Kolleen Maria Gipson: The Woman Who Raised Erykah Badu and Was Once Married to William Wright Jr.
Kolleen Maria Gipson is best known as the devoted mother who raised one of the most important voices in modern music. Born in 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, she became the foundation behind neo-soul legend Erykah Badu’s success. While her daughter shines in the spotlight, Kolleen has remained in the background, choosing a quiet life focused on family. Her story is one of strength, love, and the powerful influence a mother can have on her children’s lives. She was once married to William Wright Jr., and together they had three children before their marriage ended in divorce.
Quick Bio Table
| Full Name | Kolleen Maria Gipson (Wright) |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1950 |
| Birthplace | Grimes County, Texas, USA |
| Age | Approximately 75 years (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Mother of neo-soul singer Erykah Badu |
| Former Spouse | William Wright Jr. (married August 21, 1970; divorced late 1970s) |
| Children | Erykah Badu (Erica Abi Wright), Nayrok Wright, Eevin Wright |
| Grandchildren | Puma Sabiti Curry, Seven Sirius Benjamin |
| Occupation | Actress, Homemaker |
Early Life and Background
Kolleen Maria Gipson was born in 1950 in the small community of Grimes County, Texas. Growing up in the American South during the 1950s and 1960s, she experienced a time of great social change. Her upbringing was grounded in religious backgrounds and positive ethical beliefs, with strong values of faith, family, and resilience shaping her character.
Her parents, L.A. Gipson and N.M. Gipson, raised her with a focus on moral strength and community bonds. Growing up during the civil rights movement and cultural changes of the 1960s greatly influenced her worldview. These early experiences would later shape how she raised her own children, teaching them independence and creative freedom.
Marriage to William Wright Jr.
In her teenage years, Kolleen met William Wright Jr., who would become the father of her three children. The couple married on August 21, 1970, when Kolleen was just twenty years old. Their first child, Erica Abi Wright (who later became known as Erykah Badu), was born on February 26, 1971. The couple went on to have two more children: Nayrok Wright and Eevin Wright.
The early years of their marriage were filled with both joy and challenges. Both Kolleen and William had connections to the performing arts, which created a creative environment for their growing family. However, like many relationships, theirs faced difficulties that proved impossible to overcome.
Life as a Single Mother
By the late 1970s, the couple faced irreconcilable differences that led to divorce. This marked a major turning point in Kolleen’s life. She suddenly found herself as a single mother responsible for raising three young children on her own. After their separation, William was not involved in the day-to-day upbringing of the children.
This period tested Kolleen’s strength in every way. Raising three children alone meant handling both the role of mother and father while also managing financial pressures. Despite these challenges, she created a warm and loving home. She made sure her children felt supported and encouraged to explore their creative talents.
Raising a Music Legend
Kolleen’s influence on Erykah Badu’s life cannot be overstated. From a young age, she exposed Erykah to music, dance, and theater. Kolleen’s philosophy was simple: “You see it and you’ll know it and the best thing to do is to nourish it”. She believed in supporting her daughter’s natural talents rather than controlling them.
This nurturing approach allowed Erykah to develop the unique artistic style that would later make her famous. The values Kolleen taught—creativity, authenticity, and staying true to oneself—became central to Erykah’s music and public image. Erykah has often credited her mother’s teachings, particularly the lesson to “do me” and be herself.
Kolleen also introduced Erykah to holistic living and spiritual awareness. These lessons stayed with Erykah throughout her career, helping her maintain balance and authenticity in the demanding world of fame. The creative freedom Kolleen provided at home gave Erykah the confidence to experiment with different musical styles, eventually creating the neo-soul genre.
The “Ms. Jackson” Connection
Kolleen Maria Gipson became an unexpected part of music history through OutKast’s hit song “Ms. Jackson.” When Andre 3000 was asked about the song, he explained it was an apology to Erykah Badu’s mother after his breakup with Erykah. The song reached number one on the charts and won a Grammy Award.
Kolleen embraced the song with grace and bought Ms. Jackson merchandise, including a license plate, mug, and t-shirt. She showed her generous spirit by expressing support for Andre 3000, saying she wanted him to succeed and do well. Her positive response to the song showed her kind nature and ability to find joy even in difficult situations.
Her Three Children
Kolleen raised three talented children who each found their own paths in creative fields:
Erykah Badu (Erica Abi Wright) – Born on February 26, 1971, Erykah became an internationally famous neo-soul singer. Her 1997 debut album “Baduizm” earned critical praise and commercial success. She is known for blending R&B, hip-hop, and jazz into a unique sound.
Nayrok Wright – The middle child has pursued careers in comedy and acting. While she keeps a lower profile than her famous sister, she has appeared on stage with Erykah and continues working in entertainment.
Eevin Wright – The youngest child has also stayed largely private while being involved in the entertainment industry. Like his sisters, he benefited from the creative environment Kolleen created at home.
Private Life and Current Days
Despite her daughter’s fame, Kolleen has always chosen privacy over publicity. Now in her mid-70s, she continues to focus on family rather than seeking attention. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, including Puma Sabiti Curry and Seven Sirius Benjamin.
Recent social media posts have shown rare glimpses of four generations of women in the family—Kolleen, Erykah, and granddaughter Puma together. These moments show the strong family bonds that Kolleen worked so hard to build and maintain.
Legacy and Influence
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s legacy lives on through her children, especially through Erykah Badu’s groundbreaking music. The independence, creativity, and authenticity that define Erykah’s artistry can be traced directly back to her mother’s teachings.
Her story represents thousands of mothers who work quietly behind the scenes, providing the foundation for their children’s success. She proved that you do not need to be famous to make a powerful impact. Through patience, love, and unwavering support, she helped shape one of music’s most distinctive voices.
Conclusion
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s life story is a beautiful example of maternal love and dedication. Though she was once married to William Wright Jr., she faced the challenges of single motherhood with grace and determination. By creating a home filled with creativity, support, and freedom, she raised three talented children who have made their mark on the entertainment world. While Erykah Badu shines on stage, it is Kolleen’s quiet strength and wisdom that made that light possible. Her legacy reminds us that the most important work often happens away from the cameras, in the homes and hearts of families everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
Kolleen Maria Gipson is the mother of famous neo-soul singer Erykah Badu. She was born in 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, and raised three children as a single mother after divorcing William Wright Jr.
2. What is Kolleen Maria Gipson’s connection to the song “Ms. Jackson”?
The OutKast song “Ms. Jackson” was written as an apology to Kolleen after Andre 3000’s breakup with her daughter Erykah Badu. Kolleen embraced the song and even bought merchandise with “Ms. Jackson” printed on it.
3. How many children does Kolleen Maria Gipson have?
Kolleen has three children: Erykah Badu (born Erica Abi Wright), Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright. All three have pursued careers in creative and entertainment fields.
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