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Who is Hazel Gordy? All About Jermaine Jackson’s Ex-Wife

Who is Hazel Gordy? All About Jermaine Jackson's Ex-Wife

Hazel Gordy is a name deeply connected to music history, yet she remains a woman of mystery and elegance. As the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy and the former wife of Jermaine Jackson, she lived at the center of the entertainment world for decades. Her life story is a fascinating mix of immense wealth, family loyalty, public heartbreak, and personal strength. While the world often focuses on the famous men in her life, Hazel Gordy has her own unique story that deserves to be told. This article explores every detail of her biography, her high-profile marriage, and her quiet life today.

Quick Bio: Hazel Gordy

FeatureDetail
Full NameHazel Joy Gordy
Date of BirthAugust 24, 1954
Current Age71 Years Old (as of 2025)
BirthplaceDetroit, Michigan, USA
FatherBerry Gordy (Motown Founder)
MotherThelma Coleman
SiblingsBerry IV, Terry, Rockwell, Redfoo
Ex-HusbandJermaine Jackson (m. 1973–1988)
ChildrenJermaine Jr., Autumn, Jaimy
ProfessionReal Estate Agent
Net WorthEst. $10 Million – $15 Million
EthnicityAfrican American
ResidenceLos Angeles, California

The Early Life of a Motown Heiress

Born on August 24, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, Hazel Gordy entered a world of creativity and ambition. She was the first child of Berry Gordy and his first wife, Thelma Coleman. Her birth came just a few years before her father founded Motown Records, the company that would change music forever.

Growing up, she witnessed the rise of legends like Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson. Despite her father’s growing fame, her mother, Thelma Coleman, tried to keep the family grounded. However, being a Gordy meant living in the spotlight, and young Hazel Gordy quickly learned to navigate high society.

The Gordy Family Legacy

Hazel Gordy is part of a large and powerful family. Her father, Berry Gordy, had eight children in total. Her full siblings are Berry Gordy IV and Terry James Gordy. She also has several famous half-siblings who have made their own marks in the music industry.

One of her well-known half-brothers is Kennedy William Gordy, better known as Rockwell, who sang the hit song Somebody’s Watching Me. Another famous sibling is Stefan Kendal Gordy, known to the world as Redfoo from the group LMFAO. Hazel Gordy siblings form a dynasty that has influenced pop culture for over sixty years.

Meeting Jermaine Jackson

The love story between Jermaine Jackson and Hazel Gordy began in the halls of Motown. The Jackson 5 signed with Motown in 1968, and the group quickly became the label’s biggest act. Hazel Gordy was a teenager when she first met Jermaine Jackson, the group’s lead singer and bassist.

Because her father was Jermaine’s boss, the two teenagers moved in the same social circles. They attended the same parties and industry events. Their friendship slowly turned into romance, creating a bond between the two most powerful families in Black music at the time.

The Wedding of the Century

On December 15, 1973, Hazel Gordy married Jermaine Jackson in a ceremony that was called the “Wedding of the Century.” The event took place at the Beverly Hills Hotel and was incredibly lavish. It was not just a wedding; it was a royal union between the Gordy and Jackson dynasties.

Guests included the biggest stars of the era. Hazel Gordy wore a stunning gown tailored to perfection, and the reception featured performances by Motown artists. The media went wild for the couple, cementing Hazel Gordy Jackson as a major public figure.

The 1975 Motown Split

Two years after their wedding, a major crisis tested their marriage. In 1975, the Jackson 5 decided to leave Motown Records to join Epic Records. They felt Berry Gordy was not giving them enough creative freedom. This decision caused a massive rift in the family.

Jermaine Jackson faced a difficult choice. He could leave with his brothers or stay at Motown with his father-in-law. Because he was married to Hazel Gordy, Jermaine chose to stay at Motown. This decision shocked the world and temporarily broke up the Jackson 5.

Loyalty and Sacrifice

Jermaine’s decision to stay was seen as an act of loyalty to Hazel Gordy and her father. However, it caused tension between Jermaine and his brothers, including Michael Jackson. For years, Jermaine pursued a solo career at Motown while his brothers found new success as The Jacksons.

During this time, Hazel Gordy stood by her husband. She supported his solo career, which produced hits like Let’s Get Serious. Her influence was vital in keeping the peace between her husband and her powerful father, Berry Gordy.

Children of Hazel Gordy

Hazel Gordy and Jermaine Jackson share three children. Their first child, Jermaine La Jaune “Jay” Jackson Jr., was born in 1977. He was the first grandchild of the Jackson family and brought great joy to the couple during a stressful time in their careers.

Their second child, Autumn Joy Jackson, was born in 1978. Autumn has grown up to be a private individual, much like her mother. The couple’s third child, Jaimy Jermaine Jackson, was born later in 1987, near the end of their marriage. Children Hazel Gordy raised have largely stayed out of the tabloids.

Marriage Troubles Begin

By the mid-1980s, the fairy tale marriage began to show cracks. Jermaine Jackson was often away on tour, and the pressures of fame took a toll. Rumors of infidelity began to circulate, which was difficult for Hazel Gordy to endure given her high public profile.

