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Who Has Diana Ross Been Married To? The Men Who Became Important to the Music Legend

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud
Jun 06, 2022
12:20 P.M.

Diana Ross was a scene-stealer at a concert for Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebration. Besides her remarkable talent and style, the legendary singer is known for her colorful relationship history.

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Iconic musicians recently gathered to celebrate the 96-year-old Queen's 70th year on the British throne. Held outside Buckingham Palace, the concert featured the British rock band Queen, led by singer Adam Lambert, along with guitarists Brian May and Roger Taylor.

Music superstar Diana Ross also serenaded the audience and royal family members. But way before catching the world's attention at the royal event, Ross has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry whose life is an open book.

Diana Ross attends a Qatar Airways gala to celebrate their inaugural flights to NYC, on June 28, 2007, at the Frederick P. Rose Hall - Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

Diana Ross attends a Qatar Airways gala to celebrate their inaugural flights to NYC, on June 28, 2007, at the Frederick P. Rose Hall - Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

WHO WAS DIANA ROSS BEEN MARRIED TO?

Diana, a Mowtown legend, may be iconic for her powerful on-stage presence and chart-topping songs, but she's also known for having a unique family set-up, a product of her three previous relationships.

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Currently single, Diana previously tied the knot with music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein and Danish businessman Arne Næss. Diana also had previous romances with Motown CEO Berry Gordy and Kiss bassist Gene Simmons.

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Diana began dating Berry in 1965, while she was still a member of The Supremes. During their relationship, the couple shared a nickname, "Black." Berry revealed the reason behind the nicknames they gave each other at the time:

"'Black' was considered a negative word in the '60s among the people we knew. This was before Black was beautiful … I said, 'A word is a word, and I want 'Black' to mean love.' Diana called me 'Black,' and I called her 'Black.' We wanted people to be proud of being Black."

However, Berry and Diana, who shared one child, decided to part ways after several years of dating. Berry cited professional work as the reason behind their split.

Berry Gordy attends the 18th Annual Debbie Allen Dance Academy Fall Soiree Fundraising Celebration at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on November 1, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Berry Gordy attends the 18th Annual Debbie Allen Dance Academy Fall Soiree Fundraising Celebration at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on November 1, 2018, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Berry admitted that he was in love with Diana's career more than her. He felt more devoted to the goal of helping her become the biggest star in the entertainment industry rather than to their relationship.

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Shortly after breaking up with Berry, Diana found love the second time around – with her first husband, Robert Ellis Silberstein, whom the icon referred to as "all the fantasy things you think of in a husband."

In 1971, the "Endless Love" hitmaker exchanged vows with Robert. The couple shared an enormous success during their marriage, both in their careers and their personal roles as parents of two children.

Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein attend the 46th Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on April 2, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein attend the 46th Academy Awards at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion on April 2, 1974, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

Unfortunately, Diana and Robert went through a relationship crisis until they divorced in 1977. Years later, the renowned singer returned to dating life and met Gene, one of the iconic members of the band Kiss.

Gene and Diane were among the industry's most famous couples. Diana made Gene reassess his rockstar lifestyle because when the couple began dating, the rock icon considered having children in the future.

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However, Gene and Diane's relationship ended in 1984. While Gene married Shannon Tweed, the "Upside Down" singer found another chance at love and married her second and last husband, Arne, a Danish shipping magnate, in 1985.

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Sadly, in 2000, Diana became a widow after Arne tragically died in a mountaineering accident in South Africa. Arne– who shared two children with Diana– was 66.

Diana Ross is pictured with her multi-millionaire husband Arne Næss, Jr. on September 25, 1986. | Source: Getty Images

Diana Ross is pictured with her multi-millionaire husband Arne Næss, Jr. on September 25, 1986. | Source: Getty Images

HOW MANY CHILDREN DOES DIANA ROSS HAVE?

Diana is not only a music icon, but she is also a beloved mother to five children. She shares her eldest daughter Rhonda Ross Kendrick with Berry.

She is also a proud mother to daughters Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross, whom she shares with her first husband, Robert. She expanded her family with the birth of her children Evan Ross and Ross Næss during her marriage to Arne.

Born on August 14, 1971, and raised by Diana and Robert, Rhonda was 13 years old when she found out that Berry was her biological father. She followed in her famous mom's footsteps, becoming a singer-songwriter and actress.

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Rhonda had acting roles in quite a few movies, including "Crackdown Big City Blues" (2018), "Girlfriends" (2000), and "Personals" (1999). As for her music career, Rhonda has two albums under her belt: "Rhonda Ross Live" (2002) and "In Case You Didn't Know" (2016).

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Tracee, born on October 29, 1972, became a household name for her role in the hit comedy series Black-ish, which earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe.

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Tracee is also famous for her roles in "Mixed-ish," "Girlfriends," "Portlandia," "Reed Between the Lines," "In the Weeds," and "Private Practice." Beyond her career, Tracee has not tied the knot with anyone.

Diana gave birth to Chudney on November 4, 1975. Like her older siblings, Chudney also followed her famous mother's footsteps. But, instead of facing the camera, she worked behind the scenes as a TV producer.

Born on October 7, 1987, Ross entered the entertainment industry like his mother and siblings. He is an actor, producer, and businessman.

The youngest of Diana's children, Evan, came along on August 26, 1988. Also an entertainer, he appeared in "ATL," "According to Greta," "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay," and "Star."/

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