Rita Marley, the wife of the legendary reggae musician Bob Marley, has been instrumental in keeping his legacy alive. Born Alfarita “Rita” Constantia Anderson in Santiago, Cuba, Rita moved to Kingston, Jamaica, at a young age and was raised by her aunt after her parents separated.
She met Bob Marley in a recording studio, and the two were drawn to each other, eventually marrying in 1966.
Early Life and Music Career
Rita grew up singing in church and later joined a vocal group called The Soulettes. While performing with The Soulettes, Rita was coached by Bob Marley, who was a member of another group called the Wailing Wailers.
The two began a romantic relationship, and Rita eventually became one of Bob’s backup singers. Rita has had immense success as a reggae artist, both with her group the I-Threes and as a solo artist.
She has produced several solo albums, including Who Feels It Knows It, Harambe, Spectacle For Tribuffalos, and the Grammy-nominated We Must Carry On.
Marriage and Family
Rita and Bob married in 1966 and had three children together: Cedella, David (also known as Ziggy), and Stephen. Rita also had three children from previous relationships: Sharon, Stephanie, and Serita.
Sharon, Cedella, Ziggy, and Stephen followed in their parent’s footsteps and formed the Reggae group Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers in 1979. Rita has several grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
Philanthropic Efforts
In 2014, Rita founded The Rita Marley Foundation, which aims to “alleviate poverty and champion female empowerment in Jamaica and Ghana.” The organization provides education, healthcare, elderly care, and entrepreneurial empowerment for women and children in Ghana and Jamaica.
Preserving Bob Marley’s Legacy
After Bob’s death in 1981, Rita began working to preserve his legacy for the world. In 1986, Rita transformed his home in Kingston, Jamaica, into the Bob Marley Museum and the home of Tuff Gong Studios.
Rita is also the founder and chairperson of the Bob Marley Foundation, which aims to “preserve the spiritual, cultural, social, and musical ideals that guided and inspired Bob Marley throughout his life.”
Rita has also expanded the Marley family empire to include several merch lines, record stores, and even a line of “functional mushrooms.”
Family Praise
Rita’s children have praised her for her efforts in preserving Bob’s legacy. Ziggy has referred to Rita as “the backbone of everything” and “my strength.” Cedella has also spoken highly of her mother, saying that Rita “had to grow a very broad back to take on responsibilities she wasn’t prepared for” after Bob’s death.
FAQs
Where was Rita Marley born?
Rita Marley was born in Santiago, Cuba.
How many children does Rita Marley have?
Rita Marley has six children: Sharon, Cedella, David (Ziggy), Stephen, Stephanie, and Serita.
What is the name of Rita Marley’s foundation?
The Rita Marley Foundation aims to “alleviate poverty and champion female empowerment in Jamaica and Ghana.”
What is Rita Marley’s role in the Marley family empire?
Rita Marley is the founder and chairperson of the Bob Marley Foundation and has expanded the Marley family empire through various business ventures.