Here are seven facts you might not know about Rita Marley:
1. She Was a Singer Before Meeting Bob
Before she became part of Bob Marley’s life, Rita was already pursuing a music career. She was a member of the girl group The Soulettes, which was mentored by Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, a key figure in early reggae.
2. She Was Married to Bob Until His Death
Rita and Bob Marley married in 1966, and despite Bob’s well-known relationships with other women, she remained his wife until his death in 1981.
3. She Raised Many of Bob’s Children—Even Ones That Weren’t Hers
While she had several children of her own, including Cedella, Ziggy, and Stephen Marley, Rita also helped raise some of Bob’s children from other relationships.
4. She Survived an Assassination Attempt
In 1976, gunmen attacked Bob Marley’s home in Kingston in an apparent political assassination attempt. Rita was shot in the head but miraculously survived with only minor injuries.
5. She Became a Devout Rastafarian
Rita’s spirituality played a significant role in her life. She embraced Rastafarianism deeply, and after Bob’s death, she helped continue his legacy by promoting the faith and its cultural impact worldwide.
6. She Moved to Ghana and Became an Honorary Citizen
Rita relocated to Ghana in the 1990s, calling it her second home. She was granted honorary citizenship, furthering her connection to Africa and her Pan-African advocacy.
7. She Transformed Bob’s Home Into a Museum
Rita played a crucial role in preserving Bob Marley’s legacy by turning his Kingston home into the Bob Marley Museum, ensuring future generations can learn about his life and work.
