Quincy Jones, an iconic music producer and cultural figure, had a remarkable life both personally and professionally. Known for his contributions to the music and entertainment industries, Jones also had a complex family life.
He was married three times and shared close relationships with his ex-wives and children, even after divorce. Jones’ marriages to Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson, and Peggy Lipton each left a lasting impact on his life, with these relationships adding rich layers to his storied legacy.
In this article, we’ll dive into the personal side of Quincy Jones, focusing on his marriages, family, and the people he cherished most.
Quincy Jones’ First Marriage to Jeri Caldwell
Quincy Jones met his first wife, Jeri Caldwell, while they were high school students in Seattle, Washington. Caldwell was his high school sweetheart and one of his first major loves. They married in 1957, launching a new chapter in their lives that included Jones’ rise to fame and international success. Caldwell joined him on his journey, moving to Paris together and accompanying him on tour.
In 1953, the couple welcomed their daughter, Jolie Jones Levine. While Jolie grew up in the limelight, she later chose a quieter life. By 1966, Jones and Caldwell separated, ending nearly a decade of marriage. Years later, Caldwell passed away in 2021, and Jones paid tribute to her on social media, remembering her as his “rock” and an integral part of his life journey.
The Second Marriage: Ulla Andersson
After his split from Caldwell, Quincy Jones entered a new chapter when he married Ulla Andersson in 1967. Andersson, a Swedish model and actress, was prominent in the fashion world and starred in Swedish films. They shared a deep connection, and shortly before their marriage, the couple welcomed their first child together, Martina Jones, born in 1966. Two years later, they had Quincy Delight Jones III, who followed his father into the music business and production.
Jones and Andersson shared many experiences as a family, including balancing life between Los Angeles and Sweden. Their marriage, however, ended in 1974, after nearly a decade together. Andersson returned to Sweden with the children, and despite the separation, Jones continued to support and stay close to his children. He recently expressed his pride in his daughter Martina on her birthday, sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram.
The Third Marriage to Peggy Lipton
In 1974, Jones married actress Peggy Lipton, a well-known star of The Mod Squad. Although they first met while Jones was still married to Andersson, their romance began after his divorce. Lipton and Jones had two daughters together, Kidada Jones and Rashida Jones, born in 1974 and 1976, respectively.
Lipton embraced motherhood fully, taking a break from her acting career to focus on raising their daughters. Although the couple eventually separated in 1986 and finalized their divorce in 1990, they maintained a close co-parenting relationship.
Their bond endured even after their split. Lipton, who later passed away in 2019 after a battle with cancer, was honored by Jones in a touching tribute. He reflected on their enduring connection, calling their love “eternal.” Their daughters, Kidada and Rashida, both followed careers in the entertainment industry, and their parents’ strong co-parenting left a positive impact on their lives.
Quincy Jones’ Legacy of Love and Connection
Throughout his life, Quincy Jones maintained strong connections with his ex-wives and children. His daughter Rashida once commented on how her father’s relationships with his ex-wives and close friends remained amicable, creating a family atmosphere where love and respect flourished. Family gatherings often included Jones’ former spouses, showing that he valued connection over conflict.
Jones’ family relationships are a significant part of his legacy. Although his marriages did not last, his love for his children and his respect for his ex-wives remained steadfast. His commitment to family bonds reflects his philosophy that love and family matter above all else.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Quincy Jones married to?
Quincy Jones was married three times. His first wife was Jeri Caldwell, whom he married in 1957. After their divorce, he married Ulla Andersson in 1967, and then Peggy Lipton in 1974.
2. How many children did Quincy Jones have with his wives?
Quincy Jones had five children with his three wives. He had one child, Jolie, with Jeri Caldwell; two children, Martina and Quincy III, with Ulla Andersson; and two daughters, Kidada and Rashida, with Peggy Lipton.
3. Did Quincy Jones stay connected with his ex-wives after divorce?
Yes, Quincy Jones maintained close and friendly relationships with his ex-wives. His daughter Rashida mentioned that their family gatherings often included his ex-wives and ex-girlfriends, emphasizing the love and respect that remained among them.
4. What impact did Quincy Jones’ marriages have on his family life?
Quincy Jones’ marriages shaped his family life, as he remained committed to his children and supportive of his ex-wives. Even after divorces, he stayed connected to his children and cherished family gatherings, valuing the unity and harmony within his family.
5. What legacy did Quincy Jones leave with his family?
Quincy Jones’ legacy extends beyond his music career to his family values. His dedication to keeping his family close, even after his marriages ended, highlighted his commitment to love, connection, and family unity, impacting his children and his broader family.