Ciara's Parents: Facts about Carlton & Jackie Harris Who Were Married for 33 Years before Divorcing
Cara's parents, Carlton and Jackie Harris, were the singer's biggest role models when she went out looking for real love. And it once seemed like they would be married forever until they were not.
When Ciara was growing up, the family did not have a stable home, as they constantly moved. Carlton's career in the United States Army necessitated the nomadic life, which required them to move to different army bases. Some places they live in include Nevada, Utah, California, New York, Arizona, and Germany.
The Harris family eventually settled in Riverdale, Georgia, when Ciara was in her teenage years. At that stage, things became very stable for the family. Hence, it never occurred to their daughter that her parents would ever decide to break up.
Jackie and Carlton Harris during Ciara Recieves Keys to Hometown of Riverdale at Riverdale High School in Riverdale, Georgia on October 19, 2006 | Source: Getty Images
Ciara's Parents Left the Singer Devastated after Deciding to Part Ways
Ciara's parents had been married for 33 years before they went their separate ways around the same time Ciara began dating their son-in-law Russell Wilson. Ciara and Wilson began dating in early 2015.
It was an eye-opening experience for their daughter when Carlton and Jackie decided to split. She had always believed that people with kids would stay together forever. But when her parents did not last forever, she felt dejected, and the experience was a reality check for her.
Although they divorced around 2015, it was only in 2019 that the singer publicly confirmed her parent's divorce during an interview with Ru Paul. She added that they had already moved on and married different people.
Jackie Harris Was the Main Inspirational behind the Singer's 6th Studio Album
In 2013, it was announced that Ciara had begun working on her sixth studio album. The album, completed in 2015, was named "Jackie" in tribute to her mother. The album was released on Jackie's birthday. It was meant to show her gratitude for her mother. Ciara commented about the album, saying:
“[It’s] just a really special song to me, and a timeless song for me, will forever have great meaning for me, because again, it’s the feeling that I think we have as a mother’s love. The mother’s love is real and there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for your little one."
In 2019, Jackie made a rare public appearance at the VH1 Mother's Day Extravaganza. She had accompanied her daughter and mother. The trio dazzled the red carpet with their gorgeous outfits and the history of three generations of their family in the spotlight.
Gladys Stewart, Ciara, and Jackie Harris at the VH1's Annual "Dear Mama: A Love Letter To Mom" at The Theatre at Ace Hotel in Los Angeles, California on May 2, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Carlton Harris Is Often Spoiled by Her Daughter with Lots of Love and Lavish Gifts
Ciara has always had a good relationship with her parents, which has not changed even after their divorce. The "Goodies" singer's parents continue to be her happy place, as seen in how she treats them.
Ciara is married to NFL star quarterback, Russell Wilson.
Carlton Harris and Ciara have a special bond. She even calls herself dad's mini-me. On one of his birthdays, Ciara spoiled her father with a luxurious helicopter ride. Their unique relationship was also on show at a Seattle Seahawks party, where Ciara posted a video of her and her father dancing to an LL Cool J song.
Jackie and Carlton Harris' Influence on Their Daughter
Ciara's parents have played a significant role in their daughter's life, especially in her personal life. Her strong relationship with her father made her look for something similar in the person she would marry. During an interview in 2021, Ciara described her husband saying:
"He's a 100% or nothing kind of guy, and he's 100% in everything. I always tell him he's my greatest inspiration because he really is that guy ... he's about making the best of life in every way, and I really admire that about him."
Carlton Harris and Jackie Harris arrive on The Red Carpet for Ciara's 22nd Birthday Tour at The Velvet Room, Atlanta Georgia on October 28, 2007 | Source: Getty Images
Ciara is married to NFL star quarterback Russell Wilson. The player has formed a great bond with Ciara's son, Future Zahir Wilburn, from her past relationships with Future. In addition, Ciara also acknowledges her husband's well-rounded parenting skills to their son and daughter, Win Harrison and Sienna Princess.
To end, although Ciara was devastated about her parent's separation, her relationship with both parents has remained the same as before the divorce. The singer is happy that they are comfortable with their new lives with their partners. Her parents are still her happy pills.