Who Is Robert Ellis Silberstein?: Inside Diana Ross’s Ex-Husband’s Life
Who is Robert Ellis Silberstein beyond his connection to music legend Diana Ross? What did he do for a living, how did their marriage end, and what role has he played in the lives of his children, including actress Tracee Ellis Ross?
Robert Ellis Silberstein is an American music executive and businessman best known for his former marriage to Diana Ross and his connection to the entertainment industry. Although he has kept a relatively private life compared with his famous family, his story brings together music, celebrity relationships, and fatherhood.
His marriage to Diana Ross placed him close to one of the biggest names in American music. Their relationship did not last, but their family connection continued long after their separation. Here is what is publicly known about Robert Ellis Silberstein, his career, his marriage, and his life as a father.
Who Is Robert Ellis Silberstein?
Robert Ellis Silberstein is an American music executive who became widely known through his marriage to Diana Ross. He worked in the music business during a period when the industry was changing rapidly, with artists, producers, and managers helping shape the sound of popular music.
His public profile is closely tied to several well-known names, but Silberstein has generally maintained a lower profile than his former wife and children. He is also recognized as the father of actress Tracee Ellis Ross and musician Chudney Ross.
Unlike many people connected to Hollywood families, Silberstein has not built his public identity around regular media appearances. Much of the interest in his life comes from his family background, professional connections, and long-standing relationship with his children.
Here is the updated Quick Bio table for your article, including career, education, children, current residence, and height.
| Quick Bio | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Ellis Silberstein |
| Nickname | Bob Ellis |
| Date of Birth | January 5, 1946 |
| Age | 80 years old (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Elberon, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | West Virginia University; reportedly earned a teaching degree |
| Career | Music executive, talent manager, businessman |
| Managed Artists | Chaka Khan, Rufus, Meat Loaf, Billy Preston, Ronnie Wood |
| Wife | Diana Ross (1971–1977) |
| Children | Rhonda Ross Kendrick (adopted), Tracee Ellis Ross, Chudney Ross |
| Notable Artists Managed | Billy Preston, Ronnie Wood, Rufus, Chaka Khan |
| Former Wife | Diana Ross |
| Marriage Years | 1971 to 1977 |
| Children | Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross |
| Adoptive Daughter | Rhonda Ross Kendrick |
| Height | Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) |
| Current Residence | New York City and Connecticut |
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Early Life and Background
Silberstein was born in the United States and is commonly reported to have been born on January 5, 1946. However, detailed information about his childhood, education, and early personal life is limited in widely available public accounts.
Before becoming known to a broader audience through Diana Ross, he pursued a career in the music industry. His professional life brought him into contact with artists and other entertainment figures, although not every detail of his early career is consistently documented.
This lack of public information makes it important to separate confirmed biographical details from claims repeated across celebrity websites. His connection to Diana Ross is well established, while some finer details about his upbringing and private life remain less clear.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Career in the Music Industry
Silberstein worked as a music executive and became associated with artists during the 1970s, a significant period for American popular music. The industry was expanding across radio, records, live performances, and artist management, creating opportunities for professionals who could help performers develop their careers.
He is frequently associated with musician and songwriter Billy Preston, among other entertainment-industry figures. His professional reputation is connected to artist management and the business side of music rather than a career as a recording artist himself.
His work is sometimes overshadowed by his relationship with Diana Ross. However, understanding his professional background offers a fuller picture of a man who had connections to the entertainment business independently of his family life.
Public sources do not provide a complete, consistently documented account of every artist he worked with or the full scope of his business activities. For that reason, specific career achievements should be assessed carefully rather than assumed from his celebrity connections.
How Robert Ellis Silberstein Met Diana Ross
Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross became a couple during the early 1970s, when Ross was already a major star. She had achieved international fame as the lead singer of The Supremes before building a successful solo career.
Their relationship developed during a busy period in Ross’s life. She was balancing recording, performances, and the demands of international celebrity while also beginning a family.
The couple married in 1971. Their relationship attracted public attention because Ross was one of the most recognizable entertainers of her generation, while Silberstein worked behind the scenes in the music business.
Their marriage brought together two people connected to the same industry, but it also placed their private lives under the attention that often follows famous performers.
Robert Ellis Silberstein and Diana Ross’s Marriage
Silberstein and Ross were married for several years before separating in 1977. Their marriage produced two daughters, Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross.
Although their relationship ended, the family they built remained an important part of both their lives. Ross continued her music and acting career, while Silberstein largely stayed away from the level of publicity that surrounded his former wife.
The reasons behind the end of their marriage have been discussed in public accounts, but not every version provides the same level of reliable detail. It is more useful to focus on the established timeline than to present speculation about their private disagreements as fact.
Their separation did not erase Silberstein’s place in the Ross family. He remained connected to his daughters and continued to be identified as an important figure in their lives.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Children: Tracee and Chudney Ross
Silberstein is the biological father of two daughters with Diana Ross: Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. Both have established careers, although they work in different parts of the entertainment world.
Tracee Ellis Ross is an actress, producer, and television personality. She became widely recognized for her role as Joan Clayton in Girlfriends and later starred as Rainbow Johnson in the comedy series Black-ish. Her work has earned major industry recognition, including a Golden Globe Award for her performance in Black-ish.
