John Legend Mourns the Loss of His Grandmother Marjorie Stephens in a Heartbreaking Tribute

John Legend mourns the death of his 91-year-old grandmother Marjorie Maxine Stephens in a touching tribute he posted to his Instagram page.

The 42-year-old singer John Legend posted a heartbreaking tribute after the loss of his grandmother. Marjorie Stephens died days after her 91st birthday.

Legend posted three photos that showcased his loving grandma with her grandchildren and cooking, all in honor of the wonderful life with his lengthy caption.

GRANDMA MAJORIE

Legend's grandmother was known for always doing more than was expected of her when it came to her family. The 91-year-old attended her grandson's first Grammy Awards and shared the special moment with him.

The "All of You" singer paid tribute to Stephens' impact on her loved ones' lives as she specially touched each of them. Legend remembered his grandmother saying:

"We are the family we are, the individuals we are because of the love she poured into us."

GREAT-GRANDCHILDREN

Stephens was not only a grandmother but also a great-grandmother. She met Legend's two children and saw them grow up into the young kids they are today.

[Legend] finds the lack of representation for children like his to be problematic.

When the great-grandmother met Luna Simone, Legend and his wife Chrissy Teigen's first child, it was an extraordinary moment. Luna was introduced to her great-grandmother and grandfather at the same time.

FAMILY HERITAGE

Legend and Teigen have been open about emphasizing their children's broad family heritage. Their daughter Luna and son Miles are interracial, and their parents have been sure to instill a sense of belonging and love whilst raising them.

Having black, white, and Thai grandparents have allowed for a mixture of cultures to influence how they are raised. Incorporating food from all cultures has been a way to introduce them to their background. Elaborating, Legend said:

We’ve definitely got an interesting cultural mix for my kids to kind of experience from all their grandparents and aunts and uncles but I feel like it’s gone so well.

THE PROBLEM OF REPRESENTATION

Although Teigen and Legend have managed the interracial side of their kids' upbringing well so far, the "Sexiest Man Alive" does find the lack of representation for children like his to be problematic.

Legend's problem lies with most fairytales and children's fantasy shows centered around white girls with straight hair, unlike his daughter, showing that there aren't enough stories to showcase black or mixed-race characters.

Legend's grandmother evidently played a major role in how he perceives life, raises his children and pursues his dream. The loss of their matriarch will surely be felt.

Stephens's death leaves a gap for the next generation of strong women to fill, and Legend and Teigen are raising their daughter to be capable of filling the big shoes left to her.