Gena Avery Knowles (born October 11, 1964) is the wife of music executive Mathew Knowles and stepmother to Beyoncé and Solange. A former model and healthcare professional, she married Mathew in 2013 and has maintained a private life while supporting his career and family through significant challenges.
Who Is Gena Avery Knowles?
Gena Charmaine Avery Knowles stepped into public view when she married music executive Mathew Knowles in 2013. While most people know her as Beyoncé’s stepmother, Gena built an impressive career long before joining one of entertainment’s most famous families.
Born on October 11, 1964, in New York City, Gena created her own path through modeling, healthcare, and real estate. She entered the Knowles family during a difficult transition period and has quietly provided support ever since.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
What Did Gena Avery Do Before Meeting Mathew Knowles?
Gena first gained recognition in the fashion industry, modeling for major brands and appearing in various campaigns and magazine spreads. Her modeling career taught her discipline and professionalism that would serve her well in future ventures.
The fashion industry opened doors, but Gena sought more meaningful work. She pursued a healthcare career and became a respected nurse. This career shift revealed her commitment to helping others over seeking the spotlight or fame.
How Did Gena Transition From Modeling to Healthcare?
Making a career change from fashion to healthcare requires serious dedication. Gena successfully transitioned into real estate, showing her business acumen extends beyond the fashion industry. She balanced multiple professional paths, building financial independence before her marriage.
According to ZipRecruiter, in the United States, the average yearly salary for a Model is $125,457, with top earners making significantly more. Her combined earnings from modeling, healthcare, and real estate established her as an accomplished professional in her own right.
| Career Path | Years Active | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Fashion Modeling | 1980s-2000s | Major brand campaigns, magazine spreads |
| Healthcare/Nursing | 2000s-present | Patient care, medical services |
| Real Estate | 2000s-present | Property sales, client relationships |
Meeting Mathew Knowles: A New Chapter
When Did Gena Avery and Mathew Knowles Get Married?
Gena met Mathew in the early 2010s, soon after he got divorced from his wife of 30 years, Tina Knowles. Their connection developed during a challenging period for the music executive.
The couple tied the knot on June 30, 2013. Gena was 48 when she married Mathew, bringing maturity and life experience to their relationship. Both entered marriage as established professionals with clear personal goals.
How Did Gena Help Mathew During Difficult Times?
Gena entered the Knowles family at a critical moment, supporting Mathew during his professional and personal challenges. When Beyoncé decided to manage her own career through Parkwood Entertainment, Mathew faced a difficult transition.
Under Gena’s guidance, Mathew’s business endeavors slowly began to blossom again. His first book, The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals, got published in 2015. Her support helped him refocus his energy on new opportunities.
Life as a Stepmother to Beyoncé and Solange
What Is Gena’s Relationship With Beyoncé and Solange?
Becoming stepmother to two global superstars could overwhelm anyone. Gena embraced her new role with grace and understanding, fitting into such a high-profile family while remaining true to herself.
She maintains respectful boundaries with her stepdaughters. As the stepmother of two of the world’s most famous artists, Gena has kept her private life to herself, avoiding the public eye to focus on her family and personal pursuits.
Unlike many celebrity spouses, Gena chose not to use her connection to the Knowles name for personal fame. Marrying into a family constantly under public scrutiny could be daunting, but Gena handled the shift with grace, choosing not to chase headlines or exploit the family name.
Does Gena Attend Family Events?
Though Gena has largely remained out of the public eye, she has appeared at significant events, particularly those related to her husband and stepdaughters. She selectively participates in public appearances, maintaining her privacy preference.
Gena appears occasionally on Mathew’s Instagram account (@mrmathewknowles) but doesn’t actively seek media attention. Her approach reflects a deliberate choice to support without seeking recognition.
Supporting Mathew Through Health Challenges
How Did Gena Support Mathew During His Cancer Battle?
In 2019, Mathew Knowles revealed that he had been diagnosed with male breast cancer, catching many by surprise as the condition is far less common in men. During this frightening period, Gena became his primary support system.
Her support was more than emotional. She helped him navigate treatments, recovery, and the complex emotions that come with a public health diagnosis. Drawing on her healthcare background, she understood medical terminology and treatment options.
