Tina Knowles, renowned for being the mother of music icons Beyoncé and Solange, has divulged intimate details about her life, relationships, and parenting in her memoir, titled “Matriarch.” This candid narrative offers insights into her complex relationship with her own mother, her experiences with divorces, her parenting philosophy, and the formation of the celebrated girl group, Destiny’s Child.

Reflections on Parenting

In an exclusive interview with CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, Knowles shared her intention to empower her children in a way she felt she wasn’t supported during her own upbringing. “I told my girls that all the time, you could be whatever you wanna be. You could do whatever you wanna do, and I’m gonna be right there to help make it happen,” she emphasized, reflecting on how her parents placed limitations on her aspirations.

Knowles described her parenting style as one of trust, stating, “I was gonna trust my kids and even though I never believed in being friends… but I wanted to be trusted by them.” This approach stemmed from her desire to see Beyoncé and Solange reach their fullest potential.

The Unique Personalities of Her Daughters

Knowles elaborated on the distinct personalities of her daughters, noting that Beyoncé was initially shy but demonstrated exceptional talent at home. “Never shy around us,” she recalled, further explaining how a teacher once remarked on Beyoncé’s intellect, stating there was “nothing wrong” with her, just a lack of desire to showcase it in the classroom.

In contrast, Solange was described as vibrantly outgoing, often making her presence known instantly. To address the growing differences between her daughters, Knowles made the proactive choice to put them in therapy together, despite resistance from her then-husband, Mathew Knowles.

Creating Destiny’s Child

Although Knowles aspired to be a singer herself, she redirected that ambition to support her daughters’ careers. Working as the stylist and designer for Destiny’s Child, she reminisces about the challenges faced regarding their image. “They dressed like an R&B group… but we came from Texas, and we loved big glamour,” she explained, recalling how she and Mathew Knowles faced pushback from their label.

Marriage Lessons and Parenting Under Scrutiny

In her memoir, Knowles candidly reflects on her 33-year marriage to Mathew Knowles, acknowledging that infidelity early on led her to set an escape plan in motion. A successful hair salon, Headliners, not only supported her family financially but also allowed her the independence she sought.

Despite facing criticisms about parenting, especially when Solange became a teenage mother, Knowles addressed the misunderstandings about their family dynamics and emphasized the importance of context to her daughters’ experiences.

Truths About Her Daughters’ Lives and Challenges

Knowles also tackled the painful rumors surrounding Beyoncé’s first pregnancy, expressing her indignation at the public’s misconceptions. “This should have been a sacred experience,” she lamented, particularly in light of Beyoncé’s past struggles with miscarriages.

Navigating Divorces and Finding Peace

After her divorce from Mathew Knowles, she spent a week in a downcast state, only to emerge with newfound self-awareness through an exercise suggested by her therapist. “I started getting mad and writing those things down,” she said, recognizing her accomplishments as integral parts of her identity.

Years later, Tina married actor Richard Lawson, a relationship for which she holds no regrets despite its end. She expressed a sense of fulfillment and readiness for whatever the future holds, stating, “I am finally feeling… that I am enough.” Knowles concluded with a sense of gratitude for her rich life experiences.