Earlier this week, iconic fashion designer, entrepreneur, and mother to global superstars Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, Tina Knowles joined former First Lady Michelle Obama for an intimate live recording of the IMO Podcast. The powerful conversation, held at The Theater at MGM National Harbor in Maryland, was a deeply personal deep-dive into Tina’s life, her new memoir Matriarch, and the struggles and triumphs of motherhood in the spotlight.
Despite her commanding presence and celebrated resilience, Tina Knowles confessed to Michelle Obama that sharing her family’s deeply personal stories through her memoir came with a wave of fear and vulnerability.
“It was scary,” she admitted during the heartfelt discussion. “But it was important. I wanted to document our family’s journey—where we came from, what we endured—so that my children and grandchildren would understand their roots.”
Matriarch: A Story of Strength, Struggle, and Survival
In her memoir Matriarch, Tina Knowles doesn’t just reflect on being the mother of two Grammy-winning powerhouses—she offers readers an honest portrayal of her upbringing in Galveston, Texas, her family’s generational hardships, and the lessons that shaped her as a woman, wife, and mother.
During the conversation, Knowles highlighted the importance of preserving family history and recognizing where you come from, not just for herself but for the generations that follow.
“We have to know our stories. That’s how you empower your children,” she told Obama, drawing a warm response from the audience.
She went on to say that one of her driving motivations was to ensure her daughters understood both the beauty and the pain embedded in their heritage—particularly in the face of fame, scrutiny, and the pressures that come with being Black women in the entertainment industry.
The True Role of a Matriarch: “I Had to Fight for Beyoncé and Solange”
Tina didn’t hold back when discussing the more difficult moments in her parenting journey. Known for her elegance and calm demeanor, she revealed that her protective instincts were fierce when it came to defending her children’s dreams and mental well-being.
“I would speak up. I would fight with people,” Knowles declared boldly. “I remember having to go toe-to-toe with light people, sound people, music producers… people who didn’t respect me or my daughters.”
She described herself as an unlikely warrior—a “country woman from Texas” with big hair, a Southern accent, and a whole lot of passion.
“People didn’t always take me seriously. I wasn’t loud. I wasn’t aggressive. But I was determined to protect my daughters at all costs.”
This statement drew applause from the audience, many of whom resonated with the image of a mother willing to challenge the system for the success and dignity of her children.
What Tina Learned From Her Own Mother
Knowles also opened up about her own mother and how those early lessons shaped her parenting philosophy. “I took the good from my mom, which was so many great things,” she said, “but I also made note of the areas where she didn’t do so well, and I made it a point to do better—especially when it came to protecting my kids.”
This balance of honoring her mother while evolving as a modern parent struck a chord, especially as the discussion steered into how generational trauma and cultural expectations impact Black motherhood.
Michelle Obama praised Knowles for her transparency and emotional honesty, calling the memoir “a powerful testimony to the strength of Black women.”
Beyoncé’s Tribute: “She Makes Me Proud Every Day”
Tina Knowles’ dedication and sacrifice have long been celebrated by her daughters. In a 2015 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Beyoncé shared how much she admired her mother’s work ethic and style.
“She had her own business, and I admired her so much. I thought she was so fly,” Beyoncé said. “I just always wanted to make her proud. And now, she makes me proud every single day.”
The sentiment rings especially true today, as Beyoncé continues to shine on a global scale, most recently bringing her mother on stage during her sold-out Cowboy Carter Tour. It was a symbolic gesture that reminded fans how deeply Tina Knowles is woven into her daughter’s legacy.
Tina’s Quiet Power in a Loud Industry
While the world knows Tina Knowles as a fashion mogul and the architect behind Destiny’s Child’s iconic early looks, few realize just how pivotal her behind-the-scenes influence has been. From managing logistics and defending her daughters from exploitation to setting an example of self-reliance and independence, Knowles’ imprint on the entertainment industry is undeniable.
Despite the challenges, she never lost her grace. “I wasn’t the loudest person in the room,” she said. “But I got things done. And my children knew I was always in their corner.”
This fierce loyalty has been a throughline in Beyoncé and Solange’s careers, both of whom have repeatedly credited their mother as their rock, their guide, and their fiercest advocate.
Mental Health, Fame, and the Cost of Silence
Another important theme that surfaced during the interview was mental health in Black families, especially under the microscope of fame. Tina Knowles revealed that it took years to realize the emotional toll fame had on her children—and herself.
“We’re told to be strong, to carry everything. But I learned the value of speaking up, even about mental health. Especially for our girls.”
The conversation resonated with Michelle Obama, who also advocates for mental health awareness, particularly among women of color.
Legacy, Love, and Looking Forward
As Tina Knowles continues her journey as an author, advocate, and mother, her story serves as both a memoir and a mirror—reflecting the dreams, fears, and victories of millions of women who’ve walked similar paths.
From her humble beginnings in Galveston to raising two of the most influential artists in the world, Tina Knowles is no longer just a behind-the-scenes force—she’s a matriarch in full view, using her voice to inspire, protect, and uplift generations.
???? “Being a mother is not about being perfect,” Knowles concluded. “It’s about being present. Being strong. Being there. That’s what I tried to do.”