Linda Maria Ronstadt, renowned singer and actress, was born on July 15, 1946, in Tucson, Arizona. She gained fame for her roles in notable films such as “The Pirates of Penzance” (1983), “An American Tail” (1986), and “The Abyss” (1989).
Throughout her career, Ronstadt showcased her versatility by performing and recording in a wide range of genres. She delved into rock, country, rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, new wave, reggae, big band, jazz, opera, folk, Cajun, Latin American, Broadway, Afro-Cuban, Mexican, kids’ music, adult contemporary, acoustic rock, gospel, and art rock.
Ronstadt’s exceptional talent and contributions earned her numerous accolades and honors, including 11 Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards, and an Emmy Award. Recognizing her significant impact, she was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on April 10, 2014.
In a captivating revelation, the award-winning singer shared that it took her many years to inform Clooney that she and Brown had given her second-hand roses. Furthermore, Ronstadt received a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress (Musical) for her portrayal in the Broadway production of “The Pirates of Penzance” in 1981. She reprised the same character in the 1983 movie adaptation.
Additionally, Ronstadt collaborated with esteemed country musicians Dolly Parton and Emmylou Harris to form The Trio. They released two successful albums in 1987 and 1999. The trio’s debut track, “To Know Him is to Love Him,” topped Billboard Magazine’s country singles chart in 1987.
Known for her captivating voice, Ronstadt ranked among the highest-paid female musicians in rock and achieved fame for her versatility and success across various music genres, even making a remarkable impact on Broadway.
Notably, Linda Ronstadt’s timeless aura and magical voice garnered attention from notable figures, including former President Barack Obama and the beloved Kermit the Frog, who reportedly had crushes on her.
In the 1960s, Ronstadt experienced her initial wave of success as the lead singer of L.A.’s “Stone Poneys.” Her remarkable soprano voice solidified her reputation as one of the era’s premier song interpreters. While Ronstadt treasured her privacy in her personal life, she opened up about her career and experiences in her memoir, “Simple Dreams,” published in 2013. In the book, she discussed how her voice began to change when she turned 50.
Ronstadt’s retirement from music in 2009 did not have a definitive explanation, although her memoir alluded to a time when she possessed a healthy voice. When questioned about tick disease, she revealed that she had suffered from two severe tick bites in the 1980s, which resulted in a persistent decline in her health. Although she did not mention this information in her book, Ronstadt explained that her reduced public appearances were due to her inability to sing.
Ronstadt made a startling revelation, disclosing that she had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, which she suspected might have been triggered by her tick bite. During an interview, she recounted how her doctors had informed her about the potential connection between tick bites and Parkinson’s disease, suggesting that a virus could activate certain genes or lead to neurodegeneration.
It didn’t take long for Ronstadt to realize that her ability to sing had diminished, despite struggling on stage for nearly six years. In a lighthearted tone, she reflected on the experience, jokingly contemplating singing upside down or attempting juggling, anything that could reignite her musical prowess. Sadly, all her efforts proved futile, and she later discovered that her vocal issue was either muscular or mechanical in nature. It was only after her Parkinson’s diagnosis that she understood the true cause of her lost singing voice.
Coming to terms with the heartbreaking reality, Ronstadt acknowledged that individuals with Parkinson’s disease were unable to sing, regardless of their efforts or determination. In 2021, she shared her journey of falling deeply and passionately in love with music as a young girl. From the tender age of two, she knew she wanted to sing, and as time went by, she pursued music as a career, ultimately becoming a renowned and beloved musician of the 1970s.
Ronstadt’s exceptional talent was evident through ten of her singles topping Billboard’s Top 10 list, including the timeless classics “Blue Bayou” and “You’re No Good.” In 1987, she released an album featuring traditional Mexican folk songs, which she considered her most personal endeavor, as it embodied her familial bonds and heritage. This remarkable album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2020.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Ronstadt also garnered attention for her unique sense of style. She described herself as a “geek” who only started wearing makeup in her mid-20s and never felt compelled to conform to a glamorous or stylized appearance. Her fashion inspiration came from the servers at the Sunset Strip club, particularly the dazzling attire designed by Betsey Johnson, which she would wear during her shows. Ronstadt fondly reminisced about her purple-striped dress, which she would wash in the basin at night and eventually donate to Goodwill.
Growing up in a musically inclined household, Ronstadt developed a deep appreciation for singing and cherished the moments shared with her family. She expressed admiration for ranch cuisine, including beans, tortillas, and cheese, which were staples in her upbringing.
Regarding her personal life, Ronstadt briefly mentioned her former partner, Jerry Brown, in her memoir. She had dated him during his tenure as the governor of California. When asked about their current relationship, she revealed that they maintained friendly communication, describing him as a good person.
The “Tumbling Dice” singer recounted an anecdote when Brown unexpectedly visited her while she was preparing to have dinner with Rosemary Clooney. True to his nature, he invited himself to the dinner and suggested bringing a large bouquet of flowers for Clooney, which someone had given to Ronstadt. It took Ronstadt many years to disclose to Clooney that the bouquet they had brought her were secondhand roses from Brown.
Ronstadt also opened up about her relationship with the American filmmaker George Lucas and whether they had any innovative plans together. While acknowledging their friendship, the “It’s so Easy” star emphasized that she never mixed her personal life with business.
Additionally, Ronstadt expressed her happiness that Lucas had married a wonderful woman and started a family of his own. Despite her deep care for people, she admitted that she wasn’t the type to pursue marriage. In 1983, when Ronstadt was 37 years old, she briefly dated actor Jim Carrey, who was 21 at the time.
In her early 40s, the beloved music icon made the decision to pursue adoption. While she had never entertained the idea of settling down with any of her former partners—Brown, Lucas, or Albert Brooks—Ronstadt had always known that she wanted to experience motherhood someday.
During an exclusive interview with Playboy magazine in 1980, Ronstadt reflected on her desire for children. She believed that people have kids because they want them more than anything else, and if she reached that point, she wouldn’t let her single status hold her back.
“I won’t care if I’m married or not. I’d prefer to be with the kids’ father because I think that would enhance and enrich the experience exponentially, but I don’t think it would be impossible to do it alone,” added the “Love Is a Rose” singer.
Since her romantic relationships were not long-lasting, Ronstadt fulfilled her dream of becoming a mother through adoption. In December 1990, she adopted a daughter named Mary Clementine, and four years later, in 1994, she welcomed another child, a son named Carlos.
As a new parent, Ronstadt faced the challenge of balancing motherhood with her music career. After more than a decade of dividing her time between being a mom in San Francisco and going on tours, she retired from singing in 2011.
According to her daughter Mary’s LinkedIn profile, she worked as an art assistant at the Guadalupe Art Program in San Francisco from 2009 to 2019. Mary’s passion for art was inspired by her mother, who actively supported the non-profit organization “Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy.” The academy has dedicated itself to teaching traditional Mexican dance and music to young people for over three decades.
Ronstadt maintains a loving bond with her adopted children, whom she raised in Arizona. She shares a close relationship with her daughter, Mary. Her son, on the other hand, prefers to stay away from the spotlight, much like his older sister. In an intimate interview, the proud mother shared that her children had developed a love for music from an early age and insisted on her singing to them at night. She also praised her daughter’s exceptional harmony skills and mentioned how her son quickly learned to play the guitar.
Despite their talent, Ronstadt’s children pursued music for enjoyment rather than as a career path. Her son, Carlos, found his passion in technology and had a good job and a lovely girlfriend. The singer expressed her pride in their musical interests and appreciated that they approached it as a source of joy rather than professional pursuits.
