the world. And now I know I don’t have to.
Jack and Kelly, you have overcome drugs and drinking, and Aimee, you’re pursuing your dreams. I’m so proud that you’ve all become such good, levelheaded people who care what goes on in the world. Success doesn’t mean shit to me. This entertainment industry doesn’t mean anything to me. If you do well and you’re strong—that’s what makes me feel happy, that’s what makes me feel great.
Being your mom has made me a well-rounded person. It’s made me not as selfish, and not as motivated when it comes to the competitiveness I had in the industry. It gave me a different outlook on life that it’s not about winning or being number one. Raising a child is the most important thing you can ever do.
It’s the hardest thing in the world, to be a hands-on mother and sustain a career. You cannot do it without having endless guilt.
When I think of you all, my heart just melts. People come into my home and they say it’s like a time capsule. Everything is covered in pictures and notes and paintings that I have framed. Every gift you ever gave me I still have, and they are most treasured. Necklaces and paintings and hearts for Mother’s Day and all those drawings, I have them framed everywhere. They are my family jewels.
Osbourne is a host of CBS’ The Talk
“Do What You Love”
To Bailey Jean, Beckett, Johnnie Rose and Miller Steven
It’s momma. I want to take time, this Mother’s Day, to tell you how much gratitude I have for you. ‘Cause you know what, I didn’t expect to be a mom. But being a mom was not what I expected.
It has been the most rewarding thing I have done in my life, to watch you four come into this world and grow and grow and learn and love and share this life with me. It has been one of my greatest, greatest joys. I’m so proud of the force with which each of you live your lives. You are meeting life head on, on your own terms, and I just wouldn’t have it any other way.
Of course, as I write this, I’m on the road. I’m doing what I love, and if there’s anything I can give you in this life, it’s the desire to do what you love, to go out there in the world and live life to the fullest. I hope you see that the only thing that would take me away from you is what I love to do. I hope you find that sort of joy in your work, too.
I will be home this Mother’s Day, so I am expecting lots of hugs and kisses. Happy Mother’s Day from a very grateful mother.
Etheridge is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
“You Have Been Such a Blessing to Me”
To Beyoncé, Solange, Kelly and Angie
When I was asked to write an open letter to you, I thought about the hundreds of texts and emails that I have sent to you on holidays and on Sundays, when I ask you to say a prayer to thank God for each other. Every day, I wake up thinking about how much I love, admire and cherish each of you.
I gave birth to two of you, but I have four incredible daughters. Writing this brought to mind all the ways you guys have been such a blessing to me.
When I’m feeling sad or not-so-cute or maybe a little sorry for myself, and you all include me in your group chat and tell me how hot I still look or how cool I am. Maybe you send me a crazy YouTube video. What actually works best is a cute photo of my grandchildren.
I remember slumber parties after my divorce, when we watched old movies and ate a lot of ice cream. I felt so loved and supported. The roles were reversed, and it was ME who needed nurturing.
I remember my first date when every one of you weighed in on what I should wear.
The obvious things about all of you are apparent. You are all strong, beautiful, intelligent and smart businesswomen. You are so much more than that. You are all kind, generous and you treat people well. You are all amazing mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends. All of you have total self-respect.
Beyoncé, I wish people could see how you are when you’re not in front of the camera or on the stage. How compassionate and kind you are to people, how you look them right in the eye when you speak to them. How hard you work, how generous you are with your time and money. How you don’t care if anyone knows about it because you do it from the heart. I wish they could see you with the Make-A-Wish Foundation kids, how patient you are and how your love has helped to extend lives. Yes, you are a huge star, but you have somehow managed to stay grounded and humble in the wake of all your success.
Solange, I knew when you were born three days late that you would walk to the beat of your own drum. You were always my rebel warrior! Always defending the underdog and fighting for what you believe in. I remember you, at 10 years old, started a petition to remove a bad teacher, and your dad and I were so proud of you. I love that you do not let others define who you are, or what you are. Whether in your music, fashion or your life, you truly are your own incredible, unapologetic person! As tough as you are, you will drop everything to
