| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Kolleen Maria Gipson (later Wright) |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1950 |
| Age | 74 (as of late 2024) |
| Birthplace | Grimes County, Texas, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Gender | Female |
| Profession | Educator, Actress, Homemaker |
| Net Worth | Under Review (Public figures are speculative) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | William Wright Jr. (m. 1970) |
| Children | Erica Abi Wright (Erykah Badu), Koryan Vylia Wright (Nayrok), Eevin Wood Tannhill Wright |
| Education | Details not publicly verified |
| Family Background | Roots in Texas; raised children as a single mother |
| Hometown | Dallas, Texas |
| Known For | Mother of Erykah Badu; Inspiration for OutKast’s “Ms. Jackson” |
In the world of neo-soul, few names command as much respect as Erykah Badu.
But behind the “Queen of Neo-Soul” stands a figure of immense strength and influence: her mother, Kolleen Maria Gipson.
While often recognized solely as the mother of a superstar, Kolleen’s life story is one of resilience, artistic nurturing, and quiet fortitude. She is the matriarch who shaped the artistic sensibilities of the Wright siblings.
Early Life
According to official Texas birth records, Kolleen Maria Gipson was born on November 12, 1950, in Grimes County, Texas.
Unlike the polished biographies often found online, her early life was rooted in the realities of the American South during the mid-20th century.
Texas Roots
She eventually settled in Dallas, a city that would become central to her family’s narrative. It was here that she would raise her children and immerse them in a culture of creativity.
Kolleen was not just a spectator of the arts; sources indicate she had her own background in theater and education.
This artistic inclination laid the groundwork for the creative household she would later lead.
Marriage to William Wright Jr.
On August 21, 1970, at the age of 20, Kolleen married William Wright Jr. in Dallas, Texas.
The union brought three children into the world, all of whom would go on to pursue creative paths. However, the marriage was not destined to last.
Following their divorce, William Wright Jr. was reportedly not heavily involved in the daily upbringing of the children. This left Kolleen to assume the role of a single mother.
This transition marked a pivotal era in her life. It required her to balance the demands of providing for her family while fostering their individual talents.
The Children of Kolleen Gipson
Kolleen’s greatest legacy is undoubtedly her children. She raised them to be independent thinkers and artists.
1. Erykah Badu (Erica Abi Wright)
Born February 26, 1971, Erica was the firstborn. Kolleen nurtured her daughter’s eccentricities and talents from a young age, enrolling her in dance and theater.
Erykah has frequently credited her mother’s eclectic taste in music as a primary influence on her sound.
2. Nayrok Wright (Koryan Vylia Wright)
Born March 29, 1974, Nayrok followed in the family’s artistic footsteps. She has worked as a comedian and writer, often touring with her sister and contributing to the family business.
3. Eevin Wright (Eevin Wood Tannhill Wright)
Born December 16, 1982, Ervin is the youngest of the siblings. While he maintains a lower profile than his eldest sister, he remains an integral part of the tight-knit family unit.
The True Story of “Ms. Jackson”
One of the most fascinating aspects of Kolleen Gipson’s life is her connection to pop culture history. She is the real-life “Ms. Jackson” from the 2000 OutKast hit song.
The song was written by André 3000 (André Benjamin), who shares a son, Seven Sirius Benjamin, with Erykah Badu.
Following the couple’s breakup, André wrote the song as an open apology to Kolleen for the pain caused to her daughter.
The chorus, “I’m sorry Ms. Jackson, I am for real,” is a direct address to her.
Kolleen’s Reaction
Contrary to what one might expect, Kolleen Gipson did not harbor resentment over the song. In fact, she embraced it.
In interviews, Erykah Badu has revealed her mother’s humorous and proud reaction to the chart-topping hit.
- She bought a “Ms. Jackson” license plate for her car.
- She owned a mug and an ink pen celebrating the title.
- She felt the song was honest and appreciated André’s verse.
This reaction highlights Kolleen’s ability to handle public scrutiny with grace and humor, a trait she seemingly passed down to her daughter.
A Legacy of “Talent Management”
While some sources claim Kolleen was a professional talent manager with a corporate portfolio, her “management” was far more organic and vital.
She served as the original “Momager” before the term became a pop culture cliché. Her management style was rooted in nurturance rather than contract negotiation.
Her “Management” Style Included
- Early Exposure: immersing her children in jazz, soul, and 70s funk.
- Validation: Encouraging Erykah to perform for family and friends, validating her unique voice.
- Freedom: Allowing her children to express themselves through fashion and art without judgment.
Erykah Badu’s career is defined by fearless authenticity. This is a direct reflection of a mother who managed her children’s self-esteem as carefully as their education.
Current Life
Today, Kolleen Maria Gipson maintains a life of relative privacy in Texas. She is a grandmother to Erykah’s three children: Seven, Puma, and Mars.
She is occasionally seen on her daughter’s social media, where she is celebrated for her youthful spirit and striking resemblance to her famous daughter.
Public Image
She does not seek the limelight. However, her influence is visible every time Erykah Badu steps on stage.
Kolleen represents a generation of mothers who worked quietly behind the scenes to ensure their children could stand in the spotlight.
Final Thoughts
Her story is one of quiet power. She transformed the challenges of life in Dallas into a foundation of love and creativity.
From the Texas birth records to the Grammy stage, Kolleen’s DNA is woven into the history of modern soul music. She remains the original “Ms. Jackson”, forever for real.
Maya Collins is a writer at WorthAura.com with over 3 years of experience researching celebrity lifestyles and net worth facts. She enjoys sharing clear and trustworthy information about how famous athletes and sports stars earn and grow their money. Maya makes sure every article is accurate and easy to understand for readers.
