Ms. Tina Knowles’ memoir “Matriarch” is more than a title, it’s who she is.
She embodies every sense of the word as a mother, grandmother, mentor, extraordinary designer, philanthropist and best-selling author.
Beyoncé wasn’t kidding when she famously declared her mom a “Savage” on the 2020 “Savage Remix” with Megan Thee Stallion.
And the accolades don’t stop there.
Just last week she was honored with the Elizabeth Taylor Commitment to End AIDS Award.
While she called the gala “a beautiful night,” it was an emotional one. Years ago, she lost her nephew Johnny, known as Uncle Johnny to her daughters Beyoncé and Solange, due to complications from HIV.
“He just missed the treatment by a year,” she explained to KTLA 5’s Melvin Robert. “I read the timeline, and I was reminded of the work, the diligence that Elizabeth Taylor had in bringing that to the forefront… and calling out presidents, and she was just so bold, and it was a good reminder.”
Knowles said she cried looking back at that timeline because it “brought back the memories of that time.”
In 2022, Uncle Johnny became a household name for the Beyhive with Beyoncé referencing him numerous times on her album “Renaissance.” She dedicated the project to him, crediting him for introducing her to house music as a young girl.
“Johnny got famous. He always felt like he deserved to be famous,” Knowles said with a giant smile.
The former hair salon owner opened up about her close bond with Johnny and her other family members in her memoir. She often refers her book as”her friend” because she “takes her everywhere.”
Her memoir touches on her upbringing in Galveston, Texas, her first marriage to Mathew Knowles, and their daughters, among other things. A major point she focuses on is belonging. Her commitment to making people feel like they belonged stemmed from incidents she experienced as a young girl at her private Catholic school.
“I found out later that my parents were bartering for me to go to school there, so they reminded me every day that I didn’t belong there and that I should be so grateful to be there,” she explained. “So that’s kind of my pet peeve, is when people make people feel like they don’t belong in certain spaces. Because I believe that you belong in any space that you choose to be.”
While her life now is something she could’ve never imagined as a young girl living in that coastal Texas town, she doesn’t forget where she comes from.
“It doesn’t matter where you came from, because I started with very, very humble beginnings, but it’s about where you’re going and how you get there, and how you treat the people on the way to getting where you go.”
In addition to her two biological daughters, she considers her niece Angie Beyince and close family friend Kelly Rowland as her own as well. Being one of the most famous matriarchs in the world, she does come with some sage advice.
“Be at home, wherever you choose to be, and whatever you want to do in life, give it just 1,000%” she revealed. “Nothing is promised or given to any of us; we’ve got to go and get it!”
Knowles is definitely getting it.
Her memoir is a #1 New York Times Bestseller and was Oprah’s Book Club Pick. But, don’t think she’s putting down the pen anytime soon.
“I love writing, so I’m working on another book, and I think that’s become my passion,” she said.
The inspiration for her next project came from being on social media. No, it’s not corny jokes.
“I do these things on Instagram where I see a picture… and I’ll say, ‘Oh, my God, I remember that night. We had two left shoes and she (Beyoncé) walked the red carpet with one.’ And it’s kind of behind-the-scenes stories, but then there’s a lesson in every one of them.”
“Matriarch” is available to purchase in-store and online now.
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