Maye Musk isn’t just the mother of one of the world’s most recognizable billionaires—she’s also a proud and active grandmother. Some even say she might be more hands-on with her grandchildren than Elon Musk himself.
Most people know Maye as a successful supermodel, still turning heads well into her 70s. But her accomplishments go far beyond magazine covers. She’s a registered dietitian, a motivational speaker, and a best-selling author. Long before Elon became a household name, Maye was already building a legacy of her own.
In a 2018 interview with The New York Times, she remarked, “I was famous until Elon became famous,” a candid reflection on how her son’s meteoric rise has at times eclipsed her own success. But outside the spotlight, Maye is fully immersed in her most cherished role—being a grandmother. With 14 grandchildren, including Elon’s 10 kids, she treasures time with her growing family. In fact, some fans believe she may play a bigger role in raising Elon’s children—especially the ones he shares with musician Grimes—than Elon himself.
Who Is Maye Musk, Really?
Long before Elon Musk was launching rockets or building electric cars, Maye Musk had carved out an impressive career in fashion and nutrition. She appeared on the covers of major magazines like Vogue and Time, starred in a Beyoncé music video, and made history as CoverGirl’s oldest spokesmodel at 69.
Born Maye Haldeman in 1948 in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, she grew up in Pretoria, South Africa. In 1970, she married her high school sweetheart, Errol Musk, but later described the marriage as “toxic.” Despite the difficult relationship, Maye worked tirelessly to provide for her children: Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca.
After relocating to Toronto in 1989, she worked multiple jobs to support her family—everything from teaching modeling and nutrition to working as a university research officer. Eventually, she became a registered dietitian, combining her love of health and science with her natural charisma.
Maye raised her children with a mix of structure, kindness, and high expectations. In an interview with Insider, she explained how she modeled respect, generosity, and strong work ethic—all qualities she believes helped shape her children’s values.
The “Ouma” Factor: Maye Musk as Grandma
To her 14 grandchildren, Maye isn’t a celebrity—she’s just “Ouma,” a South African term for grandmother that she proudly chose to distinguish herself in the family. Her grandkids see her as the woman who knits, listens, hugs, and plays games—not just someone who shows up on billboards or red carpets.
Maye clearly adores being a grandmother. Her favorite part? “Hugs, lots and lots of hugs,” she once said. And while her fame may be interesting to her grandkids’ friends, they mostly see her as the same down-to-earth woman they’ve always known. They were more excited about her appearance in a James Bond video game than her cameo in Beyoncé’s video.
In 2020, she tweeted a heartfelt welcome to her grandson X Æ A-12, affectionately calling him “X” and sharing a sweet photo of Elon holding the newborn. It was a rare, intimate family moment, shared with the world.
Maye has also spoken warmly about Grimes, Elon’s former partner and the mother of two of his children. In an interview with WWD, she praised Grimes’ creativity and sense of style—proof that Maye values both family and individuality.
Is Elon Musk an Involved Dad?
Elon Musk’s approach to parenting has been widely debated. With 10 children and a schedule packed with running multiple companies, critics argue he doesn’t have much time left for hands-on parenting. They point to his constant business travel, long hours, and high social media activity as signs that he’s not always present.
But Elon disagrees. He’s publicly stated that he loves his children and makes time for them when he can. He’s shared moments of fatherhood in interviews and online, showing affection and pride. Supporters argue that while his lifestyle may not be traditional, it doesn’t mean he’s an absentee dad. They say he’s juggling massive responsibilities and doing his best within those limits.
Still, the contrast is clear: while Elon focuses on changing the world, Maye is focused on shaping the lives of the next generation, one hug at a time.
Final Thoughts
Maye Musk’s life is a testament to strength, adaptability, and unwavering love for her family. Whether she’s walking a runway or reading bedtime stories, she’s leaving an impact that goes far beyond fame. In the eyes of her grandkids—and many fans—she might just be the most grounded Musk of them all.
