Diana Ross Opens Up in Rare Interview About Family, Aging and Summer Plans (Exclusive)

Call her Grandma Supreme. 

Ms. Diana Ross is living her best (family) life these days. On the heels of shutting down the Met Gala red carpet in fabulous familial-themed fashion, the former Supremes front-woman and iconic diva is preparing to take on an exciting new adventure with Royal Caribbean in August.

In a rare interview for this week’s issue the hit singer, mother of five and grandmother of eight, shares what all she has planned and offers a glimpse inside her happy private world at 81. 

PEOPLE: What is Ms. Diana Ross up to and into these days?

Diana Ross: Health and well-being. And my family is equally everything to me. I like staying busy. Because I love what I do, it keeps me grounded. I’m swimming a lot lately to stay flexible. I must get my sleep which is important to me. I do my best to eat well, but I do like Häagen-Dazs ice cream.

When it comes to family, your Met Gala cloak, with all of your kids and grandkids’ names embroidered on it, must have made for a heart-warming moment. How did that look come about? 

[My son] Evan is very creative, and he is a fashionista! Evan is very good friends with Ugo Mozie, the designer. He wanted me to be able to tell my own story with my adult children and grandkids’ names embroidered on the cloak. It was a monumental love fest. And it seemed to have been an ideal look for the Met Gala.  

We first built it for my birthday, and we had photographs taken with me and the entire family. So, it was perfect for the red carpet. I am very passionate about designing and costumes. You may not know that about me, but that was my major in school. I designed all the costumes in Mahogany, and I design all my costumes on stage. I always have wonderful support and seamstresses and wardrobe people.”

What will you do with the look now? 

I have been interested in doing my own gallery and showing of all the costumes from the early days. I’ve kept everything. Luckily, I can still wear some of my vintage gowns — actually the gown underneath that incredible coat at The Met was from years ago.

Did you, Evan and Tracee [Ellis Ross] get to party it up that night?

I actually left early. I’m not a party animal. I require getting a good night’s sleep and getting up early. I was sad to miss Stevie [Wonder] and Usher. I heard that it was very exciting and very wonderful and beautiful.

When’s the last time you and your whole family got to vacation together? 

Whenever we can vacation together, we usually go towards the ocean, we all like the sun. At Christmas time we usually go to my home in Connecticut, or we may go skiing. But whenever I can find time or find a way that I can keep my family together on holidays, it’s usually on the beach.

We recently took a trip to the Caribbean. I was surrounded by the joy of my adult children and grandkids splashing in the water and running around with each other on the sand. These are picture-perfect moments. 

You’ve been named godmother of Royal Caribbean’s newest ship Star of the Seas and will be christening and performing on its maiden voyage this August. How did that partnership come about?

I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean and the magic it represents—peace, adventure, and awe. When Royal Caribbean reached out to invite me to be the godmother of Star of the Seas, I knew it was something truly special.  

This maritime tradition has been a part of my family for many years. Ross and Evan’s father, Arne Naess and his family were very involved throughout his life with the maritime shipping industry. So, I have been around these huge vessels many times in my life. It’s such an honor to join this new family that celebrates exploring, fun, and creating unforgettable memories — things I hold close to my heart. 

Will everyone be joining you?

I’m not sure yet. But the family has been invited and all the grandkids. That’s really what this ship is all about joy and family fun.

What type of grandma is Ms. Diana Ross?

That’s a very sweet question. I just want to be in their presence. I want them to see me, and I want to be able to see them. If I’m needed, for sure I will babysit. Being with my grandkids means everything to me. If spoiling them means loving them – Yes! I do that, I do a lot of that.

What’s the sweetest thing one of your grandkids has done for you recently?

When I recently arrived at Evan’s house, Ziggy ran to me with his arms open to give me a hug and a kiss; that meant the world to me. And when I visit Everlee, she piles all her stuffed animals on me, and she has names for every one of them. That stays in my heart.

Do your adult children still ask for advice?

Yes, and no. I ask their advice on many things. Rhonda travels with me on tour. Evan is always there for important events that I may attend. My five children really take care of their mom.

What’s something you’ve done for yourself recently?

I snuck into the theater to see The Wiz on the big screen, and I was amazed at all the talented people that were in the film with me… and I miss them.

You’re heading back out of the road this summer for a UK arena tour. What are you looking forward to most?

I am very passionate about performing live. I love looking out at the audience and seeing faces and singing directly to them. My daughter Rhonda will accompany me on stage to sing the song that she wrote for me called “Count on Me.” My entire family, my children and grandchildren will travel with me on this tour.

Is there a lot of physical and vocal prep involved?

I steam my throat. I drink hot tea with honey. I have a few breathing exercises. I’ve been very lucky not to have any vocal difficulties. Keep my fingers crossed always. I love what I do so I try not to hold any unnecessary stress. I meditate in the mornings, and I pray at night.

Is that the secret to looking and feeling great in your 80s?

The love of what I do keeps me grounded, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. When you can’t find the sunshine be the sunshine. My most current album is called, Thank You and all the songs came from my heart in a positive place. I have been very blessed in my life. I love what I do. I love my family. I love my life. I’m a happy person.