Tina Knowles, businesswoman, designer, and mother to music superstars Beyoncé and Solange, has achieved a remarkable literary milestone. Her debut memoir Matriarch has officially claimed the top spot on the New York Times Bestseller list. The announcement came during the first stop of her nine-city book tour at the MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino near Washington D.C.
“I never dreamed that this day would come!” Knowles shared on her Instagram. “Thank y’all for all the support and everyone who bought the book. God is Good.” This achievement adds another impressive accomplishment to the resume of the woman who has built a powerful legacy centered on family and Black excellence.
Michelle Obama Hosts Star-Studded Book Tour Launch Event
The April 30th kickoff of “Matriarch: An Evening with Tina Knowles, Family and Friends” featured former First Lady Michelle Obama as host. Grammy-winning singer Ledisi opened the high-energy event with her song “Blkwmn,” which she described as an ode to Black women everywhere.
Obama welcomed Knowles to the stage with excitement, telling the packed crowd, “Rest yourself. It’s going to be a night.” The prediction proved accurate as the evening unfolded with singing, cheering, impromptu dancing, and powerful storytelling from both Knowles and the former First Lady.
The evening concluded memorably with Obama and Knowles dancing to 803Fresh’s hit song “Boots on the Ground.” This joyful celebration set the tone for the remainder of the tour, which continues through June 4th with its final stop in London.
Oprah Winfrey Selects Matriarch for Prestigious Book Club
Adding to the book’s impressive momentum, media mogul Oprah Winfrey has selected Matriarch as the latest pick for her influential Oprah’s Book Club. This prestigious endorsement has historically catapulted books to major commercial success.
During the D.C. event, virtual appearances by Winfrey, Beyoncé, Solange, and Kelly Rowland provided heartfelt congratulations to Knowles. These surprise messages from her daughters and extended family highlighted the powerful themes of family that run throughout the memoir.
The book, released on April 22nd, shares intimate details about Knowles’ life journey. She explores both private and public battles while emphasizing themes of strength, motherhood, Black pride, and identity that have shaped her remarkable life.
From Reluctant Author to Bestselling Storyteller
During the launch event, Knowles admitted that publishing her story initially felt intimidating. “I never thought I’d publish a book,” she confessed to the audience. However, she recognized the importance of controlling her own narrative.
“You don’t have to publish a book but leave it for your great-grandchildren, so they can know your story,” she explained. This desire to preserve family history became a driving force behind the project. Throughout the evening, she shared memories and photos that illustrated her journey to becoming what she calls “a matriarch.”
Knowles described motherhood as “the best job in the world” and a divine calling. “I just love mothering. It’s my gift I think God gave to me,” she shared with the audience, reflecting the book’s central themes of maternal strength and guidance.
Star-Studded Tour Continues With Celebrity Moderators
The “Matriarch” book tour will continue across multiple cities with an impressive lineup of special guests and moderators. Actress Keke Palmer and television personality Gayle King are among the notable figures who will join Knowles at upcoming events.
The Los Angeles stop on May 2nd marks the next opportunity for fans to experience this unique celebration of family, resilience, and Black womanhood. Each event promises the same blend of storytelling, music, and inspiration that characterized the D.C. launch.
Tour organizers have designed these evenings to function as more than traditional book signings. Instead, they offer immersive celebrations of the themes explored in Matriarch through conversations with influential women across entertainment, media, and politics.
Family History Preservation Drives Bestselling Memoir
Knowles first announced her book project last fall with a heartfelt explanation of her motivation. “I have always been a storyteller, and it’s something I learned from my mother,” she wrote at the time. This intergenerational passing of narrative traditions stands central to her approach.
“When I had a family of my own, I believed that my daughters needed to know where they came from in order to know where they were going,” she continued. This philosophy helped shape two of music’s most influential artists while establishing a powerful family legacy.
For Knowles, reaching bestseller status represents more than personal success. It validates her belief in the importance of preserving and sharing authentic stories across generations. Her achievement demonstrates how personal narratives about Black motherhood and family can resonate deeply with readers nationwide.
