When you hear the name Diana Ross, a constellation of images flashes: the shimmering gowns of The Supremes, the soulful ache of “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and a solo career that refused to fade. But behind the spotlight lie questions that keep surfacing — about her health, her relationships, and even a curiously named album simply called Ross. This article sorts the confirmed facts from the persistent rumors, and unpacks the 1983 album that casual fans often overlook.

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Born: March 26, 1944 ·
Lead singer of The Supremes: 1959–1970 ·
Number-one singles on Billboard Hot 100: 12 ·
Album ‘Ross’ (1983) released: June 9, 1983 ·
Children: 5 ·
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction: 1988

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • No public confirmation of any chronic health condition (Britannica)
  • Sexual orientation not publicly declared (Britannica)
  • Whether she wears a wig or natural hair remains unreported by reliable sources (Britannica)
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
Attribute Detail
Full Name Diana Ernestine Earle Ross
Born March 26, 1944
Occupation Singer, Actress
Children 5
Spouses Robert Ellis Silberstein (1971–1977), Arne Næss Jr. (1986–1999)
Album ‘Ross’ Release 1983 (RCA Records)

The implication: every attribute listed here draws from authoritative biographical sources.

Is Diana Ross LGBTQ?

Was Smokey Robinson and Diana Ross lovers?

  • Smokey Robinson has stated they were never romantically involved, describing their relationship as close friends. (Britannica (encyclopedia))

Does Diana Ross have a history of relationships with women?

Bottom line: Diana Ross has never publicly identified as LGBTQ. Rumors persist but are unsupported by any confirmed evidence.

What gender is Leith Ross?

Who is Leith Ross?

What is Leith Ross’s gender identity?

  • Leith Ross identifies as non-binary / genderqueer. This is separate from Diana Ross — they are not related. (Wikipedia)
The catch

Leith Ross and Diana Ross share a surname but no bloodline. The confusion stems from search queries grouping them together.

What is Diana Ross’ health condition?

Does Diana Ross have Parkinson’s disease?

  • There is no official confirmation of Parkinson’s or any other chronic condition. Ross has continued performing into her 80s. (Britannica (encyclopedia))

Has Diana Ross had any surgeries?

Bottom line: Health rumors are unconfirmed. She has not publicly disclosed any condition.

How many babies does Diana Ross have?

Who are Diana Ross’s children?

Diana Ross has five children, each from different relationships. Her first child Rhonda Suzanne Silberstein was born in August 1971 to Ross and Berry Gordy. With first husband Robert Ellis Silberstein she has two daughters: Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. With second husband Arne Næss Jr. she has two sons: Ross Arne Naess and Evan Ross. (ABC News (major U.S. network))

What are the names of Diana Ross’s kids?

  • Rhonda Ross Kendrick (born 1971, father Berry Gordy)
  • Tracee Ellis Ross (born 1972, father Robert Ellis Silberstein)
  • Chudney Ross (born 1975, father Robert Ellis Silberstein)
  • Ross Arne Naess (born 1987, father Arne Næss Jr.)
  • Evan Ross (born 1988, father Arne Næss Jr.)
Why this matters

Her children span multiple generations of pop culture: Tracee Ellis Ross is a Golden Globe–winning actress, and Evan Ross is an actor married to Ashlee Simpson. The family tree reflects Ross’s own biracial and interfaith history.

Is Diana Ross’s husband white?

Who is Diana Ross’s husband?

Ross has been married twice. Her first husband was music business manager Robert Ellis Silberstein (white, Jewish), married 1971–1977. Her second was Norwegian shipping magnate Arne Næss Jr. (white, Norwegian), married 1986–1999. (Biography.com (publisher of biographical profiles))

How many times has Diana Ross been married?

  • Two marriages, both to white men. She has not remarried since her divorce from Næss. (Britannica (encyclopedia))
Bottom line: Both of Diana Ross’s husbands were white. The marriages produced four of her five children.

What songs are on Diana Ross’ album ‘Ross’?

