
Kelly Rowland Reflects On Reconnecting With Her Father And Gentle Parenting

Kelly Rowland has garnered fans in the U.S. and internationally thanks to her successful music career that has spit out hits such as “Motivation” and “When Love Takes Over.” And for the OG fans, we have to give the nod to the group that kick-started her thriving solo career, Destiny’s Child.
The mother of two has been in the spotlight since she was a teenager and there have been a few times when she has shared vulnerable moments of her life with the public. From sharing that she was in a past abusive relationship to more recently sharing with the world how she reconnected with her father while co-hosting Today in March.
During her appearance on Angie Martinez’s IRL podcast, the Grammy award-winner reflected on the moment of seeing her dad after 30 years. “I remember walking to meet him. My feet got heavy,” she said. “I had all these things I wanted to say. I was going to go in on this man.” Kelly began listing the questions she was ready to ask him regarding him not being in her life and admitted it was all coming from anger. However, her tune changed when she saw him.
“I kid you not, the moment I walked in there, I saw his face, I saw how old he was, I saw time, something said ‘be quiet,’” she said. “I was quiet. I let this man talk for two hours. Two hours he got out everything he needed to get out and he still kept talking and then it was like certain things that he told me fit another side of a story that my mom had told me.”
Kelly’s parents divorced when the singer was 7 years old and soon after she and her mother moved from Atlanta, GA to Houston, TX. The Merry Liddle Christmas actress’ mom, Doris Rowland Garrison, passed away in 2014.
As Kelly’s father kept talking she still had burning questions including, why didn’t he try to find her? Her father, Christopher Lovett, said he did try to find her. And she soon remembered that as she got older, she set boundaries to prevent that from happening. The “Ice” songstress recalled being on tour with Destiny’s Child and telling security not to let her dad in if he showed up.
When she and her father reconnected in Oct. 2018, she had to have that uncomfortable conversation with him. “I didn’t know what he was going to bring into my life and I was like, ‘I’m good right now.’ So all that time, I’m protecting myself,” she explained. “But in all the time I’m protecting myself, I’m also going through the most tumultuous relationship, choosing the wrongest dudes to be around.”
However, Kelly seems to be happy with her decision in reaching out to find her father. While speaking about it to Hoda Kotb on Today, the mom of two shared the importance of hearing her father say those three words.
“It was necessary to hear it from a man. It was necessary to hear it from my father,” she said. “When I thought about all the tumultuous relationships and trying to figure out men, like, that is the base and the foundation of it psychologically. So when I’m talking to therapists, and I’m asking them about this, it all runs back to the abandonment issue.”
Angie Martinez IRL Podcast | Kelly Rowland
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From '106 & Park' To Prime Time, Rocsi Diaz Is Still That Girl
Rocsi Diaz is no stranger to the camera. From her iconic run on 106 & Park to interviewing Hollywood heavyweights on Entertainment Tonight, she’s been at the center of culture for years. Now, she’s back in the hosting chair alongside none other than Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders for We Got Time Today, a fresh talk show exclusive to Tubi.
The show is exactly what you’d expect when you put a media pro and a sports legend together—a mix of real talk, unfiltered moments, and guest interviews that feel like family kickbacks. As the duo wraps up their first season, Rocsi sat down with xoNecole to talk about teaming up with Deion, the wildest moments on set, and why streaming platforms like Tubi are shaking up the talk show world.
Scoring the Gig & Clicking Instantly with Deion
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Deion Sanders had been dreaming of hosting a talk show, and when Tubi came calling, it was only right he made it happen. But before he found the perfect co-host, he held auditions with different women for the spot.
Lucky for us, Rocsi threw her hat in the ring, and the connection was instant. “You just can’t buy chemistry like we have,” she tells us. “We are legit like big brother, little sister—fighting, cracking jokes, telling each other off. When you watch the show, it’s like watching family.”
Mixing News, Culture & Sports—Minus the Snooze
With We Got Time Today, Rocsi and Deion cover everything from the latest headlines to celebrity tea and, of course, sports. But instead of stiff, rehearsed segments, the show keeps it loose and unpredictable.
“We’re not breaking the mold—it’s not rocket science,” Rocsi jokes. “We just bring our own flair, our authenticity, and our personalities to it. Deion has firsthand experience in sports, so when we talk about athletes, he brings a different perspective.”
And the best part? Unlike traditional talk shows that rush through quick interviews, We Got Time Today actually takes its time. “A lot of shows might give you one or two segments with a guest,” Rocsi says. “With us, we actually sit down and have real-life conversations.”
Her Top Guests (So Far!)
From music icons to relationship experts, the show has already had some unforgettable guests—but a few stand out for Rocsi.
“Ice Cube was our first guest, and he’s just legendary,” she says. “Kirk Franklin had us cracking up when he broke into a full choir freestyle for our Christmas special. And anytime we get Dr. Bryant on to put Deion in the hot seat? That’s my favorite!”
And of course, there’s Nick Cannon. “Nick was amazing,” she adds. “You already know he’s going to bring the energy and say something wild.”
