All About Patti LaBelle’s Son – Zuri Kye Edwards, Life, Bio

Zuri Kye Edwards is the eldest of some of the popular singers Patti LaBelle and her ex-husband Armstead Edwards. He was born on July 17, 1972. He took on the role of his mother’s manager in 2000 after his father stepped down. 

Zuri is married to Lona Edwards and has three children: Gia, Leyla, and Zuri Jr. Zuri has made a name for himself in the music industry and struggled to build his own career. 

Zuri Edwards Bio

Early Life of Zuri

Zuri Kye Edwards was born on July 6, 1962, in Philadelphia. He is the only child of famous singer Patti LaBelle and her first husband, Armstead Edwards. Patti and Armstead started dating in high school and got married soon after. 

However, their marriage faced challenges as Patti’s music career took off. She focused on her rising success, releasing many hit songs.

Zuri Kye Edwards Career

Zuri chose a different path in music. Instead of singing like his mother, he became a music producer and manager. He began his career while still in high school at Overbrook High School. 

Zuri produced albums for Patti, including “Winner in You” and “Be Yourself,” both released in the late 1980s. In 1991, he officially became his mother’s music manager. 

Together, they released many hits and secured valuable collaborations that helped Patti’s career. Zuri has also worked with other artists, including Martha Wash and the group Tony Terry.

Zuri’s Wife and Children

Zuri Kye Edwards married Lona Azami in 2014, marking the beginning of a strong partnership grounded in love and mutual support. Together, they have three children: Gia, Leyla, and Zuri Jr. 

As parents, Zuri and Lona are deeply committed to creating a nurturing environment for their kids, where family values are prioritized. They strive to instill important lessons and foster a sense of responsibility and respect in their children. 

The family enjoys spending quality time together, often engaging in fun activities that strengthen their bonds. Zuri’s role as a father is central to his life, and he takes pride in being actively involved in his children’s growth and development. 

Despite their public connections, Zuri and Lona maintain a level of privacy, allowing their family to flourish away from the spotlight. This focus on family unity and love creates a warm and supportive atmosphere for Gia, Leyla, and Zuri Jr. as they navigate their childhood.

Zuri Kye Edwards Family Background

He is the Son of Patti LaBelle. She is not only a talented singer and actress but also a dedicated mother. She has five children: Zuri Kye Edwards, Dodd Stocker-Edwards, Stanley Stocker-Edwards, William Holte, and Stayce Holte. Her family plays a big role in her life and career. 

LaBelle is known for iconic songs like “Lady Marmalade” and “New Attitude.” She has also acted in popular shows, such as A Different World and American Horror Story. Despite her fame, her kids are among her greatest joys.

1. Stanley: The Attorney

Stanley Stocker-Edwards is a talented attorney based in Washington D.C. He works as a staff attorney at Covington and Burling LLP, where he applies his legal expertise to various cases. Stanley is known not just for his professional accomplishments but also for his interesting past. 

During his college years at Harvard, he briefly dated Michelle Obama. This connection adds a notable chapter to his story, reflecting the impressive circle of individuals he has encountered. 

Despite the public interest in his past relationship, Stanley remains focused on his career and the impact he can make in the legal field.

2. Zuri Kye Edwards: The Manager

Zuri Kye Edwards, born on July 17, 1973, is the eldest son of Patti LaBelle. He stepped into a significant role in his mother’s career after his father, Armstead Edwards, resigned as her manager in 2000. 

Zuri’s transition into management was seamless, as he had been closely involved in LaBelle’s professional life from a young age. 

With a deep understanding of the music industry and a personal connection to his mother’s artistry, Zuri has successfully navigated her career through various stages, ensuring her brand remains strong and relevant.

In 2023, Patti celebrated Zuri’s milestone 50th birthday with a heartfelt tribute on social media. She expressed her pride and love for him, writing, 

“Wishing my son Zuri a very happy and blessed birthday! 

I love you, son! Thank you for being the man that you are 

and for all that you do! 50 looks great on you!”. 

This message not only highlighted their close bond but also showcased Zuri’s significant contributions to LaBelle’s ongoing success. As both manager and son, Zuri embodies the perfect blend of professional dedication and familial love, making him a vital part of Patti LaBelle’s life and career.

3. Dodd: The Entrepreneur

Dodd Stocker-Edwards is a dynamic entrepreneur who runs an apparel company called Pump Dog, based in New Jersey. He studied at the University of North Texas, where he developed a passion for athletic wear. 

Dodd’s company specializes in premium performance apparel, offering high-quality gear designed for active lifestyles. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through as he revitalized Pump Dog, originally founded in 1996, and relaunched it in May 2021. 

With a focus on innovation and quality, Dodd aims to make his mark in the competitive world of athletic apparel, drawing inspiration from his family and the values instilled by his mother, Patti LaBelle.

