Quincy Jones had always cherished being a father, calling it “one of the greatest blessings.” He was even more grateful knowing his children could stand up to him when necessary. Here’s a glimpse at his diverse family and how they look today.
Iconic record producer Quincy Jones has recently passed away, leaving behind his legacy and seven children. The celebrated songwriter welcomed his kids with five different women, each from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Known for his immense pride in his family, Quincy often spoke about the talents his children possessed and how deeply proud he was of each of them. Married three times and involved with women of various backgrounds, he addressed public perceptions in an interview with Oprah Winfrey once.
When she commented on the assumption that he only dated white women, Jones replied, “I have been with every kind of woman of every nationality,” adding that he wouldn’t limit himself based on race or location.
For him, interracial relationships had always been “a way of saying ‘Nobody can put a boundary around me,'” a mindset he carried proudly throughout his life.
With these women, Quincy embraced fatherhood, ultimately raising six daughters and one son. In a touching Father’s Day post from June 2018, he reflected on the joy and responsibility of being a father.
“Never underestimate your role in your kid’s lives…I learned that a bit later in my life, but I’m so glad I finally figured it out because being a father is hands down one of the greatest blessings!!”
The family patriarch also recalled his own father’s words, reminding him that “once a task has just begun, never leave it ’til it’s done, be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all,” a motto that deeply influenced Quincy’s dedication to his work.
Reflecting on his father’s strength in supporting the family through the hardships of the Great Depression, the veteran star noted the beauty in looking back on old photographs, saying they reminded him of his parent’s unwavering love and commitment.
He urged other fathers to actively shape their relationships with their children, emphasizing that it’s never too late to begin. Quincy’s journey through life was filled with lessons, but he never walked it alone.
His daughters, whom he adored and respected, were always there to support him—even when that meant holding him accountable.
Reflecting on a family “intervention” once, Quincy expressed his gratitude, saying, “I’m so grateful for my daughters because they aren’t scared to stand up to their daddy. I am an imperfect human & I’m not afraid to say it.”
The Chicago native admitted that his long and eventful life had sometimes stirred misunderstandings and public controversies. With the honest support of his daughters, Quincy recognized that even at 85, he was still growing.
Through the highs and lows, the award-winning musician found his greatest source of strength and growth within his family.
Jolie Jones
His eldest daughter, Jolie Jones, born on October 4, 1953, marked the beginning of his journey into fatherhood. He welcomed Jolie with his high school sweetheart and first wife, Jeri Caldwell, whom he married in 1956 and later divorced in 1966.
Jolie, now a dedicated health advocate, has struggled with Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity (EHS), a condition she describes as “debilitating” on her website. This experience drives her mission to raise awareness, saying she feels “the responsibility to open up a dialog” about the issue.
Jolie, 69, stresses the urgency of addressing health risks linked to wireless devices, citing “undeniable” evidence from new research on the dangers of exposure to radiofrequency waves from cellphones, wifi, and similar technology.
Moreover, her love for family shines through in all she does, as on Mother’s Day in May 2024, she honored her mother with a heartfelt Instagram tribute.
Jolie shared a touching montage of childhood photos with her mother and father, captioning it, “Miss you Mommykins. I miss you most of all my darling when autumn leaves start to fall.”
Jolie Jones is Quincy Jones’ eldest child. | Source: Getty Images
Jolie Jones is a health advocate who struggles from hypersensitivity. | Source: Getty Images
Jolie’s touching tribute to her mother showcased her deep family ties, a theme that resonates throughout the Jones family. Quincy’s bond with each of his kids was evident in the way he celebrated them, including his second daughter, Rachel Jones, 59, whom he welcomed with dancer Carol Reynolds on July 23, 1963, following a brief affair.
In July 2021, the “Just Once” hitmaker honored Rachel’s birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post, sharing a photo of the two and writing, “Happy Happy Birthday to my sweet daughter Rachel @drmarinavet <3 !!! Thank U for your love & light…We all know this world needs more of it!”
A mother herself, Rachel, who is a veterinarian, celebrated her own family on Mother’s Day in 2022. She posted a photo of her son and daughter, expressing her gratitude with the words, “This day would be meaningless without these special souls in my life.”
