All About Karl-Anthony Towns’ Late Mom Jackie and Dad Karl Sr.

**Karl-Anthony Towns Reflects on Loss and Legacy of His Late Mother Amidst NBA Triumphs**

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns has recently opened up about the profound impact his mother, Jacqueline “Jackie” Cruz-Towns, had on his life and career, especially following her tragic death from COVID-19 complications in 2020. Raised in Piscataway, New Jersey, along with his sister Lachelle, Towns attributes much of his strength and resilience to the support he received from his parents.

Jackie played a significant role in Karl-Anthony’s life, not only as a comforting presence but also as a professional. For over 20 years, she served in the medical department at Rutgers University and was well-respected by her colleagues. Tragically, her life was cut short during the pandemic, a loss that the Towns family continues to grapple with. “Jackie was many things to many people — a wife, mother, daughter, and friend,” a family spokesperson noted in a poignant statement, highlighting her fiery spirit and loving nature.

Throughout his career, Towns has acknowledged the indelible mark his mother left on him, often feeling a connection to her during games. During the recent NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, he remarked that he sensed her presence in the stands, a comforting thought that helped him cope with the pressures of the moment. “It felt like a certain presence that was… very comforting and very loving,” he shared with ESPN’s Inside the NBA.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Jackie Towns’ heritage has influenced Karl-Anthony significantly. At just 16, he was eligible to represent the Dominican national basketball team, an opportunity that he embraced. In an act of giving back, Towns announced plans in 2024 to fund a youth basketball facility in the Dominican Republic, emphasising the importance of providing resources to aspiring athletes. “I wanted to bring the resources that we have here to there and give kids the opportunity to pursue their dreams,” he stated, reflecting on the sacrifices his mother made.

The Towns family consists of Karl-Anthony and his sister, Lachelle, who has also played a pivotal role in supporting her brother. Following his selection as the first overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Lachelle expressed her commitment to be a stabilising presence in his life, guiding him through the pressures of professional sports.

Karl Sr., Karl-Anthony’s father, has been a significant influence as well, having dedicated his life to basketball coaching at both the high school and college levels. His experience includes a successful tenure at Piscataway Vo-Tech and later with the University of Kentucky. In early 2025, he returned to coach at Saint Joseph High School, his son’s alma mater. In an October 2025 video, Karl-Anthony shared his appreciation for his father’s tough love, stating, “He raised me with some mental toughness.”

Another aspect of Towns’ relationship with his mother was their heartfelt pre-game ritual. Jackie would greet her son with a wave before every game, ensuring that security personnel knew her presence was to be acknowledged. “She always wanted me to know, since I was young, ‘I’m here for you,’” he recalled, showing how deeply she impacted him.

The COVID-19 pandemic struck the Towns family hard in March 2020, with both parents testing positive for the virus. While Karl Sr. eventually recovered, Jackie’s condition worsened dramatically, leading to her being placed in a medically induced coma. Karl-Anthony faced an agonising decision when her health declined further after suffering a stroke. “I gave her all the time, and I made the hardest decision you can make,” he shared in an emotional interview, highlighting the weight of his loss.

Jackie Towns passed away on April 13, 2020, at the age of 58, leaving a void that her family continues to feel. In the aftermath, Karl-Anthony expressed a poignant realisation: “That day changed me as a man. I don’t miss anything else… I only care about [my mom]. She is what made all those memories great.”

As he continues to navigate his basketball career, the legacy of Jackie Towns remains a source of inspiration for Karl-Anthony. From embodying her spirit on the court to honouring her memory through charitable initiatives, he strives to uphold the values she instilled in him. As NBA milestones come and go, it is this honouring of his roots and family that remains his guiding light.