center and The Junior Black Academy of Arts and Letters, recognizing something special in her daughter’s talent. She encouraged everything from Erykah’s spiritual interests to her unconventional fashion choices, creating space for authenticity to flourish.
This unconditional support became the foundation of Erykah Badu’s artistry. In interviews, Erykah credits her mother with teaching her to trust her instincts and embrace her unique perspective. The creative freedom Kolleen provided wasn’t permissiveness—it was intentional nurturing of a gifted child who needed room to grow.
The Real “Ms. Jackson”: OutKast’s Musical Tribute
When OutKast released “Ms. Jackson” in October 2000, speculation ran wild. Fans immediately connected the heartfelt apology to Andre 3000’s breakup with Erykah Badu, with Kolleen as the song’s subject. The track hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy, becoming one of hip-hop’s most memorable songs.
Kolleen’s response? She embraced it completely. According to Erykah, her mother “bought herself a ‘Ms. Jackson’ license plate. She had the mug, she had the ink pen, she had the headband, everything.” While Erykah herself has questioned whether the song truly reflected their situation, Kolleen enjoyed being part of music history. Her lighthearted reaction showed the warmth and good humor that made her beloved beyond her famous daughter’s circle.
Life as a Single Mother in Dallas
Raising three children alone while working as an actress required strength most people can’t imagine. Kolleen juggled theatrical work with motherhood’s endless demands, leaning on extended family when necessary. Despite financial limitations, she prioritized her children’s education and cultural experiences, making sure they attended quality schools and had access to arts programs.
Her dedication went beyond basic needs. She created opportunities where none existed, finding ways to expose her children to experiences that would broaden their horizons. This quiet heroism—the kind that doesn’t make headlines but changes lives—defined her approach to parenting.
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s Other Children
While Erykah Badu’s fame often overshadows her siblings, Kolleen raised two other children who’ve maintained more private lives. Nayrok Wright (also known as Koryan or Koko) and Eevin Wright (nicknamed “Lil Badu” or “Black Wood”) grew up in the same creative household, sharing the tight-knit family dynamic their mother built. They occasionally appear in Erykah’s social media posts, celebrating milestones and maintaining strong bonds with their famous sister.
Kolleen’s success in raising three well-adjusted children under challenging circumstances speaks volumes about her parenting. Each child found their own path, supported by a mother who believed in them unconditionally.
Relationship with Andre 3000 and Erykah’s Partners
Despite potentially being the subject of a song about mother-in-law tension, Kolleen maintained respectful relationships with her daughter’s famous partners. Andre 3000 and Erykah dated from 1995 to 1999, welcoming son Seven Sirius Benjamin in 1997. Even after their split, Kolleen stayed involved in Seven’s life and kept things cordial with Andre.
She extended the same grace to Erykah’s other partners, including The D.O.C. (father of granddaughter Puma) and Jay Electronica (father of granddaughter Mars). Her ability to put family harmony above personal feelings created stability for her grandchildren, showing that maturity sometimes means taking the high road even when it’s not easy.
Grandmother to Seven, Puma, and Mars
Kolleen embraced her role as grandmother to Erykah’s three children with the same nurturing spirit she gave her own kids. Seven Sirius Benjamin (born 1997), Puma Sabti Curry (born 2004), and Mars Merkaba Thedford (born 2009) each inherited the family’s creative genes. Seven pursues music and academics, Puma explores modeling and performance, and Mars develops talents in visual arts and bass guitar.
The multi-generational bond between Kolleen, Erykah, and the grandchildren reflects the strong female lineage that defines this family. Kolleen’s continued presence in their lives provides the same foundation of support she gave her own children, proving that good parenting echoes through generations.
“Queenie”: A Beloved Matriarch
The nickname “Queenie” fits Kolleen perfectly. It captures both her commanding presence and the respect she commands as the family’s matriarch. Erykah frequently refers to her mother as “Queen” and “Mothership” in social media tributes, speaking about her with obvious reverence. In a 2022 Vogue interview, Erykah joked that once people meet her mother, “y’all are going to forget all about me.”
At family gatherings and public events, Queenie remains the center around which everyone orbits. Her magnetic personality and regal bearing justify the royal nickname, showing that some people just naturally command respect without demanding it.
Recent Public Appearances
In November 2024, Kolleen accompanied Erykah to the Los Angeles premiere of Netflix’s “The Piano Lesson” at The Egyptian Theatre. Photographs from the event captured the mother-daughter duo sharing affectionate moments on the red carpet, with Erykah kissing her mother and both women looking elegant. These rare public appearances offer glimpses into their enduring bond and Kolleen’s continued involvement in her daughter’s life.
Now in her mid-70s, Kolleen maintains the grace and poise that have defined her throughout her life. Her presence at these events proves that her influence extends far beyond Erykah’s early years.
Kolleen Maria Gipson Today
Kolleen keeps her life private, away from the spotlight her daughter occupies. She lives in the Dallas area, staying close to her roots and the community that shaped her. Her children and grandchildren visit regularly, maintaining the tight family bonds she worked so hard to build. Though she no longer performs in theater, her legacy lives through the creative empire her daughter built and the values she instilled across multiple generations.
Her story reminds us that behind every extraordinary talent stands someone who believed in them first. Kolleen Maria Gipson’s quiet strength continues to echo through the lives she touched, proving that the most important influence often happens away from the cameras and without fanfare. She didn’t just raise a neo-soul legend—she showed what’s possible when a mother refuses to let circumstances limit her children’s potential.