Despite the challenges, she tried to keep the family together. She was raised with traditional values by her mother, Thelma Coleman, and wanted her children to have a stable home. However, one specific relationship would eventually end their union.

Who is Hazel Gordy? All About Jermaine Jackson's Ex-Wife

The Margaret Maldonado Affair

The primary reason why did Jermaine Jackson and Hazel Gordy divorce was Jermaine’s relationship with Margaret Maldonado. While still married to Hazel, Jermaine began a serious affair with Maldonado. This relationship was not just a fling; it became public and undeniable.

Jermaine and Margaret Maldonado eventually had children together, which made the situation impossible for Hazel Gordy to ignore. The betrayal was deep, especially after the sacrifices she had made to support him during the Motown split years earlier.

The Divorce

Hazel Gordy filed for divorce, and the marriage officially ended in 1988. The divorce proceedings were painful but relatively quiet compared to modern celebrity breakups. Hazel Gordy showed immense class and dignity throughout the process, refusing to badmouth the father of her children in the press.

After the split, she dropped the “Jackson” from her name socially, though she will always be linked to the family. Is Jermaine Jackson still married to Hazel Gordy? No, they have been divorced for over 35 years.

Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Hazel Gordy made a conscious decision to step away from the entertainment industry. She did not want to be a reality TV star or a socialite. Instead, she focused on raising Hazel Gordy kids Jermaine Jr., Autumn, and Jaimy in a safe and loving environment.

She moved out of the shadow of her famous ex-husband and her legendary father. She wanted to build an identity that was hers alone. This desire for independence led her to a new career path far away from music studios.

Career in Real Estate

Many fans wonder, “What does she do now?” Hazel Gordy today is a successful real estate professional. She works as a real estate agent for Coldwell Banker in Beverly Hills. She specializes in luxury properties, using her deep connections in Los Angeles to help wealthy clients buy and sell homes.

Her background makes her perfect for this job. She understands privacy and luxury better than anyone. Hazel Gordy has built a reputation as a hard worker who does not rely on her famous last name to close deals.

Hazel Gordy Net Worth

As of 2025, Hazel Gordy net worth is estimated to be significant. While exact figures are private, sources suggest she is a multimillionaire. Her wealth comes from her successful real estate career and her status as a Motown heiress.

Some searches for Hazel Gordy net worth 2021 estimated her personal assets around $10 million to $15 million. This figure likely includes family trusts and property. Her father, Berry Gordy, has a net worth estimated between $300 million and $400 million, ensuring her financial security is absolute.

Where is Hazel Gordy Now?

Hazel Gordy now lives a quiet and comfortable life in California. She is 71 years old and enjoys her time as a grandmother and mother. She is rarely seen at red carpet events, preferring intimate gatherings with her family.

She maintains a relationship with her siblings and attends important Gordy family events. Hazel Gordy is proof that there is life after celebrity marriage. She has found peace and success on her own terms.

Who is Hazel Gordy Married to Now?

A common question on the internet is, “Who is Hazel Gordy married to now?” The answer is that she has remained unmarried publicly since her divorce from Jermaine. She has kept her dating life completely offline.

There are no reports of a second husband. It appears she values her independence. Hazel Gordy focuses her love on her children and extended family rather than seeking a new high-profile partner.

Relationship with the Jacksons

Despite the divorce, Hazel Gordy maintains a respectful relationship with the Jackson family. Her children are first cousins to Michael Jackson’s children, and they share a close bond. Autumn Joy Jackson and Jermaine Jackson Jr. are often seen at family gatherings.

The bond between the Gordys and Jacksons remains historical. Hazel Gordy is the bridge between these two musical empires. She handles her position with grace, never speaking ill of her former in-laws.

Hazel Gordy Age and Health

Currently, how old is Hazel Gordy? She is 71 years old. Recent photos, though rare, show her looking healthy and vibrant. She has aged gracefully, maintaining the elegance she was known for in the 1970s.

She stays active through her real estate work. Working in the competitive Beverly Hills market requires energy and sharpness, proving that Hazel Gordy is still very much in her prime professionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Who is Hazel Gordy?
    She is the daughter of Motown founder Berry Gordy and the former wife of Jermaine Jackson.
  2. Why did Hazel Gordy and Jermaine Jackson divorce?
    They divorced in 1988 after Jermaine had an affair and a child with Margaret Maldonado.
  3. How many children does Hazel Gordy have?
    She has three children: Jermaine Jackson Jr., Autumn Joy Jackson, and Jaimy Jermaine Jackson.
  4. What does Hazel Gordy do for a living?
    She currently works as a successful real estate agent in Beverly Hills, California.
  5. Who is Hazel Gordy married to now?
    Hazel has not remarried publicly since her divorce and keeps her dating life private.

The Legacy of Hazel Gordy

Hazel Gordy is more than just Jermaine Jackson wife Hazel Gordy. She is a survivor of the brutal music industry lifestyle. She navigated a public marriage, a painful divorce, and the pressure of being a legend’s daughter without losing herself.

Her story is one of resilience. She transitioned from a music royalty socialite to a working professional. She raised three well-adjusted children and kept her dignity intact for seven decades.

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