Maye Musk is not your typical billionaire’s mother. At 76, she’s still sashaying down runways, gracing magazine covers, and advocating for healthy living with the energy of someone half her age. But beneath the glamorous exterior lies a fascinating personal history shaped by an unusual upbringing, a controversial family background, and a relentless drive to build her own success.
Discover our latest podcast
Born into a privileged but tumultuous family, Maye’s childhood was anything but conventional. Raised by a father with radical political beliefs, she eventually carved out her own path, first as a model and then as a nutritionist.
Her close relationship with Elon—who has a complicated relationship with his father—has kept her firmly in the public eye, whether she’s defending him against critics or accompanying him to political events. From her early days in South Africa to her current status as a global fashion icon, Maye Musk is not just Elon Musk’s mum—she’s a force in her own right.
Maye Musk: A look into her family background
Maye Musk was born in Canada on 19 April 1948, before moving to South Africa as a baby. Her family history is both fascinating and controversial. Her father, Joshua Haldeman, was a chiropractor, rodeo performer, and an outspoken supporter of the Technocracy movement—a political ideology advocating for governance by technical experts rather than elected officials.
Haldeman's views extended into conspiracy theories and white supremacist ideologies. He was a firm believer that apartheid South Africa was a bastion for ‘white Christian civilisation.’ According to The Independent, he also openly expressed racist and antisemitic sentiments.
Maye was raised alongside her twin sister, Kaye, and two other siblings. The family enjoyed a privileged life in South Africa, living in a spacious 20-room home and owning their own aircraft. Despite her father’s radical views, Maye pursued a different path, stepping into the modelling industry at the young age of 15.
Maye Musk’s thriving career as a model and nutritionist
Maye Musk has worn many hats throughout her life. She started modelling as a teenager and became a finalist in the 1969 Miss South Africa contest. While her modelling career took off early, she later pursued academic success and earned degrees in dietetics and nutrition. She has worked as a registered dietitian for decades and runs her own consulting business and advocating for healthy eating.
However, her modelling career saw an unexpected resurgence later years, reports People. In her 50s, she ditched her blonde dye and embraced her natural silver hair—a move that led to new opportunities. She signed with major agencies in Europe, walked in high-profile fashion shows, and starred in major campaigns. By her 70s, she had become a trailblazer for age inclusivity in the fashion industry.
At 74, she made history as one of the oldest women to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, posing alongside younger models like Kim Kardashian and Ciara. She also became CoverGirl’s oldest spokesmodel, proving that beauty and success have no age limit.
Beyond modelling, Maye is a respected speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Her book, A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success, became an international bestseller. She has given talks worldwide, championing topics such as gender equality, single parenting, and overcoming challenges.
She has achieved much in her career, but her personal life has been far from smooth, highlighted by her tumultuous marriage to Errol Musk, Elon Musk's father.
Maye Musk and Errol Musk: A look into their marriage
Maye Musk and Errol Musk met in high school and married in 1970. They had three children together: Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca. However, their marriage was far from ideal. While Errol has admitted to being ‘totally responsible’ for their split due to his infidelity. He once said:
I screwed up the marriage, I was totally responsible. It didn't work out too well in the end.
My [former] wife doesn't speak to me, even when we're together, she won't speak to me, so we haven't spoken to one other for 37 years. She won't speak to me or engage me if we're in the same room — which we have been often.
However, Maye has described that the relationship has a much darker side. She has accused him of physical and emotional abuse, detailing the fear and mistreatment she endured during their time together. He told Harper's Bazaar in 2019:
Everybody I knew called him “the Pig” because he treated me so badly in public. And I was too scared to tell anyone [about his violence].
Despite her desire to leave the marriage earlier, she was unable to do so until 1979. The couple filed for a divorce the same year when the South African Divorce Act was finally enacted, reports Business Insider.
Following their divorce, Maye moved back to Canada with her daughter Tosca when Elon was nine years old. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her three children while building her career as a dietitian and model.
Even today, she shares a close relationship with her children—notably with her billionaire son Elon.
Maye and Elon Musk’s relationship
Maye Musk has always been vocal about her immense pride in her son, Elon. She claims to have recognised his genius when he was just three years old, saying, ‘his reasoning was sensible.’ As per reports, she finds it ‘degrading’ that people call her son ‘wealthy.’ This comes as she insisted:
I think he’s the genius of the world, and people are loving him for that!
Over the years, she has continued to be his biggest supporter, accompanying him to prestigious events like the Met Gala and Heidi Klum's Halloween party.
Despite their close relationship, Maye describes herself as a hands-off mother, allowing her children to explore their own paths. Elon and his siblings, Kimbal and Tosca, were raised to be independent and involved in their mother’s business ventures.
Maye’s support extends beyond personal admiration—she has also been a vocal advocate for Elon’s political and business endeavours. She has publicly defended him against critics, dismissing concerns over his influence in politics and his business dealings.
Maye has also been present at key political events alongside Elon. She attended Donald Trump’s inauguration in 2025, where Elon was given a prominent role as co-head of the Department of Government Efficiency. She has spoken positively about Trump and Elon’s friendship and said:
They do get along well.
Trump just likes someone he can completely trust who doesn’t have any alternative motives.
This article has been created with the help of AI.
Read more:
How many children does Elon Musk have? A complete breakdown of his family
Who is Elon Musk's father? About Errol Musk, his family, and controversial past
Elon Musk's love life: All the women he married, dated, and had children with
Sources used:
The Independent: Why Elon’s mother Maye Musk might hold the key to her son’s ‘dark Maga’ views
People Magazine: All About Elon Musk's Mother Maye Musk
BBC International Speakers: Maye Musk is a role model, trend maker and rule changer with a fascinating family
Daily Mail: Elon Musk's mum gives behind-the-scenes insight into her billionaire son's relationship with Trump
Business Insider: Elon Musk's parents: Errol and Maye Musk, the figures behind the Tesla CEO's success
