Oprah Selects Tina Knowles’ ‘Matriarch’ for Book Club

Chicago, IL — Oprah Winfrey announced on April 22, 2025, that she has chosen Tina Knowles‘ memoir, “Matriarch,” as her latest book club selection. This notable choice has generated excitement among readers and fans of both women.

Knowles, known as the mother of Grammy-winning artist Beyoncé, also has a successful career as an entrepreneur and fashion designer. In a statement, Winfrey described Knowles as a global figure whose life is filled with inspiring milestones. She said, “Some of you might know Tina Knowles as the mother of a superstar — as in Beyoncé — but she is also a highly successful entrepreneur, fashion designer, philanthropist, and now author of this fascinating memoir of her journey to become the global figure she is today.”

The memoir, published this week, provides insight into Knowles’ life and the powerful narrative shaped by her experiences. It arrives just in time for Mother’s Day, making it a timely gift for many readers. Over a decade ago, Knowles began documenting her life memories in voice notes while traveling between New York and Houston. She was motivated by a desire to leave a legacy for her children and grandchildren.

“I just started thinking about mortality, and ‘I’m not gonna be here forever,’” Knowles reflected. Now at age 71, she calls the writing process a personal journey, sharing, “Writing a book about your life is a scary thing. It’s almost like having a baby.”

In “Matriarch,” Knowles shares her childhood experiences in segregated Galveston, Texas, along with the challenges and resilience that have defined her family. She candidly discusses her diagnosis with stage 1A breast cancer in 2022, describing it as a turning point in her life. After treatment, she stands proud to be cancer-free, humorously stating, “That was my silver lining.”

The memoir also sheds light on Knowles’ critical support in the rise of Destiny’s Child, including the sacrifices made for her daughters’ early careers. For instance, she recalls cutting her own hair to ensure Beyoncé looked perfect for their first video. She emphasizes the hard work the family put into their careers while often remaining behind the scenes.

Moreover, Knowles addresses rumors surrounding Beyoncé’s solo career, stating, “People often say that the goal was always for Beyoncé to be solo, but if that were the case, she would have done that out of the gate. She loved being part of a group.”

The memoir is also a rich exploration of the civil rights movement, drawing on Knowles’ family history and the lessons learned from the strong maternal figures in her life.

In an interview with Winfrey at a Starbucks in Chicago, Knowles expressed her joy at being featured in Winfrey’s book club. “When I heard her voice, I cried!” she recalled, recounting Winfrey’s surprise call. “Getting the seal of approval from Oprah, and knowing that she read it and loved it, made it all OK. I mean, it’s Oprah!!”

The discussion on Winfrey’s YouTube channel allows fans to explore themes of Black motherhood, human resilience, and creativity. With Oprah’s endorsement, “Matriarch” is expected to resonate with many, offering inspiring lessons about family and perseverance.