Patti LaBelle Adoption of Sibling’s Child

Patti LaBelle made a significant and heartfelt decision to adopt her late sister Jackie’s children, William and Stayce after Jackie tragically passed away from brain cancer in 1989. 

This act of love highlighted LaBelle’s deep commitment to family and her desire to keep her sister’s legacy alive. 

Jackie, who was a vital support in LaBelle’s life and career, had a special bond with her children, and LaBelle stepped in to ensure they would continue to be surrounded by love and support. 

By adopting William and Stayce, LaBelle not only embraced her role as a mother but also honored her sister’s memory. This decision strengthened the family ties, creating a close-knit environment where the children could thrive. 

LaBelle’s nurturing nature shines through in her relationship with William and Stayce, reflecting her belief in the importance of family and the responsibilities that come with it.

Zuri Kye Edwards’s Relationship with His Parents

Zuri Kye Edwards shares a unique bond with his parents, Patti LaBelle and Armstead Edwards, shaped by their extraordinary journey together. Notably, it was Patti who took the bold step of proposing to Armstead after he had asked for her hand multiple times. 

Her initial reluctance to accept his proposals stemmed from a deep-rooted apprehension about marriage, influenced by her own upbringing in a family marked by conflict and divorce. This wariness led her to fear repeating those patterns in her own life. 

However, their love prevailed, and they tied the knot in 1969 in Maryland, marking the beginning of a partnership that would last over three decades. Despite their eventual divorce in 2000, the respect and affection between Patti and Armstead remained evident, creating a nurturing environment for Zuri. 

Their relationship exemplifies the complexities of love, commitment, and family, providing Zuri with a rich foundation that he continues to build upon in his own life and career.

Stayce: The “AuntieMommy”

Stayce Holte affectionately refers to Patti LaBelle as her “AuntieMommy,” a term that reflects their close and loving relationship. Stayce often shares her appreciation for LaBelle on social media, posting heartfelt messages and photos that celebrate their bond. 

This special nickname signifies not just a familial connection but also the nurturing role LaBelle plays in Stayce’s life. Their interactions showcase a blend of love, admiration, and playful moments, emphasizing the strong support system they share as a family.

William’s Support

William Holte is an active supporter of his mother, Patti LaBelle, frequently sharing messages of love and pride on social media. He often highlights her achievements, celebrating milestones like birthdays and career accomplishments. 

William’s posts serve as a reminder of the strong family ties they maintain, showcasing a deep appreciation for LaBelle’s work and the impact she has had on his life. His public expressions of affection reflect the close-knit nature of their family and the pride he feels in being her son.

LaBelle and Her Grandkids

Patti LaBelle is a proud grandmother who cherishes spending time with her granddaughters, Gia and Leyla. She loves to create special memories with them, often bringing them on stage during her concerts. 

LaBelle’s joy in sharing the spotlight with her grandkids highlights her nurturing spirit and the joy they bring to her life. 

Whether it’s through performances or family gatherings, LaBelle’s bond with her granddaughters is filled with laughter and love, making them an integral part of her vibrant world.

Grandkids as Brand Ambassadors

Patti LaBelle’s granddaughters play a delightful role in promoting her food brand, often appearing in charming videos that highlight her products. Their enthusiasm for her cooking and shared experiences bring a personal touch to her brand, making it relatable and fun. 

By showcasing their love for LaBelle’s food, they not only help to promote Patti’s Good Life but also carry on her legacy. Their involvement signifies the close-knit nature of their family and reflects the joy and pride LaBelle takes in sharing her culinary creations with future generations.

Food Business Inspired by Family

In 2015, Patti LaBelle launched her food line called Patti’s Good Life, inspired by her family’s love for her cooking. Her children, who grew up enjoying her home-cooked meals, particularly adored her sweet potato pie. 

This positive feedback motivated LaBelle to share her culinary talents with a broader audience. The delicious recipes that brought her family together became the foundation of her successful business, allowing her to celebrate her heritage and passion for cooking while delighting fans with comforting, familiar flavors.

Zuri Parents Divorce:

Despite her divorce from Armstead Edwards in 2003, Patti LaBelle has maintained a strong and supportive relationship with her children. She prioritizes family connections and believes in the importance of staying close. 

LaBelle’s commitment to her kids reflects her nurturing nature and determination to provide a loving environment, even amid life changes. Their enduring bond showcases her belief that family should remain a top priority, emphasizing the strength of their ties through both joy and challenges.

Zuri Kye Edwards Net Worth

Zuri Kye Edwards has an estimated net worth of between $10 million and $15 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a music producer and manager, especially through his work with his mother, Patti LaBelle, who has a net worth of $60 million. 

Zuri’s strategic management and production efforts have significantly contributed to his financial success, enabling him to build a comfortable life for his family. 

His dedication to the music industry not only supports his mother’s legacy but also helps him establish his own reputation as a talented manager.

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