Linda Ronstadt: The Heartwarming Story Of Her Children Carlos And Mary

When you think of Linda Ronstadt, you likely recall her incredible voice behind timeless hits like "Blue Bayou," "When Will I Be Loved," and many more. But did you know that this legendary singer is also a devoted mother to two children? While Linda prefers to keep her family out of the spotlight, her deep love for her kids, Carlos and Mary, is undeniable. Let’s dive into the incredible journey of how this rock-and-roll icon became a mom and the life she’s built with her children.

A Mother’s Journey Begins

Back in her early 40s, Linda Ronstadt embarked on the life-changing journey of becoming a mother through adoption. Even though she never envisioned herself marrying any of her high-profile exes—Jerry Brown, George Lucas, or Albert Brooks—her desire to start a family was always a part of her plan. "I’ve thought about it a lot. I like children a whole lot," Linda once told Playboy magazine in 1980. She believed that having children was a calling, one that transcended traditional marital expectations. "The only reason to have children is because you want them more than anything else," she explained. "If I get to that point, I won’t care if I’m married or not. Sure, I’d prefer to have the kids’ father around—it would make the experience richer—but I don’t think it’s impossible to do it alone."

Welcoming Mary and Carlos

In December 1990, Linda’s dream of becoming a mother came true when she adopted a baby girl, naming her Mary Clementine. Four years later, in 1994, she completed her family by adopting her son, Carlos. These adoptions marked a new chapter in Linda’s life, blending her roles as a performer and a parent. Juggling her singing career with motherhood wasn’t easy, but Linda made it work. For over a decade, she split her time between touring and raising her children in San Francisco. By 2011, however, she decided it was time to retire from performing, allowing her to focus more fully on her family and personal life.

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Life After Retirement

Since stepping away from the stage, Linda has continued to make occasional appearances on TV and at public events. Despite her public persona, she rarely discusses her children with the media. However, during a 2013 discussion at the Hudson Union Society, Linda gave fans a rare glimpse into her family life. She shared how her kids, Carlos and Mary, have embraced her love for music in their own unique ways. "My son, when he was probably 8 or 9, asked me, 'Hey mom, why didn’t you ever sing rock 'n' roll?'" she recalled with a laugh. As for Mary, Linda proudly noted that her daughter shares her passion for music. In fact, Mary began singing in Spanish at a young age and occasionally teases her mom about singing in English!

Growing Up with Linda

Now all grown up, Carlos and Mary remain close to their mom. While Linda keeps their personal lives private, she’s openly expressed her gratitude for their unwavering support, especially during her ongoing battle with progressive supranuclear palsy. "I have a progressive disease, which is progressing, unfortunately," Linda revealed to Closer Weekly in November 2020. "But I have a lot of support from friends and family, so I’m pretty content." Her children, Carlos and Mary, continue to be her rock, offering love and encouragement every step of the way.

Even though Linda Ronstadt may keep her family life under wraps, it’s clear that her bond with Carlos and Mary is one of deep affection and mutual respect. As she navigates the challenges of aging and illness, she does so with the strength and support of her beloved children by her side.

Ready to learn even more about Linda’s kids? Keep reading below for additional details about Carlos and Mary!