NEW YORK (AP) — Tina Knowles, mother of renowned artists Beyoncé and Solange, recalls her childhood filled with vibrant memories, particularly of sitting under a pecan tree while her mother shared their family's rich history. This intimate connection with her ancestry has inspired her memoir, “Matriarch: A Memoir,” which has just been released.
The 71-year-old Knowles reflected on her role in her children's lives as they pursued careers from a young age. She expressed doubts about whether they truly absorbed the stories she shared, stating, “When you're young, it’s very few people that want to hear those stories about old times.” Her desire to document her family's legacy intensified after her divorce from Mathew Knowles, prompting her to record voice notes intended initially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. This collection of memories ultimately became the foundation for her memoir.
Spanning 432 pages, “Matriarch” covers a multitude of subjects, from the experiences of her enslaved great-grandmothers to her own entrepreneurial journey, the upbringing of Beyoncé and Solange in Houston, and the struggles Destiny's Child faced while seeking a record deal. It also touches on the racism her family encountered in a segregated America. A notable example she shared involved her childhood experience sitting briefly in the front of a whites-only bus, disguised by her fair skin tone.
Despite the book's focus on her life's journey, Knowles has opted to keep certain sensational stories about her children private. There is no reference to the 2014 Met Gala elevator incident involving Jay-Z and Solange or Kanye West's notorious interruption of Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs. Instead, the memoir prioritizes Celestine Beyoncé's narrative, revealing personal struggles, including her diagnosis and subsequent recovery from Stage 1 breast cancer last year. Initially hesitant to share her health battle, Knowles now advocates for women's health, encouraging them to schedule mammograms and seek second opinions.
As she prepares to embark on a nine-city book tour next month, Knowles will discuss her memoir with notable friends such as former First Lady Michelle Obama and filmmaker Tyler Perry, while hinting that family members may also join her at select stops. In a recent conversation with The Associated Press, she addressed themes of receiving due credit, parenting regrets, and the pursuit of happiness.
When asked whether she seeks recognition beyond being Destiny’s Child's stylist or Beyoncé's mother, Knowles stated she has always credited others but now wishes to shine a light on her own contributions. "I definitely feel like I was a driving force... I think I’ve dimmed my light for so long, I don’t want to do it anymore,” she asserted.
Regarding the absence of details about events involving her daughters, such as Destiny's Child's breakup, Knowles explained her focus on the positive, opting not to dwell on past conflicts. She expressed satisfaction with how everyone has progressed since those times.
Knowles candidly discussed her struggles as a mother, particularly with Solange's need for structure during the hectic early years of Destiny's Child. Reflecting on her parental challenges, she mentioned, “I just felt like that was healing for me to talk about it,” emphasizing the importance of honesty with her shortcomings rather than striving for a façade of perfection.
She also addressed the negative impact some teachers can have on students' confidence. By sharing a personal anecdote about a teacher recommending Beyoncé repeat kindergarten, Knowles highlighted the necessity of advocating fiercely for one’s children, noting that her own mother had not done the same for her.
While neither Beyoncé nor Solange read the entire memoir before its release due to their busy schedules, Knowles shared relevant excerpts with them, which they approved without requesting edits. The memoir aims to convey a crucial lesson about prioritizing one's happiness, as Knowles concluded, “It took me a long time... to realize I deserve to be happy.”
