Tina Knowles Almost Didn’t Write Her Memoir to Protect Her Kids’ Privacy (Exclusive)

Tina Knowles Nearly Declined Writing Her Memoir to Safeguard Kids’ Privacy

Tina Knowles, the mother of superstar singers Beyoncé and Solange, has revealed that she initially hesitated to write her memoir to protect her children’s privacy. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Knowles shared the inner conflict she faced before ultimately deciding to share her life story in her new memoir, ‘Matriarch’.

Knowles, aged 71, acknowledged that being a part of one of the most famous yet private families in the world made her apprehensive about delving into her personal experiences. She expressed, “I didn’t want to write a book because I thought people only want to know all my kids’ business. They’re not going to be interested in me.”

The process of writing her memoir actually began over a decade ago when Knowles started recording her life story for her future generations. Reflecting on the importance of preserving her family’s history, she shared, “I wish that I would have asked her [her mother] more. I wish I would have investigated more.”

Initially, the memoir was intended to focus on behind-the-scenes stories from Destiny’s Child and the entertainment industry. However, as Knowles delved deeper into her recordings, she realized the significance of penning down her entire journey as a legacy for her children and as a source of inspiration for others to document their family stories.

Despite her initial reservations, Knowles decided to include personal challenges such as her first marriage, divorce, and battle with breast cancer in her memoir. She admitted, “It was very carefully written at first. But then it was like, this doesn’t even make sense because there’s only all the positive stuff.”

Knowles, who often faces scrutiny and rumours about her family, emphasized the importance of speaking out when necessary. She explained, “I’m told all the time that I have to be quiet, and it’s not like I like speaking out, but sometimes I just do have to speak out — I do, because it just gets to be too much.”

In her memoir, Knowles emotionally recounts the losses she has faced, including the passing of her parents, cousin, and Solange’s best friend. She described these moments as the most challenging parts of her writing process, acknowledging that recalling them often brings her to tears.

Describing her life journey as a rollercoaster, Knowles expressed gratitude for the highs and lows that have shaped her. She concluded, “It’s been a rollercoaster, but it’s been amazing, an amazing ride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”

‘Matriarch’ by Tina Knowles is now available for purchase, offering readers an intimate look into her remarkable life. To explore more about Tina Knowles’ experiences and insights, grab a copy of this week’s issue of PEOPLE from newsstands.

In conclusion, Tina Knowles’ journey of self-reflection and courage in sharing her story serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and preserving family legacies for future generations.