Diana Ross’ Children: All About Her Five Kids
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- UPDATED September 01, 2025
by Kristine Bowman
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Diana Ross’ biggest fans have always been her five children. The “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” singer welcomed her eldest daughter, Rhonda, in 1971 with Motown legend Berry Gordy. That same year, Diana married her first husband, music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein, and the couple went on to have two more daughters: Tracee and Chudney.
After splitting from Silberstein in 1977, Diana married Norwegian businessman Arne Naess Jr. in 1986, and the former couple had two sons: Ross and Evan. Many of Diana’s children have pursued careers in the entertainment industry, following in their mother’s footsteps. During a 2018 Watch What Happens Live appearance, Evan reflected on how growing up in a large family helped him navigate his own blended family with wife Ashlee Simpson: “I grew up with a big family. I think it’s a beautiful thing.” Black-ish star Tracee Ellis Ross also expressed gratitude for her mother’s dedication, despite the demands of her career.
Rhonda Ross Kendrick, 54
Diana’s eldest child, Rhonda Suzanne Ross Kendrick, was born August 14, 1971. Though her biological father is Berry Gordy, she was raised by Diana’s first husband, Silberstein. Reflecting on discovering her biological father as a teen, Rhonda said it was comforting rather than shocking, noting she looked like Gordy while her sisters resembled their father. A talented musician, Rhonda’s work draws from traditional jazz and the broader African diaspora. “I primarily consider myself a storyteller and a poet,” she shared, “I use my music to inspire and uplift.
Tracee Ellis Ross, 52
Born October 29, 1972, Tracee is Diana and Silberstein’s first child together. She built her acting career with her breakout role on Girlfriends and later as Rainbow Johnson on ABC’s Black-ish, earning five Emmy nominations. While her on-screen character is a mother and wife, Tracee revealed in 2018 that she was “happily single,” noting how societal expectations often make personal choices a topic of public discussion.
Chudney Ross, 49
Diana and Silberstein welcomed Chudney Lane Ross on November 4, 1975. A Georgetown University graduate, Chudney earned degrees in English and fine arts and was a member of the rowing team. She later taught elementary school through AmeriCorps’ Teach For America and explored the entertainment industry, working as a production manager on NBC’s Fame and as a producer on Mesmerized. In 2012, she welcomed her daughter Callaway Lane Ross-Faulkner and married Joshua Faulkner in a Hawaii destination wedding in 2015.
Ross Arne Naess, 37
Ross Arne Naess, Diana Ross’ older son with her former husband Arne Naess Jr., was born on October 7, 1987. Named after his father, Ross inherited his dad’s love of the outdoors and passion for winter sports. Tragically, Arne Naess Jr. passed away in 2004 while rock climbing, but Ross continues to honor his adventurous spirit.
In May 2016, Ross proposed to longtime girlfriend Kimberly Ryan, just one month before they welcomed their first son, Leif Naess, on June 5, 2016. The couple tied the knot a year later on June 10, 2017, at Rancho Dos Pueblos in Santa Barbara, California. The boho-themed outdoor wedding featured off-white dresses and flower crowns for the bridesmaids — including Ross’ sisters — while the groomsmen accessorized with hats of their choice; Ross wore a top hat. Diana Ross officiated the ceremony, and younger brother Evan performed during the couple’s first dance. Kimberly, seven months pregnant, walked down the aisle barefoot in a white-and-gold gown. The newlyweds soon welcomed their second son, Indigo Naess, on August 15, 2017.
Evan Ross, 37
Evan Ross, the youngest of Diana Ross’ children with Arne Naess Jr., was born on August 26, 1988. A multi-talented actor and musician, Evan has appeared in ATL (2006), CW’s 90210, The Hunger Games, and The United States vs. Billie Holiday.
Evan became engaged to Ashlee Simpson in January 2014, and the pair married in a bohemian-inspired ceremony at Diana Ross’ Connecticut estate on August 30, 2014. Diana officiated and performed at the reception, while Ashlee’s son Bronx Wentz walked her down the aisle and sister Jessica Simpson served as maid of honor.
The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Jagger Snow Ross, on July 30, 2015. Diana was present for the birth, even joining the couple in the delivery room. Evan recalled to While [Ashlee] was having the baby, we said we were going to do it just us, but then we saw both our parents behind the curtain watching. Also, those nurses can’t stop my mom! Like, Diana Ross just walks in.
