Patti LaBelle is not just a musical icon; she is a symbol of resilience, love, and family. At 79 years old, this legendary singer has captivated audiences since the 1960s with her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. However, beyond her illustrious career, Patti's greatest pride lies in her role as a mother. With five children, four of whom are adopted, she has navigated the complexities of parenting while maintaining her status as the "Godmother of Soul." As she slowly steps back from public performances, she still finds time to celebrate her family's milestones, including a special appearance during Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper's New Year’s Eve Live special on CNN.
Through the years, Patti has faced challenges that many mothers relate to, including postpartum depression after giving birth to her only biological child, Zuri Kye Edwards. Despite her busy schedule, she has always prioritized her children's well-being and growth. Let’s delve into the lives of Patti's five children to understand how her nurturing spirit has shaped them into the individuals they are today.
In the following sections, we will explore each of Patti's children, highlighting their backgrounds, achievements, and the unique relationships they share with their famous mother. Join us as we uncover the stories of Zuri, Dodd, Stanley, William, and Stayce, each of whom has their own narrative intertwined with Patti's remarkable journey.
Table of Contents
Zuri Kye Edwards
Zuri Kye Edwards is Patti LaBelle's only biological child, born on July 17, 1973. His father is Patti's first husband, Armstead Edwards. Zuri's upbringing was marked by both challenges and blessings, as Patti openly shared her struggles with postpartum depression following his birth. Despite these hurdles, Zuri found his way into the family business by becoming his mother's manager, a role he has embraced wholeheartedly.
Patti has often expressed her pride in Zuri, especially as he has grown into a dedicated father to his three children: Gia, Leyla, and Zuri Kye Jr.. The bond between Patti and Zuri is strong, and she frequently shares moments from their lives together on social media, showcasing the love and support that defines their relationship.
Dodd-Stocker Edwards
Dodd-Stocker Edwards, along with his brother Stanley, was adopted by Patti in 1973, when she was married to Armstead. They were originally the children of Patti's deceased neighbor, whom she chose to take in. Dodd is known for founding PUMP Dog Performance Apparel in Philadelphia. His entrepreneurial spirit reflects the values that Patti instilled in her children: hard work and perseverance.
Throughout his life, Dodd has balanced his business ventures with family, often sharing insights on social media that highlight his connection to his mother and siblings. His journey emphasizes the importance of family support and the bonds that tie them together.
Stanley Stocker-Edwards
Stanley Stocker-Edwards, the older brother of Dodd, is a successful attorney based in Washington D.C. His academic achievements include attending Harvard Law School, where he briefly dated Michelle Obama. This impressive background showcases not only his intelligence but also the diverse paths that Patti's children have taken in life.
Stanley's commitment to his career and the values he learned from his mother are evident in his professional demeanor. He often reflects on the influence of Patti's nurturing nature in shaping his character and ambitions.
William Holte
William Holte, along with his sister Stayce, was adopted by Patti after the passing of their mother, who was Patti's younger sister, Jackie Holte. William’s life has made headlines, particularly for his connections to political figures. He exemplifies how family bonds can lead to impactful lives and careers.
Despite the challenges he faced growing up, William has remained close to his family, often participating in events that celebrate their achievements and contributions to society. His journey emphasizes the importance of resilience and family unity.
Stayce Holte
Stayce Holte is the youngest of Patti's children and has pursued a path focused on community and unity. She reportedly owns the Stacey Holte Love Conglomerate, an organization dedicated to promoting harmony among diverse groups of people. Her work reflects the values that Patti has always championed: love, acceptance, and togetherness.
Although Stayce has stayed out of the limelight compared to her siblings, her contributions to society highlight the varied ways in which Patti's children continue her legacy of compassion and support for others.
