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Patti Labelle and Zuri Edwards | Source: Getty Images
Patti Labelle and Zuri Edwards | Source: Getty Images

Patti Labelle Adopted Four Kids & Has One Biological Son Who Became Her Manager

Milla Sigaba
Jun 28, 2023
09:45 A.M.

Although Patti Labelle only gave birth to one child, the legendary R&B singer prides herself on being a mother to five children. She adopted two sons during her only marriage and later took in her late sister's children.

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While Patti Labelle is commonly known for her talent in front of the microphone and for hits such as "Lady Marmalade," "On My Own," and "If Only You Knew," the singer's other great pride is motherhood.

Patti Labelle welcomed her only biological son — with whom she shares a close relationship — during her only marriage. However, she and her then-husband adopted two more sons while they were together, and she later adopted her sister's children after they lost their mother.

Patti Labelle, her son Zuri Edwards and her ex-husband Armstead Edwards at the premiere of the series "Out All Night" on September 11, 1992, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Patti Labelle, her son Zuri Edwards and her ex-husband Armstead Edwards at the premiere of the series "Out All Night" on September 11, 1992, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

One of Patti Labelle's Greatest Memories Is When She Welcomed Her Biological Son, Zuri Kye Edwards

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During her 31-year marriage to her ex-husband, Armstead Edwards, Patti welcomed her son, Zuri Kye Edwards, and said his birth was one of her fondest memories. The singer shared:

"The memory of having my son was amazing. I was the oldest lady in the maternity ward! The girls were teenagers, and I was 29. I said, 'Lord, will I ever walk again?' It was a scary moment, giving birth, but such a wonderful outcome!"

Zuri has since grown up to become his mother's manager. And while his famous mom revealed that they often fought because of his unfiltered honesty, the singer knew she was in good hands.

Patti Labelle and her son Zuri Edwards at her 70th birthday celebration on June 30, 2014, in Millburn, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

Patti Labelle and her son Zuri Edwards at her 70th birthday celebration on June 30, 2014, in Millburn, New Jersey. | Source: Getty Images

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One of Patti Labelle's Children Dated Michelle Obama in Law School

The two sons Patti adopted during her marriage to Armstead were Dodd and Stanley Stocker-Edwards. After studying at the University of North Texas, Dodd pursued a career as a General Manager of Philadelphia Sports Clubs and a Director of Marketing at Global Cure CBD Wellness Centers.

However, he currently serves as the re-founder of PUMP DOG Performance Apparel, a premium athletic apparel and gear company founded in 1996.

While Stanley is not constantly in the spotlight, in the 2015 authorized biography, "Michelle Obama: A Life" by Peter Slevin, it was revealed that Michelle Obama dated him during Law school. However, their relationship did not last, as she mentioned that her family told her she would never find a man who would put up with her.

Patti Labelle with Dodd Stocker-Edwards and her sister Jackie Holte at the Music Hall of fame 20th anniversary celebration on May 11, 1989. | Source: Getty Images

Patti Labelle with Dodd Stocker-Edwards and her sister Jackie Holte at the Music Hall of fame 20th anniversary celebration on May 11, 1989. | Source: Getty Images

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Patti Labelle's Adopted Son, William Holte, Was Involved in an Online Controversy

Over thirty years ago, Patti's sister, Jackie Holte, died after a battle with cancer. Following Jackie's death, Patti took in her son, William Holte. He led a life out of the spotlight for a few years.

However, in 2020, he found himself in a politically-charge scandal on Twitter that later saw his famous aunt's name dragged through the mud. However, Patti said:

"Guess what? I didn't choose my family. I choose my friends. I love Billy. He has a Republican mind. And guess what? I don't. But do I hate him for having the mind that he has? No, I can't."

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Patti Labelle's Only 'Daughter' Is Her Niece

In May 2022, Patti Labelle turned to Instagram to celebrate her "daughter" Stayce Holte on her birthday. However, Stayce is Patti's niece, as she is the second of Jackie's children the singer took in.

In 2020, Stayce honored her late mother's birthday and revealed, in part, "You would think that it would be easy after 31 birthdays without you but...NOPE!! I miss EVERYTHING about you."

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