Stevie Wonder Seranades Jay Z's Grandmother at Star Studded 100th Birthday Bash
The milestone centennial celebration for Jay-Z’s grandmother, Hattie White, was an undeniably grand affair.
By Monday, September 29, social media platforms were abuzz with posts from attendees, showcasing snapshots and clips from White’s remarkable Sunday, September 28 fête — notably featuring an unexpected live performance by none other than Stevie Wonder.
“Stevie extended his birthday wishes to Ms. Hattie White, and the Mayor of Brooklyn officially proclaimed Sunday as Ms. Hattie White Day!” Tina Knowles, mother to Beyoncé, enthusiastically reported on Instagram Monday, accompanying her post with footage of Wonder, 75, captivating the audience. She continued, “This graceful, sophisticated, and stunning woman reached her centennial, commemorated by loved ones and companions at a gathering truly befitting royalty! Stevie Wonder, among her most cherished musicians, honored her with an exclusive concert! Stevie regaled us with a medley of his legendary tracks! We danced exuberantly throughout the evening. The Carters certainly know how to host an unforgettable celebration!”
Footage circulated across social media confirmed the presence of numerous luminaries at the celebration, such as Beyoncé, 44, wife to Jay-Z, 55, since 2008, alongside Megan Thee Stallion, Klay Thompson, Nas, Chris Martin, and Memphis Bleek.
Insights from Beyoncé and Jay-Z on Nurturing Blue Ivy, Sir, and Rumi
Amidst the festivities, White delivered a brief address to her assembled friends and family, expressing her gratitude for their attendance.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks for joining me in commemorating my 100th birthday,” she stated in Instagram-shared video excerpts. “May divine blessings be upon each of you who have journeyed through life’s path as I have.”
Over the years, Beyoncé has profoundly internalized White’s wisdom, famously incorporating one of her maxims into the track “Freedom” from her critically acclaimed Lemonade album, launched in 2016.
The song’s conclusion features an audio snippet from White’s 90th birthday address, in which she articulates, “My life has seen its share of triumphs and adversities, yet I consistently discover the fortitude within to persevere / When presented with challenges, I transformed them into opportunities.”
Notwithstanding their demanding professional lives, Beyoncé and Jay-Z maintain a steadfast dedication to family time, particularly with their children — 13-year-old daughter Blue Ivy, and 8-year-old twins Sir and Rumi.
Tina Knowles' Enduring Comments on Her Son-in-Law, Jay-Z
“A child’s paramount necessity is to experience love, wouldn’t you agree?” Jay-Z conveyed to The Sunday Times during an April 2021 discussion. “It’s not about, ‘Here is this enterprise I’m developing to bequeath to you.’ What if my offspring chooses not to pursue music or athletics? I cannot foresee that, can I? However, provided your child perceives support and affection, I believe limitless potential exists.”
Concurrently, Beyoncé disclosed in October 2020 that she began to “decelerate and release sources of stress” in her personal life amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, prioritizing increased time with her spouse and children.
“I genuinely treasure these moments with my family,” she informed British Vogue then. “For a significant period, I concentrated on cultivating my legacy and portraying my culture to the best of my abilities. Presently, I have chosen to allow myself the liberty to prioritize my personal happiness.”
Beyoncé’s offspring have consistently engaged with her professional endeavors, notably with Blue Ivy performing dance routines during her Renaissance and Cowboy Carter tours.
“My exquisite firstborn. I am immensely proud and grateful to be your mother. You infuse our lives with such profound happiness, my darling angel,” she penned on Instagram in May 2023, accompanying a video of Blue’s tour performance.
