While the world knows Nicole Scherzinger as the powerhouse vocalist of the Pussycat Dolls and a fixture on global television screens, the foundation of her success was built long before she ever held a microphone.
That foundation is Rosemary Elikolani. Far more than just a “celebrity mom,” Rosemary is a survivor whose life story is a testament to resilience, cultural pride, and maternal sacrifice.
Quick bio
| Personal Details | Information |
| Full Name | Rosemary Elikolani |
| Date of Birth | 1958 |
| Age | Approx. 67 (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Hawaiian and Ukrainian |
| Profession | Former Bank Clerk |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Gary Scherzinger (Second Husband) |
| First Husband | Alfonso Valiente |
| Children | Nicole Scherzinger, Keala Scherzinger |
| Notable Health Events | Two open-heart surgeries (2020) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $500,000 |
Early Life and Cultural Heritage
Rosemary Elikolani was born in 1958 in Honolulu, Hawaii. Her background is a unique fusion of cultures that has deeply influenced her family’s identity.
She is of Native Hawaiian and Ukrainian descent, a mix that instilled in her a profound respect for tradition and family unity.
This duality of heritage played a significant role in her upbringing. From her Hawaiian roots, she inherited the spirit of ohana, the belief that family is central to existence.
From her Ukrainian ancestry, she drew a resilience that would become necessary in her later years.
Rosemary ensured these cultural pillars were passed down to her daughters, fostering a sense of identity that Nicole frequently references as the source of her “warrior” spirit.
Teenage Motherhood and Early Struggles
Rosemary’s transition into adulthood was abrupt. At just 17 years old, she became pregnant with Nicole.
In 1978, while still a teenager herself, she gave birth to her first daughter in Honolulu.
The circumstances were far from ideal; she was young, financially unstable, and navigating the complexities of early parenthood.
The challenges multiplied when Nicole was only two years old. Rosemary separated from Nicole’s biological father, Alfonso Valiente, leaving her as a single mother to a toddler.
This period was defined by severe financial constraints. Rosemary often relied on second-hand clothes for her daughter and worked tirelessly to put food on the table.
Despite the poverty, she remained fiercely dedicated, shielding Nicole from the harshest realities of their situation through sheer determination and love.
A New Beginning in Kentucky
The trajectory of Rosemary’s life shifted dramatically when she met Gary Scherzinger, a German-American man who would become her second husband.
Seeking a more stable environment and better opportunities for her family, Rosemary made the bold decision to leave the tropical familiarity of Hawaii for Louisville, Kentucky.
This move marked a significant cultural and geographic transition. While Kentucky offered a fresh start, it was a stark contrast to the diverse, island life of Hawaii.
Gary Scherzinger adopted Nicole, giving her the surname that would one day become famous. Together, Rosemary and Gary built a modest but loving home.
They later welcomed a second daughter, Keala Scherzinger, completing their family unit.
In Kentucky, life was still not one of luxury. Rosemary worked as a bank clerk, contributing to the household income while Gary worked to support the family.
It was a humble, middle-class existence where hard work was the norm, and “extras” like music lessons were luxuries they had to sacrifice for.
The Divorce from Alfonso Valiente
Rosemary’s separation from her first husband, Alfonso Valiente, was a pivotal and painful chapter in her early life.
While specific public details about the divorce proceedings remain private, the impact of the separation was profound.
Alfonso left the family when Nicole was a toddler, thrusting Rosemary into the role of a single parent at a very young age.
This abandonment forced Rosemary to develop an iron will. The dissolution of her first marriage was not just an emotional blow but a financial crisis.
However, it was this adversity that forged the unbreakable bond between Rosemary and Nicole.
In later years, Nicole has often credited her mother’s strength during this post-divorce period as the primary inspiration for her own work ethic and drive.
Nurturing a Superstar: The Sacrifice Behind the Talent
Rosemary recognized Nicole’s artistic potential early on, even when resources were scarce. Unable to afford expensive vocal coaching or instruments, Rosemary found creative ways to feed her daughter’s passion.
She borrowed Whitney Houston albums from friends and neighbors so Nicole could study the vocals.
Despite her conservative religious background, Rosemary’s father was a pastor, and she supported Nicole’s enrollment in the Youth Performing Arts School at DuPont Manual High School.
This was a significant sacrifice of time and effort for the family.
Rosemary’s support wasn’t blind, however. She instilled deep religious values in Nicole, famously praying with her before performances.
This clash between conservative values and the entertainment industry later caused friction. Rosemary openly struggled with the provocative image of the Pussycat Dolls.
She famously expressed discomfort with the group’s costumes, fearing they compromised the values she had worked so hard to instill.
Yet, her love for her daughter superseded her reservations, and she remained Nicole’s staunchest supporter from the sidelines.
Health Crisis: The 2020 Heart Surgeries
In late 2020, the Elikolani-Scherzinger family faced a terrifying ordeal. Rosemary underwent two open-heart surgeries in quick succession just weeks before Christmas.
The situation was critical, casting a shadow over the holiday season.
The Emotional Toll: Nicole’s Call for Prayers
Nicole shared the emotional toll this took on the family, asking fans for prayers. The surgeries were successful, but the recovery was grueling.
A Sobering Reminder: Strengthening Family Bonds
This health scare served as a stark reminder of Rosemary’s mortality and brought the close-knit family even closer.
A Christmas Miracle: Nicole’s Focus on Family Over Fame
Nicole described the successful recovery as the “greatest Christmas gift,” highlighting that despite her global fame, her mother’s health remained her priority.
Current Life and Legacy
Net worth
Today, Rosemary Elikolani lives a quiet, retired life, largely away from the public eye.
Estimates place her net worth around $500,000, a reflection of her years of steady work as a clerk and a modest lifestyle, independent of her daughter’s massive wealth.
She remains a private figure, appearing occasionally on Nicole’s social media or in the audience of shows like The X Factor.
She is not a “momager” seeking the limelight; she is a mother who completed her job with excellence.
Power of maternal love
Her legacy is not found in headlines, but in the character of the women she raised.
She stands as a symbol of the quiet, enduring power of maternal love, a woman who took broken pieces and built a foundation strong enough to launch a star.
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.