Together, they became advocates for awareness about male breast cancer, using their platform to inform others. This experience highlighted Gena’s strength during crises and willingness to speak up about important health issues.
“The first call was to my family,” Mathew explained when discussing his diagnosis. Gena stood beside him throughout surgery and recovery, demonstrating the depth of their partnership.
Gena Avery Knowles Net Worth and Financial Independence
What Is Gena Avery Knowles’ Net Worth?
Gena’s exact net worth remains private, but her diverse career suggests financial success. Her combined earnings from modeling, healthcare, and real estate have built her financial independence, allowing her to enter marriage with Mathew as an equal partner rather than someone seeking financial security.
Real estate professionals with established client bases can earn substantial commissions. Combined with her previous modeling income and ongoing healthcare work, Gena maintains her own income streams independent of her husband’s finances.
Current Life and Private Approach
Where Does Gena Avery Knowles Live Now?
Despite being part of a high-profile family, Gena doesn’t chase the spotlight. She continues to work in healthcare and only occasionally appears at family-related events. She and Mathew split their time between Texas and California.
Why Does Gena Maintain Such a Private Profile?
What sets Gena apart is not just her career switch or her connection to a famous family, but how she carries herself. She has consistently chosen service over celebrity, integrity over attention.
She exudes a calm strength, whether in a hospital room or standing beside her husband at a premiere. This consistency defines her character and approach to life within a famous family.
Lessons From Gena’s Journey
What Can We Learn From Gena Avery Knowles?
Gena’s story offers several important lessons:
- Build your own identity first. She established multiple successful careers before marriage.
- Maintain boundaries. Even in a famous family, she protects her privacy and independence.
- Support without losing yourself. She stands beside Mathew while pursuing her own professional goals.
- Service over spotlight. Her healthcare work continues despite easy access to fame.
- Grace under pressure. She navigated family challenges and health crises with quiet strength.
How Has Gena Influenced the Knowles Family?
Gena provides crucial emotional support for Mathew’s continued work in the music industry. Her stabilizing presence during difficult transitions has helped the entire family navigate complex dynamics.
At 60 years old, Gena continues balancing her business interests with family life, remaining active in real estate while supporting Mathew’s various projects. She has created a sustainable model for being part of a famous family without sacrificing personal values.
Gena and Mathew: A Strong Marriage
How Long Have Gena and Matthew been Married?
As of 2025, Gena and Mathew have been married for 12 years. Mathew celebrated their anniversary on Instagram, stating he was “grateful to spend 12 years with an amazing woman”. Their relationship has weathered family transitions, health challenges, and public scrutiny.
The couple’s age difference has never posed problems. Their age difference (Mathew is 12 years older) never seemed to be an issue, as both were established in their careers and clear about their goals.
What Makes Their Relationship Work?
Several factors contribute to their successful marriage:
- Mutual respect: Both entered as accomplished professionals
- Shared values: Focus on family and personal integrity
- Complementary strengths: Gena’s healthcare background paired with Mathew’s business acumen
- Private approach: Neither seeks unnecessary public attention
- Emotional support: Demonstrated during Mathew’s health crisis
The Future for Gena Avery Knowles
Her relationship with the Knowles family appears strong and stable. She’s found her place within this famous family while maintaining her independence and personal goals. The future likely holds continued work in healthcare and real estate.
Gena Avery Knowles has built a life that reflects both personal achievement and loving relationships, creating a legacy that extends beyond her famous connections. She proves that maintaining your own identity within a high-profile family is possible with clear boundaries and strong values.
Final Thoughts
Gena Charmaine Avery Knowles represents a different kind of celebrity spouse. Rather than seeking attention or trading on famous connections, she built her own career across multiple fields. Her nursing work continues to help patients. Her real estate business serves clients. Her marriage supports a partner through difficult times.
As a partner to Mathew, a supporter during his health battles, a stepmother navigating complicated relationships, and a healthcare worker, Gena represents the kind of character that holds families together quietly and powerfully.
Her story reminds us that not everyone connected to fame wants the spotlight. Some prefer making a difference through service, showing up for family during crises, and living with integrity. Gena Avery Knowles has done exactly that, creating a meaningful life on her own terms while being part of one of entertainment’s most famous families.