Martina Jones
Quincy welcomed another daughter Martina Jones, 57, with Swedish model Ulla Andersson on November 1, 1966. The couple married in 1967.
When her parents separated in 1974, Martina moved to Sweden with her mother and pursued modeling, much like her. Now a photographer, Martina shares her work and travels with her Instagram followers, though she keeps her personal life largely private.
Quincy’s only son, Quincy Jones III, born on December 23, 1968, followed his father into the music world, achieving early success as a rapper and producer. He went on to work with major artists like Tupac and Ice Cube and scored soundtracks for iconic films, including “Menace II Society and Office Space.”
His TV work earned him an ASCAP award for “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and an Emmy nomination for “The PJs.” Alongside his thriving career, Quincy III, 55, is a devoted father to his daughter, lovingly calling her his “Sweet Angel.”
Quincy’s marriage to Peggy Lipton brought him two beloved daughters, including Kidada Jones, 50, born on March 22, 1974. Growing up in Bel Air among celebrities, Kidada faced identity struggles due to her mixed heritage and was expelled from multiple schools as she struggled to fit in.
After her mom’s passing Kidada’s father expressed his deep sorrow, describing her as his “beloved” wife and the mother of their “incredible daughters.” Kidada and her sister Rashida honored their mother’s memory by encouraging donations to Seasons Hospice.
Quincy Jones welcomed his daughter Kadida Jones with his third wife, Peggy Lipton. | Source: Getty Images
Kadida Jones grew up around well-known celebrities in Bel Air. | Source: Getty Images
However, Kadida Jones, who is mixed race, struggled with identity issues as a child and found it challenging to fit in. | Source: Getty Images
Consequently, Kadida Jones was expelled from multiple schools because she had a hard time trying to fit in. | Source: Getty Images
Rashida Jones
Quincy and Peggy’s youngest daughter is Rashida Jones, born on February 25, 1976. She became a successful actress, known for roles in “The Office,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “Angie Tribeca,” as well as films like “I Love You, Man” and “The Social Network.”
She also co-wrote and produced “Toy Story 4.” In 2018, Rashida, 48, directed “Quincy,” a Grammy-winning documentary about her father, which she felt was a “destiny” she had to fulfill. In addition, Rashida is a mother, having welcomed a son with musician Ezra Koenig in September 2018.
Rashida Jones is Quincy Jones and Peggy Lipton’s youngest daughter. | Source: Getty Images
Rashida Jones forged her own path in the acting business, having appeared in several popular films and TV shows. | Source: Getty Images
Rashida Jones has also co-wrote and produced “Toy Story 4.” | Source: Getty Images
Rashida Jones also directed a documentary about her father which won a Grammy Award. | Source: Getty Images
Apart from her success, she is also a mother. | Source: Getty Images
After his relationship with Peggy, Quincy entered a new chapter with German actress and model Nastassja Kinski. Together, they welcomed their only child, Kenya Kinski-Jones, on February 9, 1993, before parting ways a few years later.
Kenya has carved out her own path in the modeling world, securing notable projects, including a campaign with Nasty Gal in 2018. Fast forward to April 2024, she shared a heartfelt Instagram tribute to her mother, posting a nostalgic photo with the simple caption, “Ma,” honoring the close bond they share.
Kenya Kinski-Jones is Quincy Jones’ youngest child. | Source: Getty Images
Similarly to her older half-siblings, Kenya Kinski-Jones also joined showbiz as a model. | Source: Getty Images
Kenya’s modeling success and tribute to her mother showed the close family bonds Quincy valued. In March 2018, he shared a moving message of pride for his six daughters, calling them “brilliant, kind, creative, & perseverant.”
The family man admired their resilience in the face of challenges, acknowledging how they pushed forward despite external pressures. Quincy also extended his praise to all women who shape culture, honoring their strength and impact.
The multitalented music titan sadly passed away on November 3, 2024, at 91. According to his publicist, Arnold Robinson, Quincy died peacefully at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by family.
In a heartfelt statement, his loved ones shared, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Quincy Jones leaves behind a legacy that transformed music and inspired generations, his influence felt across genres and borders. Though he is gone, his extraordinary spirit and contributions will continue to resonate, reminding the world of his unmatched talent and vision.