Chudney Ross has worked in television production and education-related business ventures. She has also maintained a comparatively private public profile.
Silberstein is also known for his relationship with Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Diana Ross’s eldest daughter. Rhonda was born before Ross married Silberstein. He helped raise her, and she has publicly been identified as part of the family he supported. Her biological father is Motown founder Berry Gordy.
This distinction matters when describing the family: Silberstein is Tracee and Chudney’s biological father and has also played a fatherly role in Rhonda’s life.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Relationship With Tracee Ellis Ross
Tracee Ellis Ross has built her own identity in entertainment, separate from her mother’s extraordinary career. Her success has made public interest in her family background especially strong.
Silberstein is an important part of that background. While he has not regularly sought the spotlight, his role as Tracee’s father remains a central reason people search for information about him.
Tracee has spoken publicly about her family and the influence of her upbringing. However, it is best not to attribute specific parenting methods, private conversations, or personal feelings to Silberstein unless those details are supported by reliable accounts.
His family story also shows that a parent does not need to be a public celebrity to remain relevant to the story of a famous child. Silberstein’s place in Tracee’s life is part of the wider family history behind her career.
Did Robert Ellis Silberstein Remarry?
Silberstein’s marriage to Diana Ross ended in 1977, but information about his later romantic relationships is limited. He has generally kept his private life out of the public eye.
Some online biographies make claims about his relationship status, but reliable, detailed reporting on a subsequent marriage is not widely available. It would therefore be misleading to state definitively that he remarried without stronger evidence.
His relative privacy stands in contrast to the continuing public attention surrounding Ross and their daughters. He has not maintained the same highly visible celebrity profile, and many aspects of his personal life remain outside public reporting.
Robert Ellis Silberstein’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
Silberstein’s career in the music business has led to speculation about his wealth. However, a verified figure for his net worth is not publicly established through reliable financial records or authoritative reporting.
Celebrity websites sometimes publish estimated net worth figures, but these numbers are not necessarily based on confirmed financial information. They should not be treated as fact.
What can be said with greater confidence is that Silberstein worked in the entertainment industry and has longstanding connections to prominent musicians and performers. Beyond that, details about his current lifestyle, assets, and finances remain largely private.
His story is not simply about wealth or celebrity connections. It is also about a professional life in music and a lasting place in a family that has influenced American entertainment.
Where Is Robert Ellis Silberstein Today?
Silberstein maintains a relatively private public presence. Unlike Diana Ross and Tracee Ellis Ross, he does not regularly appear in major entertainment projects or maintain a comparable level of media visibility.
Current, independently verified details about his day-to-day activities are limited. Claims about his exact residence, health, or personal routine should be approached cautiously when they are not supported by reliable sources.
Interest in Silberstein continues because of his connection to Diana Ross, his work in music, and his role in the lives of his children. His story remains part of the wider history of a family whose members have made their mark across music, television, and entertainment.
The Bottom Line on Robert Ellis Silberstein
Robert Ellis Silberstein is more than just Diana Ross’s first husband. He is a former music executive, the biological father of Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross, and a father figure in the life of Rhonda Ross Kendrick.
His marriage to Diana Ross ended decades ago, but their family connection remains part of their shared history. While many details of Silberstein’s private life are not publicly documented, the established facts offer a clear picture of his place in the entertainment world.
For readers interested in the man behind the famous family, the key points are straightforward: a career in music, a high-profile marriage, and a lasting connection to children who have built their own paths.
Final Thought
Robert Ellis Silberstein remains an interesting figure in the story of Diana Ross and her family. Although his marriage to the legendary singer ended in 1977, his connection to their daughters, Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross, continues to draw public interest. His work in the music industry also gives his story a place beyond his relationship with a famous performer.
Unlike many people connected to celebrity families, Silberstein has kept much of his personal life private. That leaves some questions about his later years, finances, and relationships unanswered. Still, his role as a music executive, former husband of Diana Ross, and father of two accomplished daughters makes him an important part of the Ross family’s history.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Robert Ellis Silberstein?
Robert Ellis Silberstein is an American music executive and former music manager. He is best known as Diana Ross’s first husband and the biological father of actress Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross.
2. How old is Robert Ellis Silberstein?
Robert Ellis Silberstein is widely reported to have been born on January 5, 1946. Based on that date, he is 80 years old as of October 2026. His birth details should be checked against reliable biographical sources.
3. Was Robert Ellis Silberstein married to Diana Ross?
Yes. Robert Ellis Silberstein married Diana Ross in 1971. Their marriage ended in 1977, but they continued to share a family connection through their two daughters, Tracee and Chudney Ross.
4. How many children does Robert Ellis Silberstein have?
Robert Ellis Silberstein has two biological daughters with Diana Ross: Tracee Ellis Ross and Chudney Ross. He also helped raise Rhonda Ross Kendrick, Diana Ross’s eldest daughter, whose biological father is Berry Gordy.
5. What did Robert Ellis Silberstein do for a living?
Silberstein worked as a music executive and manager. His career placed him within the American music industry, where he developed professional connections beyond his marriage to Diana Ross.
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