The award-winning singer and actress opens up about an astonishing revelation that came to light during her teenage years that she has 27 half-siblings from her biological father.
- Jun 21, 2024
AceShowbiz - Jennifer Hudson, the acclaimed Dreamgirls star and EGOT winner, recently opened up about a deeply personal and ongoing quest to meet all of her brothers and sisters. During an appearance on Michele Norris' podcast "Your Mama's Kitchen", Hudson shared intimate details of her unique family situation, revealing that her father, whom she grew up without, had a significant number of offspring.
"Apparently," Hudson explained, "he had 27 children." This astonishing revelation came to light during Hudson's teenage years, setting her on a path of discovering and connecting with her numerous siblings.
Now 42, Hudson holds on to a heartfelt dream she has nurtured since she was 16 years old, which is to bring all of her siblings together at a grand family gathering. "It was my dream to have all of us at this grand Thanksgiving or Christmas table, and we all sit and eat together - that was my goal at 16," she shared.
The journey to meet her siblings has been gradual. Hudson was raised by her mother, the late Darnell Donerson, and only started connecting with her paternal side through significant family events. "When my grandma on his side passed," Hudson said, "my siblings over there were like, 'Y'all got a sister that can really sing, you should meet her,' and eventually we all came together."
To date, Hudson has met six or seven of her siblings, all of whom she had not known during her childhood. As the youngest of her father's 27 children that she has met, Hudson continues her endeavor to eventually meet every member of her sprawling family.
Aside from her personal quest, Hudson leads a vibrant life with her own family. She is the mother of one son, David Otunga Jr., born in 2009, whom she shares with her former fiance David Otunga. Despite their separation in 2017, Hudson remains a devoted mother. In her personal life, things are also looking up. Earlier this month, Hudson confirmed to PEOPLE that her relationship with rapper-actor Common is going well. "Everything is wonderful," Hudson told the magazine. "That's all you need to know."
With a successful career as the star of "The Jennifer Hudson Show" and a blossoming personal life, Hudson continues to inspire by sharing her journey of family reconnections. Her story is a testament to the importance of family bonds and the enduring nature of heartfelt dreams.