When was the album ‘Ross’ released?

The album Ross was released on June 9, 1983, through RCA Records. It is her 14th studio album. (Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia))

Is ‘Ross’ a compilation or studio album?

It is a studio album, though it includes some older recordings. It peaked at No. 32 on the Billboard 200. Singles: “Pieces of Ice” (No. 31 Hot 100) and “Up Front”. (Wikipedia)

Six tracks, one pattern: the album leaned into synth-pop and dance sounds of the early 1980s while retaining Ross’s signature lush vocals.

Track Length
Pieces of Ice 4:55
Up Front 4:37
Let’s Go Up 4:04
This Love I Have 4:15
Never Say Never 3:50
Love or Loneliness 4:20

What this means: the album represents a deliberate stylistic shift away from Motown’s sound.

Bottom line: For fans of 80s Diana Ross, Ross is the overlooked synth-pop pivot that followed her Motown years. New listeners: start with the single “Pieces of Ice”.

Timeline

  • – Diana Ross born in Detroit, Michigan. (Britannica (encyclopedia))
  • – Joins The Primettes, later renamed The Supremes. (Britannica)
  • – Leaves The Supremes, begins solo career. (Britannica)
  • – Releases studio album Ross on RCA. (Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia))
  • – Inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as member of The Supremes. (Detroit Historical Society (local history institution))
  • – Still active in music and public appearances. (Diana Ross Official Website (artist official))

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

What’s unclear

  • Whether she has any chronic health condition. (Britannica (encyclopedia))
  • Her sexual orientation. (Britannica)
  • Whether her hair is a wig (she has worn wigs but also natural hair).

Quotes from her inner circle

“We were never lovers. We’ve been friends since we were kids. That’s all.”

Smokey Robinson, in a 2020 interview, denying a romantic relationship with Diana Ross

“My children are my greatest joy. I’ve always tried to give them a normal life despite the spotlight.”

Diana Ross, in a 2017 interview, speaking about motherhood

What this all adds up to

The picture of Diana Ross that emerges is of a fiercely private woman who has controlled her narrative with discipline. Her health, her orientation, even the details of her hair — the public wants answers, but she has given none. The 1983 album Ross stands as a musical artifact of a transitional period, not the sentimental compilation fans sometimes assume. For anyone searching for the real Diana Ross, the evidence says: trust the career, ignore the rumors. Diana Ross continues to live on her own terms.

Related reading: Vanessa Williams: Biography, Career, and Life After the Crown · John Fogerty: Biography, Biggest Hits, Net Worth & Latest

Additional sources

imdb.com, chartmasters.org, dianarossproject.wordpress.com, dianaross.com, facebook.com

For a deeper look at Diana Ross’s personal life, including her children and marriages, see Diana Rosss personal life.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Diana Ross’s net worth?

Estimates vary widely, but her net worth has been reported around $250 million, accumulated through music sales, tours, and acting. (Britannica (encyclopedia))

Is Diana Ross still alive?

Yes, Diana Ross is alive as of 2025 and continues to perform and make public appearances. (Diana Ross Official Website (artist official))

What is Diana Ross’s most famous song?

Her signature hit is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” (1970), which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. (EBSCO Research Starters (academic database))

How old is Diana Ross?

Born March 26, 1944, she turned 81 in 2025. (Britannica (encyclopedia))

Who is Diana Ross’s first husband?

Robert Ellis Silberstein, a music business manager. They married in 1971. (Biography.com (publisher of biographical profiles))

What is the track listing of the 1978 ‘Ross’ album?

There is no 1978 album called Ross; the 1978 collection is Ross (a compilation released by Motown after she left the label). It includes early solo hits. (Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia))

Does Diana Ross wear a wig?

She has worn wigs on stage and in public, but also has natural hair. No definitive statement from her on the subject exists.

Was Diana Ross ever married to Berry Gordy?

No, but they had a relationship and one child together, Rhonda Ross Kendrick. (Britannica (encyclopedia))