Rita Marley is the widow of the legendary reggae singer Bob Marley, who died in 1981 at the age of 36. She is also a musician, a philanthropist, and a cultural icon in her own right. But what happened to her after Bob’s death? Is she still alive and well? Let’s find out.
Life after Bob
Rita Marley was married to Bob Marley from 1966 until his death in 1981. They had four children together, and she also adopted two of his children from other relationships. She was by his side throughout his musical career and his battle with cancer. She also sang backup vocals for him and had a solo career of her own.
After Bob’s death, Rita continued to keep his legacy alive and made some remarkable achievements herself. She bought Jamaica’s first recording studio, Federal Records, and turned it into Tuff Gong Recording Studios, where Bob and many other artists recorded their music.
She also released several albums, such as Who Feels It Knows It, Harambe, We Must Carry On, and Sunshine after Rain. She received many honors and awards for her contributions to Jamaican music and culture, such as the Order of Distinction and the Order of Jamaica.
Philanthropy and activism
Rita Marley is also known for her philanthropy and activism. She founded the Bob Marley Foundation, which supports various causes such as education, health, culture, and community development.
She also established the Rita Marley Foundation, which focuses on empowering women and children in Africa and the Caribbean. She is the honorary president of the Ethiopian African Black International Congress, a Rastafari organization that promotes repatriation to Africa. She also supports the legalization of marijuana and the recognition of Rastafari as a religion.
Health and recovery
Rita Marley suffered a stroke in 2016, which left her partially paralyzed and unable to speak. She was hospitalized in Miami, Florida, where she received treatment and rehabilitation. Her daughter, Cedella Marley, encouraged her to take a break and relax, saying that she had worked all her life and deserved some rest. Rita has since recovered and regained some of her mobility and speech. She currently lives in Miami, where she focuses on her well-being and recovery.
The Origins of the Rumors
The rumors about Rita Marley’s death or ill health began to circulate in 2016, when she suffered a stroke while in Miami, Florida. The stroke affected her speech and movement, and she was hospitalized for several weeks. She then moved to Ghana, where she owns a house, to recover and rehabilitate. Her daughter, Cedella Marley, confirmed that her mother was alive and recovering, and asked for prayers and privacy for the family.
However, some people continued to spread false or misleading information about Rita Marley’s condition, either out of ignorance, malice, or confusion. Some claimed that she had died, while others said that she was in a coma or paralyzed. Some even fabricated stories about her funeral or burial. These rumors were often based on unreliable or outdated sources, or on fake or manipulated images and videos.
The Truth About Rita Marley’s Status
As of February 17, 2024, Rita Marley is alive and well, residing in Miami, Florida. She has made remarkable progress in her recovery, and has regained most of her speech and mobility.
She has also resumed some of her activities and projects, such as managing the Tuff Gong Recording Studios, which she bought in 1981 after Bob Marley’s death. She also continues to support various foundations and charities that she founded or co-founded, such as the Rita Marley Foundation, the Bob Marley Foundation, and the Africa Unite initiative.
Rita Marley has also made some public appearances and statements in recent years, proving that she is alive and active. For instance, in 2019, she attended the opening ceremony of the Rita Marley Music and Sports Academy in Ghana, where she received a warm welcome and appreciation from the local community.
In 2020, she celebrated her 74th birthday with her family and friends, and shared a message of gratitude and love on her social media accounts. In 2021, she participated in a virtual tribute concert for Bob Marley’s 76th birthday, where she sang along with her children and grandchildren.
Conclusion
Rita Marley is a remarkable woman who has lived a life full of music, love, and service. She is the widow of Bob Marley, but also a musician, a philanthropist, and a cultural icon in her own right. She is still alive and well, despite suffering a stroke in 2016. She is a survivor and a role model for many.