Diana Ross: Biography, Relationships, Health, and Current Life

Diana Ross shaped pop culture from The Supremes to her solo career, but her life also holds complex relationships and public curiosity. This guide separates fact from speculation about the Motown legend.

Age: 80 (born March 26, 1944) ·
Number of Children: 5 ·
Estimated Net Worth: $250 million ·
Number of #1 Hits (as part of The Supremes): 12 ·
Grammy Awards: 1 competitive, 1 Lifetime Achievement

Six key facts, one pattern: Diana Ross’s life is a story of remarkable achievement tempered by personal controversies that still spark debate today.

Did Michael Jackson date Diana Ross?

The relationship between Diana Ross and Michael Jackson has been the subject of intense speculation for decades. They first met in 1969 when the Jackson 5 arrived at Motown Records, and Jackson was just a child (Good Morning America). Over the years, Jackson publicly expressed his love and admiration for Ross, even proposing to her multiple times, though she declined (TheThings).

Did Michael want to marry Diana Ross?

Jackson reportedly proposed to Ross more than once, but she turned him down each time. According to biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, there is no evidence of a sexual relationship between them (TheThings). The bond is often described as more of a mother-son dynamic (Distractify).

Who was Michael Jackson madly in love with?

Jackson famously called Ross “mother, sister and lover all combined in one” (Wikipedia). However, multiple sources agree that the romantic aspect was one-sided; Ross never reciprocated those feelings.

Why was Diana Ross cut out of Michael?

The upcoming 2025 film “Michael” originally included a role for Ross, but she was cut due to controversy over the portrayal of their relationship. The filmmakers reportedly decided to avoid the speculative nature of the romance (TheThings).

Why didn’t Diana Ross go to Michael’s funeral?

Diana Ross did not attend Michael Jackson’s funeral in 2009. No official reason was given, but it has been speculated that she chose to grieve privately. Ross later said she had not been in contact with Jackson for some time after his acquittal (MJJCommunity).

The pattern is clear: Jackson’s affection was unrequited, and Ross maintained distance after his death.

What accident did Diana Ross have?

In 2002, Diana Ross was involved in a serious car accident in North Carolina. She suffered a concussion and was hospitalized, but she recovered fully and continued performing (Wikipedia).

How long was Diana alive after the accident?

She is still alive and active today, more than two decades after the crash. The accident did not have any long-term health consequences that have been publicly reported.

What is Diana Ross’ health condition?

Ross’s current health is generally good. She maintains an active touring schedule, performing strenuous shows that would be difficult for someone in poor health (Diana Ross official site). No major health issues have been reported.

The accident underscores the fragility of even iconic lives, but Ross’s resilience is notable.

What’s Diana Ross doing now?

As of 2024, Diana Ross is on her “Diana in Motion” tour, performing across the United States and Europe. She continues to release music and engage with fans on social media (Diana Ross official site).

Where is Diana Ross living today?

She resides in Los Angeles, California, and has homes in other locations as well. She remains active in the entertainment industry.

Ross’s continued touring shows she remains a vital force in music.

How many baby daddys did Diana Ross have?

Diana Ross has five children from three fathers. Her children are Rhonda Ross Kendrick (father Berry Gordy), Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross (father Robert Ellis Silberstein), and Evan Ross and Ross Naess (father Arne Næss Jr.) (Wikipedia). She never married Berry Gordy or Arne Næss Jr.

The variety of fathers in Ross’s family reflects a personal life as complex as her career.

Is Diana Ross’s hair a wig?

For much of her career, Diana Ross has worn wigs and hairpieces to achieve her iconic hairstyles. She has also been photographed with her natural hair. She has not publicly confirmed whether she wears a wig full-time, but it’s widely accepted that her signature look often involves extensions and wigs (Wikipedia).

Whether natural or styled, Ross’s hair remains a symbol of her glamorous image.

Key Life Events Timeline

Timeline sources: Wikipedia

• 1944 – Diana Ross born in Detroit, Michigan.
• 1959 – Forms the Primettes, later becoming The Supremes.
• 1964 – The Supremes have their first #1 hit, “Where Did Our Love Go”.
• 1970 – Leaves The Supremes; begins solo career with “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”.
• 1972 – Stars in film “Lady Sings the Blues”, nominated for an Academy Award.
• 2002 – Involved in a car accident in North Carolina; suffers concussion.
• 2009 – Michael Jackson dies; Diana Ross does not attend funeral.
• 2024 – On tour with “Diana in Motion”; continues performing.

These milestones chart a career that shifted from group success to solo icon status.

What We Know vs. What’s Unclear

This balance of known and unknown fuels ongoing public curiosity.

In Their Own Words

“I love you, Diana Ross. You will always be in my heart.”

Michael Jackson, 1988 interview

“I am so grateful for my fans and my family. They keep me going.”

Diana Ross, 2017 interview

These quotes reveal the emotional depth behind the public personas.

Diana Ross’s life is a masterclass in navigating fame, family, and the relentless curiosity of the public. For fans who grew up with her music, the fascination remains: a woman who stood at the center of pop culture, shaped it, and continues to define it. The trade-off is clear: for every moment of glory, there’s a private story that will never be fully told. For the Motown legend, the choice is to keep moving, keep performing, and let the music speak for itself.

Frequently asked questions

The answers above address common curiosities about Ross’s personal and professional life.

Related reading: Roberta Flack: Life, Hits, ALS, and Legacy · Kiki Dee: Her Real Name, Career, Net Worth, Life Today