Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s global fame has created a unique environment for their children, Blue Ivy, 13, and twins Rumi and Sir, 7. Tina Knowles, the singer’s mother and a successful businesswoman and fashion designer, recently voiced her concerns regarding the impact of this heightened attention on her grandchildren. In an exclusive interview with BBC News ahead of the release of her new memoir, *Matriarch*, Ms. Knowles revealed she worries about the pressures they face as a result of their parents’ extraordinary lives.
“If I had my first choice, they would not have to deal with the things that they have to deal with as kids,” she stated, acknowledging the constant scrutiny and potential for negativity surrounding her granddaughters. Ms. Knowles emphasized that while Beyoncé and Jay-Z are doing an ‘amazing job’ as parents – spending significant time with their children and fostering strong relationships – she anticipates the inevitable encounter with online criticism, fabricated stories, and the spread of misinformation about them.
Born in Galveston, Texas, in 1951, Tina Knowles has witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by Black families navigating racial tensions. Her own childhood experiences shaped her perspective on societal biases and their potential impact on young people. Reflecting on this history in *Matriarch*, she recounts instances of police harassment and acknowledges that while progress has been made, systemic issues persist.
Her daughters’ rise to stardom began with Destiny’s Child in the 1990s, a group Ms. Knowles actively supported by creating their costumes and managing their early careers. She highlights Beyoncé’s initial shyness as a child, contrasting it with her sister Solange’s outgoing personality and natural musical talent.
Ms. Knowles describes Blue Ivy as her “manager,” playfully acknowledging the teenager’s bossy tendencies reminiscent of herself. She emphasizes that while she doesn’t formally title her granddaughter as such, this dynamic reflects their close bond and mutual respect. The grandmother also revealed a surprising insight into Beyoncé’s childhood – the singer’s aversion to traditional nursery rhymes, preferring the soothing sounds of jazz music.
Beyond managing her grandchildren’s careers, Ms. Knowles has also been a source of strength for her daughters, having recently undergone treatment for breast cancer and finding solace in their love and support. She expresses pride in their resilience and groundedness, stating they are “very sensible people with balance in their life.” Notably, she’s actively pursuing film rights for *Matriarch*, hoping to see it adapted into a movie akin to the Jackson family story – *This Is It*.
Looking ahead, Ms. Knowles remains optimistic about her grandchildren’s future, believing they have “the sky’s the limit” and encouraging them to pursue their passions without external pressure. She notes that Blue Ivy has already made significant strides in her career, including voicing Kiara in *The Lion King prequel: Mufasa: The Lion King* and performing alongside her mother on Beyoncé’s Renaissance tour. Despite these accomplishments, she stresses the importance of prioritizing their well-being and personal growth above all else.
Recent media coverage has highlighted Beyoncé’s ongoing quest for a Grammy Award, with the superstar finally securing the coveted Best Album award at the 2025 ceremony – correcting a long-standing omission. The win further cements her legacy as one of music’s most influential artists.
