Kolleen Maria Gipson is an American woman born around 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, and she is widely known as the mother of neo-soul star Erykah Badu. She spent her life teaching, mentoring, and taking part in community theater, using her love for learning and creativity to guide her three children—Erykah, Nayrok, and Eevin—into confident and expressive adults.
She also became known as the real “Ms. Jackson” from OutKast’s hit song, which brought unexpected attention to her name. Even with this fame, Kolleen has always chosen a quiet, simple, and private life in Dallas, Texas, where she stays close to her children and grandchildren while remaining admired for her warm nature, strong values, and gentle influence.
Quick Bio Kolleen Maria Gipson
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kolleen Maria Gipson |
| Year of Birth | Around 1950 |
| Age (2025) | About 75 years old |
| Birthplace | Grimes County, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Educator, Mentor, Former Performer |
| Known For | Mother of Erykah Badu, “Ms. Jackson” inspiration |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | William Wright Jr. (former husband) |
| Children | Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, Eevin Wright |
| Grandchildren | Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, Mars Merkaba Thedford |
| Current Residence | Dallas, Texas |
| Net Worth | Not publicly known |
Who Is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
Kolleen Maria Gipson is an American woman born around 1950 in Grimes County, Texas, and she is best known as the mother of the famous neo-soul singer Erykah Badu. She worked as an educator and enjoyed community theater, using her love for learning and creativity to raise her three children—Erykah, Nayrok, and Eevin—in a warm and artistic home. Kolleen became widely recognized as the real “Ms. Jackson” from the popular OutKast song, yet she has always chosen a quiet and private life. Today, she lives in Dallas, Texas, and is admired for her gentle nature, wisdom, and the strong influence she has had on her children and grandchildren.
Early Life and Family Background
Kolleen Maria Gipson was born in Grimes County, Texas, during a time when life for Black families in the South required strength, unity, and a deep sense of community. She grew up in an environment influenced by southern culture, church gatherings, and family traditions that shaped her identity. Although few records are available about her parents or extended family, the spiritual and cultural upbringing of her early years played an important role in the way she viewed the world and later raised her children.
Music, storytelling, and close community connections were a part of her daily life, giving her a natural sense of belonging and creativity. These early influences taught her the value of resilience, kindness, and cultural understanding—traits that she carried into motherhood and passed down to her children in meaningful ways.
Kolleen Maria Gipson Age and Personal Details
Kolleen Maria Gipson was born around 1950, which makes her about 75 years old in 2025, and she is an American woman from Grimes County, Texas, known for her warm nature, creative spirit, and strong family values. She worked as an educator and also enjoyed theater and community arts, using her love for learning and creativity to guide her children. She is the mother of Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright, and the grandmother of Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, and Mars Merkaba Thedford. Even with her connection to fame through her daughter and the popular song “Ms. Jackson,” she chooses a private and peaceful life in Dallas, Texas.
Education and Early Interests
Education meant a great deal to Kolleen, not only as a personal belief but as a way to give young people a sense of direction and self-confidence. She spent part of her life working in education, helping students discover their strengths and encouraging them to think for themselves. Alongside her work in teaching, she also loved theater and performance, taking part in community arts that allowed her to express her creative side.
Her interest in acting, music, and culture became a large influence in her home life, especially for her daughter Erykah, who grew up surrounded by creative energy. These early interests helped shape Erykah’s artistic path and showed her that art is not only entertainment but also a way to express identity, emotions, and truth.
Marriage to William Wright Jr.
In her young adult years, Kolleen married William Wright Jr., who also had creative interests and enjoyed performing. They married on August 21, 1970, and started their life together in Dallas, Texas, where they welcomed their three children. Their home was filled with music, culture, and the spirit of creativity, which played a big role in shaping their children’s early experiences.
Eventually, the marriage faced difficulties, leading to separation and divorce. The breakup brought emotional and financial challenges, but it also showed Kolleen’s strength as she stepped fully into the role of raising three children on her own. This period required patience, sacrifice, and courage, yet she managed to build a stable home where her children felt safe, loved, and inspired.
Who Is William Wright Jr.?
William Wright Jr. is best known as the former husband of Kolleen Maria Gipson and the father of their three children—Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright. He had a background in the arts and was involved in performance work during his younger years, which brought creativity into the family and influenced his children’s early exposure to music and stage life.
Although he later separated from Kolleen, his connection to the arts helped shape the creative environment their children grew up in, especially during Erykah Badu’s early years. Beyond this, he has kept most of his personal life private and remains known mainly through his role in the family’s artistic roots.
Motherhood: Raising Three Creative Children
Raising Erykah, Nayrok, and Eevin as a single mother became one of the most meaningful chapters of Kolleen’s life. She carried the responsibilities of both parenting and providing, doing everything she could to make sure her children had a home filled with warmth, structure, and creativity. Her house became a place where music, art, and cultural teachings were part of daily life.
She encouraged her children to explore their talents, trust their ideas, and be proud of who they were. Erykah Badu, her oldest child, was strongly shaped by this environment and later credited her mother for helping her discover her voice and inner power. Her daughter Nayrok also grew into a creative performer with her own style and personality, while her son Eevin preferred a quieter life but still carried the artistic roots that run through the family. Each child grew up knowing that their mother believed in them, and that belief gave them the confidence to follow their dreams.
Influence on Erykah Badu’s Artistic Development
The influence Kolleen had on Erykah’s music and character can be seen in many layers of her life and work. From an early age, Erykah was guided into dance, theater, and local arts programs because her mother wanted her to explore her creativity freely. Their home was filled with the rhythms of jazz, soul, and cultural music that helped Erykah develop her unique sound.
