Meet Robert Ellis Silberstein: Diana Ross’s First Husband and Tracee’s Beloved Dad

Some people become famous because of the spotlight. Others become loved because of the way they treat the people around them. Robert Ellis Silberstein is one of those people. He may not be a singer or an actor, but his story is just as warm and interesting. He was once married to Diana Ross, one of the biggest stars in music history. He also became the loving father of three daughters, including the “Black-ish” star Tracee Ellis Ross.

Many people know Diana. Many people know Tracee. But not everyone knows the man who helped shape their lives with kindness, care, and calm strength. Today, we will take a closer look at Robert Ellis Silberstein, his early life, his marriage, his role as a father, and how he became such an important part of this famous family.

Let’s begin.

Robert Ellis Silberstein Quick Bio

Who Is Robert Ellis Silberstein?

Robert Ellis Silberstein is an American music executive and businessman. He became known in the 1970s for helping guide the careers of some of the biggest names in music. But for many people, he is best known as the first husband of Diana Ross and the loving father of Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross, and Rhonda Ross Kendrick.

Even though he lived in the world of fame and bright lights, Robert always stayed calm, private, and down-to-earth. He was the kind of person who cared more about family dinners than red carpet events. That quiet strength made him a special person in his daughters’ lives.

When you look at his journey, you see a man who worked hard, loved deeply, and stayed true to who he was, no matter how famous the people around him became.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Early Life and Family Background

Robert was born on January 5, 1946, in Elberon, New Jersey. He grew up in a warm and successful Jewish family. His parents owned a big garment manufacturing business, so he was raised with stability and comfort. But even with this comfort, Robert was never spoiled. He grew up with strong values, respect for hard work, and a love for simple family life.

He attended West Virginia University, where he studied and later returned to work as a teacher for a short time. Teaching was his first dream, and he enjoyed working with students. But life had a different plan for him.

It is easy to imagine young Robert standing in front of a classroom, trying to help students understand something. That same gentle and patient nature later helped him as a father and as a manager in the music world.

How Robert Ellis Silberstein Started His Career

After college, Robert took a job as a teacher. But things did not go smoothly. He had a disagreement with the school principal, and it pushed him to leave the job. Instead of feeling defeated, Robert decided to start fresh.

He moved to California, a place full of bright dreams and big chances. Many people move there hoping to become stars. Robert, however, simply wanted a new path. He did not know it yet, but his next steps would lead him into the heart of the music world.

Sometimes life guides us in new directions when we least expect it. That is exactly what happened to Robert Ellis Silberstein.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Rise in the Music World

In California, Robert slowly found his way into the entertainment industry. He entered the world of music management, and to everyone’s surprise, he became very good at it. By the mid-1970s, he was known as one of the most honest and trusted managers in Hollywood.

Artists liked him because he was different. He listened. He cared. He protected them. In a world filled with pressure and fast decisions, Robert was a safe and steady guide.

His work helped build the careers of several well-known musicians. And while managing artists is not easy, Robert made it look simple because he treated them like family. This warm way of working became his signature style.

Little did he know that music would also lead him to the love of his life.

The Love Story of Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross

The story of Robert and Diana Ross feels like a scene from a movie. They met inside a men’s gift shop. Diana was shopping for a present for her then-partner, Berry Gordy. She walked up to Robert and asked his opinion. Instead of focusing on the gift, she found herself noticing him. Later, she described him as “young, alive, and very handsome.”

That simple moment in a store became the beginning of something bigger.

They started talking, then laughing, then spending time together. For more than a year, their relationship grew slowly and gently. One small memory Diana shared was when Robert gave her red pajamas to match his own. It was the moment they both realized they were becoming a real couple.

In 1971, Diana Ross and Robert Ellis Silberstein got married. The world saw them as a glamorous pair. But at home, they were just two people trying to build a warm and loving family.

Their Family

When Robert and Diana married, she was already two months pregnant with her first daughter, Rhonda. Her biological father was Berry Gordy, but Robert welcomed the baby as his own. When Rhonda was born later that year, he gave her his last name and raised her with full love. For her first 13 years, she believed he was her biological father.

Soon after, Robert and Diana welcomed two more daughters:

• Tracee Ellis Ross, born in 1972

• Chudney Ross, born in 1975

Their family of five lived in a modern Beverly Hills home filled with laughter, music, and warmth. Robert was a hands-on father who helped with homework, meals, and everyday moments that make childhood special.

Many people know Tracee from her TV work. Many people know Diana from her music. But the girls know Robert as the man who hugged them, taught them, and made them feel safe.

Their family years were full of love, even when life became complicated.

The Truth About Rhonda Ross’s Real Father

This part of the story is very emotional. Robert always knew Rhonda’s biological father was Berry Gordy. Diana knew. Berry knew. But Rhonda did not.

Robert chose to raise Rhonda with full love, never treating her any differently from Tracee or Chudney. For 13 years, she believed he was her biological father. When she finally learned the truth, it changed her understanding of her past, but it did not change her heart.

Rhonda stayed close to Robert Ellis Silberstein. She continued to see him as her real father, the man who raised her, protected her, and gave her his name. Their bond stayed strong and loving, even after the truth came out.

