How did Etterlene DeBarge die? Janet Jackson's ex mom-in-law and legendary gospel singer was 88
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The legendary gospel singer and the matriarch of the famous DeBarge family, Etterlene, has died at 88. She died peacefully in her sleep at a nursing home Berkley Post-Acute in Woodland Hills on February 16 morning. The official cause of death has been announced according to TMZ.
A source revealed to the outlet that Etterlene had been ill and battling dementia. Etterlene had a total of ten children. However, seven of Etterlene's kids banded together to play in the Motown super group DeBarge. The 'Who's Holding Donna Now' band was active for a decade from 1979 to 1989.
The group eventually disbanded after Bunny and El DeBarge bagged solo contracts. Besides her successful Gospel music career, Etterlene had also been in the headlines over her relationship with Michael Jackson's sister, Janet Jackson. Etterlene was Janet's former mother-in-law.
Janet and Etterlene's son James DeBarge eloped in Grand Rapids back in 1984 to exchange vows. Janet and James' marriage was considered an act of rebellion against the singer's controlling father, the late Joe Jackson. Unfortunately, the duo parted ways in 1985 due to James' alleged drug addiction.
Etterlene is survived by her husband George Rodriguez, eight of her kids, and numerous grandchildren. The music legend's son, Robert DeBarge Jr, passed away in 1995, meanwhile, the music legend's other son Tommy DeBarge died in 2021.
Etterlene claims James DeBarge and Janet Jackson have 'secret' daughter
Fans have speculated for years that Janet Jackson secretly gave birth to a daughter when she was married to James DeBarge. In 2017, Janet's ex-mother-in-law, Etterlene DeBarge, reflected on the rumors and claimed she had proof. During an interview with Inside Edition, Etterlene claimed that she had met Janet's secret daughter.
She shared, "I know there's a daughter out there somewhere." Etterlene revealed that a Philadelphia woman contacted her claiming to be Janet's daughter. She elaborated, "I told her, the proof is in the pudding let's go get a DNA test." However, the test results reportedly showed a 96.7 per cent probability of a relation.
Etterlene allegedly met the 31-year-old Tiffany, at an airport in Michigan last year. She strongly believed Tiffany was the secret daughter of Janet and James. Janet notably suddenly disappeared from public view after her divorce which sparked the rumours. However, after the birth of the baby, Janet allegedly left her daughter in foster care. Meanwhile, other reports claimed that Janet's sister, Rebbie, raised the child.
Etterlene DeBarge's daughter Bunny pays tribute to her mother
Etterlene DeBarge's daughter Bunny announced her death on social media. She shared a video of Etterlene saying "the king is coming." Alongside the video, Bunny shared, "Momma has gone to see her king!" She added, "Mom died in Woodland Hill in California at 7.40 am this morning (Friday, February 16th) Pacific time."
Bunny further noted, "She died peacefully in her sleep at 88 years old." Meanwhile, in the video, Etterlene said, "the king is coming.. the king is coming for me." She added, "That it won't be long y'all. I'm getting ready to get out of here. We're going home to be with the lord. Soon and very soon."
Bunny shared another post noting, "My Mom is gone!!! She's in a better place!!" She also asked for prayers from her fans. However, Etterlene's fans took to the comment section and poured a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer.
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How did Etterlene and Robert DeBarge meet?
Etterlene and Robert DeBarge met for the first time in Detroit, Michigan, in the early 1950s. The duo sparked an instant romance and exchanged vows in 1953 when Etterlene was 17 and Robert was 21 years old at the time. The couple welcomed ten children and almost all of their kids pursued a successful career.
In 1972, the DeBarge moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where Etterlene's brother, Bishop William Charles Abney, Jr, pastored Bethel Pentecostal Church. Sadly, Etterlene and Robert divorced two years after moving into a new city in 1974. Etterlene later married for a second time with Puerto Rican George Rodriguez.
The DeBarge matriarch was born Etterlene Abney on October 13, 1935, in Royal Oak, Michigan, as one of twelve children. She also had a twin sister. In May 2014, Etterlene released her memoir, 'Other Side Of The Pain' and the synopsis of the book reads, "Mother of famed 80's musical recording group DeBarge shares the untold story of fame, tragedy and perseverence."
