When Bob Marley passed away in 1981, the legendary musician left behind a large family with eleven children from seven different women. These children have grown and made their own marks in various fields, continuing their father’s legacy in unique ways. Here’s a look at Bob Marley’s children and their lives today.
Sharon Marley, 59
Born on November 23, 1964, Sharon is the eldest daughter of Rita Marley, whom Bob adopted. She followed in her parents’ musical footsteps, joining her siblings in the band Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers at age 12. The band achieved international success, winning three Grammys. Sharon is now a mother of four and has pivoted to education, founding the “Total Care Learning Centre” and advocating for Montessori-style teaching.
Cedella Marley, 56
Born on August 23, 1967, Cedella is the first child of Bob and Rita Marley. She was also a member of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers and later pursued acting, starring in “The Mighty Quinn” alongside Denzel Washington. Post the band’s breakup in 2002, Cedella became the CEO of Tuff Gong International, Bob Marley’s record label, and ventured into fashion design, creating Jamaica’s Olympic outfits in 2012. She has also supported Jamaica’s women’s football team and authored the musical “Three Little Birds.”
David Nesta “Ziggy” Marley, 55
Born on October 17, 1968, Ziggy is the eldest son of Bob and Rita Marley. He continued making music after the band’s split, winning multiple Grammys and collaborating with renowned artists. Ziggy lives in Los Angeles and has seven children, three from previous relationships and four with his wife, Orly Agai.
Stephen Marley, 52
Born on April 20, 1972, Stephen is the youngest child of Bob and Rita. He was also part of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers and found success as a music producer. Tragically, Stephen’s eldest son, Jo Mersa Marley, passed away in 2022. Stephen has 11 children.
Robert Marley, 52
Robert, born on May 16, 1972, is Bob’s first son outside his marriage to Rita, with Pat Williams. Robert is a graphic designer and poet and prefers a low profile. He is married to Ash Marley and has two daughters.
Rohan Marley, 52
Rohan was born just three days after Robert and is another of Bob’s children from an affair, with Janet Hunt. Rohan started as a professional football player and later founded Marley Coffee and House of Marley. He has eight children, two from his first marriage, five with singer Lauryn Hill, and one with his current wife, Barbara Fialho.
Karen Marley, 51
Karen was born in London in 1973 to Bob and Janet Brown. She is a fashion designer and prefers to stay out of the spotlight. Karen launched her clothing brand “By Karen Marley” in 2022.
Stephanie Marley, 49
Stephanie was born in August 1974 to Rita and a man named Ital but was adopted by Bob. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and co-founded the Marley Resort & Spa in Nassau, Bahamas. Stephanie also runs a modeling agency and heads the Rita Marley Foundation.
Julian Ricardo Marley, 48
Born on June 4, 1975, in London to Bob and Lucy Pounder, Julian is a Grammy-winning musician. He has overcome personal tragedy, including the loss of his daughter Caveri to cancer in 2019.
Ky-Mani Marley, 48
Ky-Mani was born in Jamaica in 1976 to Bob and table tennis champion Anita Belnavis. Initially more interested in sports, Ky-Mani eventually pursued music, earning a Grammy nomination for his album “Many More Roads.” He has also dabbled in acting.
Damian Robert Nesta Marley, 45
Damian, the youngest of Bob’s children, was born in July 1978 to Bob and jazz singer Cindy Breakspeare. He has carved out a successful career in reggae, winning four Grammys and collaborating with major artists like Jay-Z and Bruno Mars. Damian has a son named Christian Marley.
Bob Marley’s children continue to honor his legacy through music, education, business, and activism, each contributing to the family’s rich and diverse heritage.