This part of his story shows just how deep Robert’s heart truly is.

His Sweet Bond With Tracee Ellis Ross

Among all three daughters, many people notice the special bond between Tracee and her father. Their relationship is full of humor, love, and simple little moments that make life bright. Tracee always says that her silly side comes from him. She often posts videos of them laughing together, telling jokes, or even shopping at the grocery store and turning a normal moment into something funny.

She once shared a memory of visiting Whole Foods with her dad. They were just trying turkey samples, but somehow they ended up laughing like two kids. Moments like that show exactly why they are so close. They enjoy each other’s company in the most natural and easy way.

Tracee also changed her name as a sign of love for her dad. When Robert Ellis Silberstein dropped “Silberstein” and began using the name “Ellis,” Tracee did the same. She wanted the world to know she is her mother’s daughter, but she is also very much her father’s daughter. That little decision shows how deeply she values him and how grateful she is for his presence in her life.

Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross After Divorce

When couples divorce, things usually become tense or distant. But that was not the story for Robert and Diana. After they ended their marriage in 1977, they actually grew even closer as friends. Robert once said their relationship became “too good to be true.” They understood each other better after the divorce than when they were married.

This strong friendship was very important for their daughters. It created a safe and peaceful space for the girls to grow up. They never had to choose between parents. They never felt tension or fear. Robert and Diana worked as a team for many years, even though they were no longer husband and wife.

Diana moved to New York and Los Angeles for work, while Robert Ellis Silberstein stayed mostly in Connecticut. Still, the distance did not break their friendship. They continued to support each other and always put their children first. This calm and respectful co-parenting is one of the reasons their daughters grew into such confident and grounded women.

Famous Artists Managed by Robert Ellis Silberstein

Robert was known as a gentle man, but he was also a smart businessman. His music management career was filled with big names. He worked with artists who shaped the sound of the 1970s and beyond. One of the biggest names he managed was Chaka Khan, a powerhouse singer with a voice that could fill a room with energy.

He also managed the group Rufus, who made many hit songs. Another star on his list was Billy Preston, known for his work with The Beatles and his own chart-topping songs. He even managed Meat Loaf, the rock star with the dramatic voice, and Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones.

Working with such different artists shows how flexible and talented Robert was. He understood people. He understood music. And he knew how to guide artists through tough choices without making them feel pressured. Many musicians trusted him because he treated them with honesty and respect—something rare in the entertainment world.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Life Today

Today, Robert lives a peaceful and comfortable life. He spends time in New York City and also enjoys quiet days in Connecticut. His social media shows a warm man with a soft smile, stylish clothes, and a clear love for his family. He often shares photos with his daughters and grandkids, showing how proud he is of everything they have become.

Even at this stage of his life, Robert stays active. He has a wide circle of friends and is very open about his support for social issues and politics. He is the type of person who enjoys good food, deep conversations, and long afternoons with people he loves.

What stands out most is that Robert Ellis Silberstein still lives with the same calm, sweet, and humorous spirit he had in the 1970s. Even after all the fame, all the travel, and all the big names he worked with, his heart stayed simple. He still values kindness more than spotlight, and family more than fame.

Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Net Worth

Robert built a strong career in music and real estate. Today, his estimated net worth is around $50 million. But if you asked him, he would probably say his true wealth is not the money. His greatest treasure is his family. His three daughters—Rhonda, Tracee, and Chudney—are his pride and joy. Each of them speaks highly of him, not just as a father, but as a role model.

His legacy in the music world is also clear. He helped shape the careers of artists who still inspire younger singers today. But his biggest legacy lives inside the hearts of his daughters. They describe him as funny, wise, kind, stylish, and full of love.

When people talk about Robert Ellis Silberstein, they do not talk about scandals or drama. They talk about a man who cared deeply, who supported others, and who stayed true to himself. And in a world that often celebrates noise, his quiet strength feels even more special.

(FAQs)

How many children does Robert Ellis Silberstein have?

Robert Ellis Silberstein has three daughters. The shocking part is that only two are his real daughters by birth. He raised Rhonda, who was Diana Ross’s baby with Berry Gordy, as his own child from the day she was born. Rhonda did not know the truth until she turned 13.

What happened between Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross?

Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross were married for six years. The surprising thing is that even after they divorced, they became very close friends. Robert said their friendship after divorce was “almost too good to believe.”

What is Robert Ellis Silberstein’s ethnicity?

Robert Ellis Silberstein comes from a Jewish family. Many people think he is Irish, but that is not true. He grew up in a Jewish home in New Jersey, where his family owned a big clothing business.

Who is Robert Ellis Silberstein’s wife?

Robert Ellis Silberstein was married only once, and that was to Diana Ross. The shocking part is that when they got married, Diana was already two months pregnant with Berry Gordy’s baby. Robert still chose to marry her and later raised the baby like his own child.

What is Robert Ellis Silberstein’s net worth?

Robert Ellis Silberstein has a net worth of about $50 million. The surprising part is that he did not start in music. He first worked as a teacher but later became a top music manager and also made smart real estate investments.

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