Tag-Team Hosting with Deion: The Inside Scoop
While Deion Sanders is best known for his football greatness, Rocsi says he’s also one of the funniest people she’s ever worked with.
“He’s goofy—like, really goofy,” she laughs. “A lot of people didn’t know that side of him, but now they do. He can crack a joke, and if you’re too sensitive, good luck, because he will go in. But the best part? I throw it right back at him! Sometimes we just look at each other like, ‘Okay, that was a good one.’”
But beyond the laughs, she admires his insane work ethic. “Watching him juggle everything he does is just super admirable,” she says.
How "We Got Time Today" Brings That "106 & Park" Energy
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For those wondering if We Got Time Today feels like 106 & Park 2.0, Rocsi says it’s a whole different vibe.
“The only comparison I’d make is that it’s a destination for the culture,” she explains. “It’s a platform where our people can come, feel safe, and have real conversations. But other than that, this is Deion’s world—we’re just having fun in it.”
The Talk Show Shake-Up: Why This Show Hits Different
Unlike traditional networks, We Got Time Today lives exclusively on Tubi, proving that streaming platforms are changing how we watch talk shows.
“Tubi is giving more people opportunities and making content more accessible,” Rocsi says. “Deion is a huge Tubi fan—he literally loves Black cinema—so it just made sense for him. And honestly? He’s got me watching it too!”
Real Ones Only: Women Holding Each Other Down
Rocsi credits her best friend, Chantelle, for always keeping her grounded. “She kept pouring into me, reminding me of who I am,” she shares. Even Deion Sanders makes sure to give her flowers, often calling her “the hostess with the most.”
In the industry, she’s built lasting bonds with women like Julissa Bermundez, Angie Martinez, and Angela Yee. “Julissa and I still kick it—her house is basically Sephora, so I just shop there,” she jokes. She also cherishes her friendships with Melyssa Ford and Robin Roberts, who have offered unwavering support. “Robin has always been there for me,” Rocsi says, reflecting on the wisdom she’s gained from the legendary journalist.
With the show’s first season wrapping up, Rocsi is grateful for the experience and excited for what’s next. “We’re having a good time, and the audience can feel that,” she says.
And if you haven’t tuned in yet? Well, Rocsi and Deion got time—so you might as well make some too.
Catch We Got Time Today now streaming on Tubi!
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Mid-Week Slump? Try These Motivational Quotes From Amazing Black Women
Never take for granted the power of a good motivational wordto speak life into your mind and spirit. I know things can get a bit corny and cliche when you see motivational speakers or quotes on social, and maybe you're on that de-motivation train. But sis, it's good to pour into ourselves with positive words, affirmations, and truths.
While I'm not too keen on self-help or the hell-fire preaching type of motivational speeches, I absolutely love wise, encouraging, and thought-provoking insights from women based on their experiences, education, training, relatability, or life stories. For me, it's all about who the message is coming from, the context and energy behind it, and the actual impact the women have made on the world. Here are a few motivational quotes that I often reference when I'm feeling that mid-week slump:
"I don't ever see myself in a position of controlling how other people think or how other people view me... What's most important is how I see myself." —Actress and Educator Phylicia Rashad
"That's how I go into every situation. I treat it as if nothing is impossible, so I don't let anything limit me, let anything stop me, let anything scare me." —Rapper and Producer Megan Thee Stallion
"I hate to lose, but I think losing is what brought me here today...And some of them are extremely painful, but I wouldn't take any of them away because every time I lose, it takes a long time for me to lose again because I learn so much from it. If you lose, learn from it. Don't live in the past. Live in the present. And don't make the same mistakes in the future." —Tennis champion Serena Williams
"We all have an idea of our plan, like, 'This is how it's going to work out.' And then we all see that the plan is not always what we think it will be. ... Never more have I learned to bet on myself. You have to bet on yourself." —TV Host and Journalist, Tamron Hall
"I believe that nobody can be the best you but you. So you might as well show up and show out." —Author, Host and Actress, Bevy Smith
"How I choose to affect change is by speaking up, by being a first, and by being a domino. ... Being the domino for me looks like speaking up and doing the things that are really difficult, especially when they're really needed, with the hope that others will follow suit." —Author and Entrepreneur, Luvvie Ajayi Jones
"And finally I said, 'God loves me.' It still humbles me that this force, which made leaves and fleas and stars and rivers and you, loves me—me, Maya Angelou. It's amazing. I can do anything and I can do it well...any good thing... because God loves me." —Author, Actress and Poet, Maya Angelou
"Give yourself a thousand second chances. Realize that you've got a thousand times to get it right. Life is about practicing and replaying... Life is not about perfection." —Author and Speaker, Lisa Nichols
"Don't hate on yourself. Don't speak negatively about yourself. Don't be your own worst enemy. It's about just having the courage and knowing who you are ... This is a gift. Have the courage. Just do it." —Singer, Author, and Actress, Mary J. Blige
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Originally published on May 10, 2023