- Robert Ellis Silberstein, 78, was only married to the music icon, Diana Ross for six years in the 1970s
- He fathered three of Diana Ross’ children: Tracee, Chudney and Rhonda
- Ever since his marriage ended, Robert Ellis has not been romantically linked with anyone but his ex-wife remarried and divorced again
Robert Ellis Silberstein has made a name for himself in the entertainment industry as a music executive. Also he has always been in the news for his shortlived marriage with the popular singer and record producer, Diana Ross. He is the father of the singer’s three daughters Rhonda, Tracee and Chudney.
The 78-year-old American businessman did not only married the music icon but also managed her career alongside others like Billy Preston and Ronnie Wood.
Following his divorce, his ex-wife went ahead to marry Arne Naess Jr. but it is not clear if Ellis later found love again.
Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross First Met at a Shop
According to reports Robert Ellis and Diana Ross first met in 1970 while she was shopping for the man in her life at that time. When she sighted Ellis in the shop, she approached him and asked for advice on the choice of gift for her man, Berry Gordy.
However, things fall out differently and it was not long before the two started dating. After a while, they tied the knot in the presence of their loved ones on January 20, 1971. At the time the two married, Ross was already pregnant with his ex-boyfriend Gordy’s child.
The music executive agreed to raise Diana’s daughter Rhonda as his own. Rhonda never knew he was not her father until she clocked thirteen.
Bob Ellis as he is known, stayed with his former wife after they married in a mansion in Beverly Hills together with her brother, nephew, and other domestic staff.
They Were Married For Less Than a Decade
Barely after six years of marriage, the celebrity couple saw that they were not meant for each other so they decided to divorce in 1977. However, they still continued their friendship because of their children.
Despite still being friends, Robert blamed Berry Gordy for the crash of his marriage and reportedly poured out his frustrations and anger on him. There were rumors at that time that the latter might be behind the split.
Following their divorce, Diana Ross relocated to Los Angeles where she dated Gene Simmons before she met her second husband Arne Naess Jr. However, her second marriage also ended in 2000.
Robert Ellis Silberstein and His Ex-Wife Share Two Biological Children
Aside Rhonda, the former couple shared two children before they parted ways. Tracee Ellis Ross was born to the singer and music manager on October 29, 1972, and her sister, Chudney Lane Silberstein was born in 1975.
Ellis’s first daughter Tracee is known for her lead roles in the television series, Girlfriends, and Blackish. She has also received two NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actress in a comedy series and also a Golden Globe Award for best actress television series Musical or comedy.
On the other hand, Chudney owns a bookstore, cafe, books, and cookies in Santa Monica. She has also followed in her mother’s footsteps as a singer.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s ex-wife had two sons Ross Naess and Evan Ross with the Norwegian businessman Arne before they split in 2000.
Other Facts about the Robert Ellis Silberstein
1. Robert Ellis Silberstein was born into a wealthy Jewish family
Born January 5, 1946, the music executive was born into a wealthy Jewish family. His parents were reportedly garment manufacturers in Elberron, New Jersey. He attended West Virginia University.
2. He Quit Teaching To Start His Career in the Music Industry
Upon his graduation from the university, he started teaching at the same university but after a feud with his boss, he decided to quit.
He then ventured into the music industry as a talent manager and later music executive. During his career, he was able to manage quite a number of musicians including Meat Loaf, Status Quo, Rufus, and his ex-wife Diana Ross.
Aside from his career in the music industry, there are reports about him being a real estate realtor. This was reportedly after he stopped managing artists. He is currently a board member of the Universal Hip Hop Museum.
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3. Robert Ellis Silberstein Shares a Strong Bond With His Daughter Tracee
According to reports, Tracee, 51, revealed her father is her very special person. The actress has shared photos of herself and her father on Instagram including their life experiences and journeys together.
The actress also credits her father for her sense of humor and cheerful personality. However, the Blackish actress shares an uncanny resemblance with her mother.
4. His Ex-Wife Received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2007
Diana Ross, 80, found fame as the lead singer of the vocal group The Supremes in the 1960s. The group which was one of the world’s best-selling girl groups of all time still remains the best-charting female group in history.
As a solo artist, she has released hit albums which have earned her a spot on different music charts. As an actress, she received a Golden Globe Award for her first role ever. Ross was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Supremes.
Also, she has been recognized as the greatest artist in US and UK chart history. In 2007, she received the Kennedy Center Honors and in 2012, she was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
5. What Is His Net Worth?
The former teacher has garnered a net worth of about $50 million not just from his career but considering the fact that he is from a wealthy family. At the moment, Robert Ellis describes himself as a branding and marketing manager for a couple of organizations. He is also an entertainment and music consultant.
