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AGT Star’s Mom Dies at 72 – You Won’t Believe What Happened!

BBG News

Singer Alice Tan Ridley, who’s the mother of Oscar nominee Gabourey Sidibe, has died at 72. 

Ridley, who appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent in 2010, passed away on March 25 in New York. 

It was confirmed by her family, which includes Gabourey Sidibe (known for her role as Precious), and the Sconiers Funeral Home, that she had passed away, as stated in a published obituary.

It wasn’t specified how the star passed away, but reports from The Hollywood Reporter indicate that she retired in 2018 after allegedly developing dementia.

Initially, she embarked on her professional journey as a special education teacher in Brooklyn. Subsequently, following a divorce and assuming the role of a single parent, she resorted to busking (performing music for donations) in the subway to make ends meet.

For many years, this vocalist captivated subway passengers in New York City with her collection of gospel and R&B tunes, frequently performing popular numbers such as “I Will Always Love You,” “I Will Survive,” and “My Heart Will Go On.

She earned acclaim after clinching a $25,000 prize in the 2002 premiere of Fox’s “30 Seconds to Fame,” and subsequently participated in “Showtime at the Apollo” in 2005.

Furthermore, she sang “Amazing Grace” in David LaChapelle’s documentary Rize, as well as “America the Beautiful” in the movie Heights.

In 2010, her audition for America’s Got Talent with At Last propelled her to the semifinals. 

Ridley released her debut album, Never Lost My Way, at the age of 63 in September 2016. 

Following the performance of ‘Good Feeling’, a song that appeared in Buick and Royal Caribbean Cruises advertisements, she embarked on tours and eventually went back to playing music in the underground transit system.

Her performances reached a larger audience through YouTube videos.

Besides her daughter Gabourey, she also leaves behind her son Ahmed Sidibe. They are from her previous marriage to Ibnou Sidibe; their union concluded in a divorce.

Beyond me, I am fortunate to be cherished by my brothers James D. Ridley and Tommy Lee Cherry, as well as my sisters Julia Van Mater-Miller and Mildred Ridley Dent. I also leave behind two wonderful grandchildren, along with a vast extended family who share in the memories we’ve created together.

A year ago, Alice passed away, following the birth of her grandchildren, son Cooper and daughter Maya, to her daughter Gabourey and husband Brandon Frankel.

In March, the pair celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.

The couple, who met on a dating app, got engaged in 2020 and married the following year.

After three years of marriage, they announced they were expecting last February.

As an over-the-moon admirer, I can’t help but share the exciting news that the star from American Horror Story, who underwent weight loss surgery in 2017, showcased her growing belly at a baby registry event in Beverly Hills. There, this lovely couple selected adorable baby clothes, a double stroller for their twins, and a cozy baby carrier to hold their little one close.

Following the event, the actress shared the exciting news on Instagram.

In my excited state, I’ve got some fantastic news to share – I’m expecting! With the arrival of a new addition in our family, we decided it was high time to entrust our beloved felines with their own roles. So, they each will be taking on the task of caring for their very own babies!

Here comes a delightful doubling! More little ones mean more feline friends, and twice the joy! Twin Birth approaching soon! Forty-four twins on the way!

In a 2022 interview on Live With Kelly and Ryan, it was disclosed that Gabourey had quietly tied the knot with Brandon at some point prior to the show.

Shortly after, Brandon confirmed on Instagram that they’d been married since March 2021.

Gabourey gained recognition through her breakout performance as the main character, Claireece ‘Precious’ Jones, in the 2009 movie Precious.

She received an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for the role.

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2025-04-10 04:13

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