Tina Knowles Admits She Nearly Shelved Her Memoir: “They’re Not Going to Be Interested in Me”

Tina Knowles nearly shelved her memoir for good to protect her family’s privacy.

Despite her initial hesitation, she found herself compelled to share her story.

“I didn’t want to write a book because I thought [people] only want to know all my kids’ business. They’re not going to be interested in me,” the 71-year-old mom of Beyoncé and Solange reveals to People for their World’s Most Beautiful issue. “I’ve lived this incredible life, and you really don’t realize it until you start writing everything down.”

Knowles’ writing journey began 12 years ago as a personal project for her grandchildren. Reflecting on her own family history, she shares, “I started, probably about 12 years ago, just recording my story, which I think everyone should do, for my great grandchildren.” This led to her memoir ‘Matriarch,’ which evolved from a behind-the-scenes look at Destiny’s Child to a legacy for her children and a way to encourage others to preserve family stories.

Though initially avoiding personal topics like her first marriage or cancer diagnosis, Knowles felt compelled to include them., “It was very carefully written at first, but then it was like, this doesn’t even make sense because there’s only all the positive stuff.” She acknowledges the pain of recounting losses, admitting, “The deaths were the hardest part, and I cannot get through them without crying.”

Ultimately, she says, “It’s been a rollercoaster…but it’s been amazing, an amazing ride. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”