Diana Ross is an American singer, actress and music icon best known as the former lead singer of The Supremes and for her highly successful solo career. She became one of Motown’s defining stars and later built a career spanning pop, R&B, disco, film and live entertainment.
Born on March 26, 1944, Ross is 82 years old as of 2026. More than six decades after beginning her career, she remains an active performer and one of the most recognisable figures in popular music.
Quick Facts About Diana Ross
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diana Ernestine Earle Ross |
| Popular Name | Diana Ross |
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1944 |
| Age | 82 years old |
| Birthplace | Detroit, Michigan, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Singer and actress |
| Years Active | 1959–present |
| Former Group | The Supremes |
| Children | Five |
| Marriages | Two |
| First Husband | Robert Ellis Silberstein |
| Second Husband | Arne Næss Jr. |
| Famous Songs | I’m Coming Out, Upside Down, Endless Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough |
| Estimated Net Worth | About $250 million |
Diana Ross Early Life and Family
Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan. Her parents were Fred Ross Sr. and Ernestine Moten Ross.
She grew up in Detroit with her siblings and developed an interest in music during her teenage years. Ross attended Cass Technical High School, where she originally studied subjects connected with fashion and design.
However, music soon became the central focus of her life. During her teenage years, she joined a vocal group known as The Primettes, which eventually became one of the most successful female groups in music history.
Diana Ross Education
Ross attended Cass Technical High School in Detroit. She graduated in 1962, around the same period her music career was beginning to gain momentum.
Although she did not pursue a traditional university degree, her teenage years were heavily shaped by both education and professional music opportunities. The rapid success of The Supremes soon turned entertainment into her full-time career.
Diana Ross and The Supremes
Diana Ross began her professional rise as part of The Supremes, alongside Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson. The group was originally called The Primettes before signing with Motown Records.
During the 1960s, The Supremes became one of Motown’s most important acts. Ross served as the group’s lead singer as they produced a long series of commercially successful recordings.
The Supremes achieved 12 number-one singles on the Billboard Hot 100, making them one of the most successful vocal groups in American chart history.
Their best-known songs include Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love and You Can’t Hurry Love. Their success also helped expand Motown’s influence among mainstream audiences.
The group was later billed as Diana Ross & The Supremes, reflecting Ross’s increasingly prominent role. She eventually left the group in 1970 to begin a solo career.
Diana Ross Solo Music Career
Ross released her self-titled debut solo album in 1970. Her version of Ain’t No Mountain High Enough became one of her earliest major solo hits.
She continued producing successful singles and albums throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Songs such as Upside Down, I’m Coming Out and Endless Love became enduring favourites.
Ross successfully moved between R&B, pop, soul and disco. This versatility helped her maintain commercial relevance long after leaving The Supremes.
Her collaboration with Lionel Richie on Endless Love became another major career milestone. The duet topped the U.S. charts and remains one of the best-known love songs of its era.
Diana Ross Acting Career
Diana Ross also established herself as an actress. Her most celebrated early film role came when she portrayed singer Billie Holiday in the 1972 film Lady Sings the Blues.
Her performance earned widespread acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The role demonstrated that her talents extended beyond recording and live performance.
Ross later starred in films including Mahogany and The Wiz. Her work in film helped strengthen her status as a broader entertainment figure rather than only a recording artist.
Diana Ross Awards and Achievements
Diana Ross has received numerous honours throughout her career. Her influence extends across music, film, fashion and popular culture.
She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016, one of the highest civilian honours in the United States.
Ross has also received major lifetime achievement honours and recognition connected with her work both as a solo performer and as a member of The Supremes.
The Supremes were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988. Ross’s career has continued to be celebrated through awards, tribute performances and major cultural events.
Diana Ross Husbands and Personal Life
Diana Ross has been married twice.
She married music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein in 1971. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1977.
Ross later married Norwegian businessman and mountaineer Arne Næss Jr. in 1986. They remained married until their divorce in 2000.
Næss died in 2004 following a mountain-climbing accident in South Africa.
Ross has remained unmarried since her second divorce and has frequently spoken about the importance of family in her life.
Diana Ross Children
Diana Ross has five children.
Her eldest daughter is Rhonda Ross Kendrick, whose biological father is Motown founder Berry Gordy. Rhonda was raised by Robert Ellis Silberstein during Ross’s first marriage.
Ross and Silberstein also had two daughters together: Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross.
Tracee Ellis Ross became a successful actress and television personality, widely known for programmes including Girlfriends and Black-ish.
During her marriage to Arne Næss Jr., Diana Ross had two sons: Ross Arne Næss and Evan Ross.
Evan Ross also entered the entertainment industry as an actor and musician. Diana Ross is additionally a grandmother and remains closely connected with her extended family.
Diana Ross Net Worth and Earnings
Diana Ross’s net worth is estimated at approximately $250 million in 2026. However, celebrity wealth figures are estimates rather than official declarations of personal finances.
Most of Ross’s fortune has been built through her long music career. Her earnings have come from record sales, royalties, touring, live performances, acting and other entertainment ventures.
Her catalogue includes decades of commercially successful recordings both with The Supremes and as a solo performer. Continued touring and the lasting popularity of her music also contribute to her earning power.
Is Diana Ross Still Performing in 2026?
Yes. Diana Ross remains an active performer in 2026, more than 60 years after beginning her professional career.
She has continued performing live and scheduling international concert appearances. Her ability to remain active into her eighties reflects the unusual longevity of her career.
Her performances continue to draw audiences familiar with both her Supremes recordings and solo hits.
Diana Ross Legacy
The Diana Ross biography represents one of the longest and most influential careers in American popular music. She moved from a teenage vocal group in Detroit to international success with The Supremes before building an equally notable solo career.
At 82 years old, Ross remains an active entertainer in 2026. Her contributions to Motown, popular music, film and fashion have secured her place among the most important performers of her generation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Who is Diana Ross?
Diana Ross is an American singer and actress best known as the former lead singer of The Supremes. She later became a highly successful solo performer with hits including I’m Coming Out and Upside Down.
Q2: How old is Diana Ross in 2026?
Diana Ross is 82 years old in 2026. She was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan.
Q3: What is Diana Ross’s net worth in 2026?
Diana Ross’s estimated net worth is approximately $250 million. Her wealth mainly comes from music royalties, record sales, touring, acting and decades of live performances.
Q4: How many children does Diana Ross have?
Diana Ross has five children: Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, Ross Arne Næss and Evan Ross. Several of her children have also built careers in entertainment and business.
Q5: Who was Diana Ross married to?
Diana Ross has been married twice. Her first husband was Robert Ellis Silberstein, while her second husband was Norwegian businessman Arne Næss Jr.
Q6: Was Diana Ross a member of The Supremes?
Yes. Diana Ross was the lead singer of The Supremes, one of Motown’s most successful groups. She left the group in 1970 to pursue her solo career.
Q7: Is Diana Ross still alive and performing?
Yes. Diana Ross is alive and continues to perform in 2026. She remains active with concerts and international appearances at the age of 82.
