Net Worth Ranker
What Is Rita Marley’s Net Worth?
Rita Marley, formally known as Alpharita Constantia Anderson, boasts a net worth of $50 million. This substantial wealth is derived from a multifaceted career encompassing music, business ventures related to her late husband Bob Marley’s legacy, and her own entrepreneurial initiatives. As the widow of Bob Marley and a former member of the I Threes, Rita has strategically managed and expanded the Marley estate, contributing significantly to her financial standing.
Rita Marley’s Role in the Bob Marley Estate and Business Ventures
Following Bob Marley’s untimely death in 1981, his estate was valued at $11.5 million, equivalent to approximately $30 million in today’s dollars. Without a will, Jamaican law dictated that 10% of the estate would initially go to Rita, with the potential for her to accumulate up to 55% over time. The remainder was to be divided among his children. Initially, there were legal disputes over the estate’s management, including a forged will, which led to a decade-long legal battle costing $6 million in fees. Eventually, control of the estate transitioned from Chris Blackwell of Island Music to Rita Marley and Bob Marley’s eleven recognized children in 2001. Rita subsequently played a pivotal role in establishing and overseeing the Bob Marley Foundation, the Bob Marley Group of Companies, and the Bob Marley Trust. These entities are dedicated to preserving and promoting Bob Marley’s musical legacy while also engaging in philanthropic activities. In 1986, Rita transformed their former Kingston residence into the Bob Marley Museum, further solidifying her role as a custodian of his heritage.
The Bob Marley Foundation is dedicated to alleviating poverty in developing countries, which gives scholarships to music students, and also helps to rebuild healthcare facilities and libraries. The Rita Marley Foundation also states that it has adopted 35 children in Ethiopia and helps improve their lives. Her business ventures extend beyond managing Bob Marley’s legacy. Her own music career is a part of her Net Worth, as she released a number of albums and singles throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Specifically, her 1982 single “One Draw” sold over 2 million copies and reached number 1 on the Billboard Disco Chart, further adding to her financial success. Furthermore, as a member of the I Three, she has been part of albums like “Natty Dread” released in 1974 and “Rastaman Vibration” released in 1976 which have contributed significantly to her income over the years through royalties and sales.
Rita Marley’s Early Career and Musical Achievements
Born on July 25, 1946, in Santiago de Cuba, Rita Marley’s early life was marked by a passion for music. Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, she competed on the TV program “Lanamans Children’s Hour,” showcasing her singing talent. Before her association with Bob Marley, Rita trained at the Bethesda School of Practical Nursing. In the mid-1960s, she formed The Soulettes with Constantine “Dream” Walker and Marlene “Precious” Gifford, with Bob Marley serving as their manager. The Soulettes recorded songs such as “Friends and Lovers” for Studio One, marking the beginning of Rita’s professional music career.
In 1968, she briefly joined The Wailers, replacing Bunny Livingston when he was arrested for cannabis possession. During this time, The Wailers met Johnny Nash and signed production, publishing, and management contracts with Nash’s manager Danny Sims. They then had the opportunity to record music for the U.S. Label JAD. In 1974, after Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston left the band, Rita became a member of I Three, along with Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths. I Three provided harmony and back-up vocals for the albums of Bob Marley & the Wailers. In 2006, she collaborated with the I Three on Fergie’s song “Mary Jane Shoes,” which appeared on Fergie’s album called “The Dutchess”.
Awards and Recognition
Rita Marley has been honored with several awards, including the Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government in 1996 and the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Award in 2010. She was granted honorary citizenship by the Ghanaian government in 2013. She was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree by the University of the West Indies in 2015. These accolades not only recognize her contributions to music and culture but also enhance her public image, which can positively impact her business ventures and net worth. In 1982, Rita Marley was nominated for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording for “Reggae Sunsplash ’81, A Tribute To Bob Marley”. In 1991, she was nominated for Best Reggae Album for “We Must Carry On”. She was awarded the Iconic Award (For a Duo/Group) from the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association.
Real Estate and Personal Life
Rita Marley’s real estate portfolio has included properties such as a home/recording studio in Akwapim Mountain, Ghana, which tragically burned down in 2010, resulting in a loss of property valued at $20 million. This “multi-million-dollar studio” contained most of Bob’s original tapes. In August 2020, she listed a home known as “La Randa” in Nassau, Bahamas, for $980,000. The 3,900 square foot estate includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms, and a one-bedroom guest house sits on the 45,629 square foot lot. These real estate holdings contribute to her overall asset base.
Rita married Bob Marley on February 10, 1966, in Kingston, Jamaica. She had a daughter named Sharon from a previous relationship before her marriage. Sharon was born on November 23, 1964. After the wedding, Bob adopted her. With Bob, Rita had daughter Cedella (born August 23, 1967), son David (aka “Ziggy,” born October 17, 1968), and son Stephen (born April 20, 1972). She had daughter Stephanie on August 17, 1974, followed by another daughter, Serita, on August 11, 1985. Ziggy and Stephen both grew up to become Grammy-winning reggae musicians.