Beyond the arts, Kolleen taught her daughter important values like spiritual awareness, honesty, and embracing her heritage. These lessons created the foundation of Erykah’s music, which often carries themes of womanhood, identity, ancestry, and emotional truth. Even after Erykah became famous, her mother remained a stable and grounding presence, offering guidance during stressful or confusing moments. Many of the gentle, wise, and soulful messages in Erykah’s music can be traced back to the teachings she received from her mother throughout her life.
Her Role in Pop Culture: The Real “Ms. Jackson”
Kolleen became an unexpected part of pop culture when OutKast released the hit song “Ms. Jackson,” which André 3000 wrote after his breakup with Erykah Badu. The song was an apology directed toward Erykah’s mother, and it quickly became a worldwide success. People everywhere began asking about the real “Ms. Jackson,” and suddenly Kolleen’s name became known far beyond her community. Instead of being uncomfortable with the attention, she responded with humor and grace.
She even bought “Ms. Jackson” license plates and small items that referenced the song, showing her playful spirit. Her lighthearted reaction made her even more admired by fans who appreciated her down-to-earth personality. While the song made her famous, it did not change her private and humble way of living. She stayed true to who she was and continued focusing on her family, which showed her strong sense of self.
Career and Professional Life
Even though she is best known for her role in her family, Kolleen also spent part of her life building a meaningful career in education and community arts. As an educator, she showed patience, dedication, and a genuine interest in helping young people express themselves. Her work helped many students learn to trust their abilities and understand the value of creativity.
She also took part in community theater and artistic activities that allowed her to enjoy her passion for storytelling and performance. These experiences did not make her famous, but they helped create a rich and inspiring environment for her children. Her influence continues to live through the artistic careers of Erykah, Nayrok, and even her grandchildren, who inherited the family’s creative spirit.
Personality, Traits, and Values
Kolleen is often described as a warm, wise, and deeply grounded person. She has a calm presence that makes people feel at ease, and her sense of humor brings lightness to even difficult moments. She values privacy and prefers living a simple, peaceful life rather than seeking attention.
Her strong sense of cultural pride and her belief in authenticity helped shape the way she approached motherhood. These qualities also inspired her children to be honest, expressive, and true to themselves. Her personality blends strength with gentleness, and it is easy to see why she became such an important figure in her family’s life.
Relationship With Her Grandchildren
Kolleen’s bond with her grandchildren is filled with the same love and understanding she gave to her own children. Seven Sirius Benjamin, Puma Sabti Curry, and Mars Merkaba Thedford each grew up with her gentle presence and warm guidance. They live in creative family circles shaped by music, culture, and self-expression, and Kolleen plays a quiet but meaningful role in giving them a sense of heritage and strength. Her influence helps them feel connected to their roots, and she remains an important part of their lives as they grow into their own unique paths.
Current Life and Where She Is Now
Today, Kolleen Maria Gipson lives a private and peaceful life in Dallas, Texas. She enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren and stays out of the public eye. Even though she is connected to a famous daughter and was mentioned in one of the biggest songs of its time, she stays focused on what truly matters to her—family, peace, and simple living. Her quiet approach to life shows her strong character and her desire to stay grounded no matter how much attention comes her way.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Kolleen’s legacy is not found in public awards or big media appearances, but in the lives of the children she raised and the cultural influence they carry into the world. Through Erykah Badu’s music, her teachings reach people across different countries and generations. The values she passed down—strength, pride, creativity, and emotional honesty—continue to inspire through the stories and songs that have shaped modern soul music.
Her life reminds us that a person does not need fame to have a lasting impact. The love and guidance she gave at home became the foundation of a global artistic legacy, proving that the quiet work done behind the scenes can change the world in meaningful ways.
Her Net Worth Information
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s net worth is not publicly known, as she has always lived a private and simple life away from fame and financial publicity. She worked as an educator and took part in community arts, focusing more on family, teaching, and creativity rather than building public wealth or a high-profile career. While exact numbers are not available, it is clear that her true value comes from the strong influence she had on her children, especially Erykah Badu, and the loving, cultural, and creative home she built for her family.
Conclusion
Kolleen Maria Gipson’s life shows the powerful impact one person can have without ever standing in the spotlight. She raised her children with love, culture, wisdom, and strength, giving them the tools they needed to follow their dreams. Through Erykah Badu’s music and the creative paths of her family, her influence continues to touch people around the world. Her story celebrates the quiet strength of mothers, the value of cultural roots, and the beauty of guiding others with kindness and courage.
FAQs About Kolleen Maria Gipson
1. Who is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
Kolleen Maria Gipson is the mother of famous neo-soul singer Erykah Badu and is known for her warm personality, creative spirit, and strong influence on her family.
2. How old is Kolleen Maria Gipson?
She was born around 1950, which makes her about 75 years old in 2025.
3. Where was she born?
She was born in Grimes County, Texas, USA.
4. What is she known for?
She is known as Erykah Badu’s mother and as the real “Ms. Jackson” mentioned in the hit song by OutKast.
5. What did she do for work?
Kolleen worked as an educator and enjoyed performing in local theater, using her love for learning and art to guide her children.
6. Who was her husband?
She was married to William Wright Jr., but they later divorced. They share three children together.
7. How many children does she have?
She has three children: Erykah Badu, Nayrok Wright, and Eevin Wright.
8. Where does she live now?
Kolleen lives a quiet and private life in Dallas, Texas, spending time with her children and grandchildren.