Tina Knowles, the matriarch of the Knowles family, recently shared intimate memories of her daughters, including her “bonus baby” Kelly Rowland, and her biological daughters Solange Knowles and Beyoncé Knowles-Carter. In a heartfelt interview with Vogue for its ‘On the Podcast’ segment, Tina opened up about Beyoncé’s childhood struggles and the unique qualities of each of her daughters.
While discussing her role as a fashion trendsetter and the launch of her haircare line Cécred with Beyoncé, Tina delved into cherished memories from her daughters’ early years. When asked about her favorite recollections, Tina provided touching anecdotes for each of her three girls, starting with Beyoncé.
“Beyoncé, she was very shy and she got bullied a bit,” Tina revealed, her voice tinged with emotion. She recounted a significant moment when a young Beyoncé stood up to a bully, not for herself, but in defense of someone else. “The day she stood up for someone — she didn’t stand up for herself, but she stood up for them,” Tina said, her eyes welling up. “I just couldn’t have been more proud of her.”
Tina’s pride in her eldest daughter’s bravery is evident, underscoring the deep bond between mother and daughter. This moment of standing up for another person reflects the empathy and strength that Beyoncé is known for today.
Turning her attention to Solange, her second-born daughter and another Grammy Award winner, Tina shared a memory that highlighted Solange’s early activism. “Solange was signing a petition in school. She was only in like 5th grade and she was out getting a petition signed. So, she’s always been an activist,” Tina said, illustrating Solange’s lifelong commitment to advocacy and social justice.
Reflecting on Kelly Rowland, who Tina considers her “bonus daughter” and a member of Destiny’s Child, she recalled Kelly’s role as a natural mediator. “Kelly was always this kid that just tried to protect everybody. I have a memory with her and her best friend Barbara, and her being a mediator, just being this little peacemaker,” Tina shared, highlighting Kelly’s innate sense of harmony and protection for those around her.
On Instagram, Tina posted a clip of her Vogue interview, captioning it with insights into her daughters’ distinct personalities. “Each child is different! But all so special. I believe kids are born with their personalities,” she wrote. She emphasized the importance of recognizing and respecting their individuality, noting that understanding and praising their unique traits encourages positive behavior.
Tina’s reflections offer a glimpse into the formative years of her daughters, who have grown into influential figures in music and beyond. Her stories underscore the importance of nurturing each child’s unique qualities and standing by them through their struggles and triumphs. As Tina concluded, “Learn their personalities and respect [their] individuality. Never compare the negatives, always praise the positive differences.”
This intimate portrait of Beyoncé, Solange, and Kelly provides fans with a deeper understanding of the values instilled by Tina Knowles, shaping her daughters into the remarkable women they are today.