Gena Avery Knowles is a retired model born October 11, 1964, who married music executive Mathew Knowles in 2013 . While she stepped into the public eye through her marriage to Beyoncé and Solange’s father, this professional woman built her own successful career spanning modeling, healthcare, and real estate before becoming part of one of entertainment’s most famous families.
Early Life and Professional Background
Gena Charmaine Avery was born on October 11, 1964, in New York City , where she learned the values of hard work and determination from an early age. Her upbringing shaped her into the grounded woman she is today, demonstrating common attributes of resilience and adaptability that would define her later success.
Gena Charmaine Avery first gained recognition in the fashion industry, modeling for major brands and appearing in various campaigns . Her modeling career as a retired fashion model taught her discipline and professionalism that would serve her well in future endeavors. With her graceful presence and polished professionalism, she became a respected figure in modeling circles .
After her time in fashion, Gena made a significant career change that reflected her values and represented a healthcare-to-entertainment transition that few navigate. She entered the healthcare field and became a nurse, choosing to focus on helping others in an environment far removed from red carpets and flashing cameras . This transition from fashion background to becoming a healthcare professional showed her commitment to service and making a real difference in people’s lives.
Marriage to Mathew Knowles and Anniversary Highlights
Gena met Mathew in the early 2010s, soon after he got divorced from his wife of 30 years, Tina Knowles . Their relationship developed during a challenging period for the Knowles family, with Gena and Mathew building a strong foundation of mutual respect.
The couple tied the knot on June 30, 2013, marking a new chapter for both their lives . Gena was 48 when she married Mathew , bringing maturity and life experience to their relationship as a music executive’s spouse. Their relationship brought stability to the Knowles family during a challenging period .
The anniversary celebration in July 2025 marked a special milestone for this Knowles family member. Mathew Knowles took to Instagram to celebrate 12 years of marriage with wife Gena Avery Knowles, writing “I’m very grateful for having good health, and most of all grateful to spend 12 years with an amazing woman that every night I go to sleep in laughter, joy, and gratitude” . The heartfelt anniversary tribute showed their strong bond and happiness together, demonstrating the supportive spouse dynamic that defines their relationship.
Health Challenges and Support
Gena proved to be a pillar of strength during one of the most difficult periods in their marriage, showcasing rare attributes of courage under pressure. In 2019, Mathew Knowles revealed that he had been diagnosed with male breast cancer . According to Mathew’s retelling of the event, it was his wife who first warned him about an alarming blood spot that kept on reappearing on his shirts and sheets .
During this difficult time, Gena was right by his side. Her support was more than emotional. She helped him navigate treatments, recovery, and the complex emotions that come with a public health diagnosis . The couple became advocates for awareness about male breast cancer, with Gena taking on the role of male breast cancer advocate – using their platform to inform others about this often-overlooked condition.
Professional Life and Public Persona
Despite her connection to fame, Mrs. Knowles maintains her commitment to meaningful work. She continues to work in healthcare despite her association with fame, showing dedication to a career that puts helping others before personal recognition . This dedication reflects her behind-the-scenes support philosophy rather than seeking spotlight attention.
Gena maintains a relatively low public profile compared to other members of the Knowles family . She’s rarely active on social media and doesn’t seek media attention, preferring to remain a private person despite her high-profile connections. She appears occasionally on Mathew’s Instagram account (@mrmathewknowles) but doesn’t actively seek media attention .
Her approach to being part of a celebrity spouse profile demonstrates remarkable wisdom. Marrying into a family constantly under public scrutiny could be daunting. But Gena handled the shift with grace. She chose not to chase headlines or exploit the family name . This quiet strength sets her apart from typical entertainment industry spouse expectations.
Role in the Knowles Family
As a stepmother to global superstars and Beyoncé’s stepmother, Gena has navigated the complexities of blended family dynamics with remarkable grace. Her stepmother role as Solange’s stepmother requires balancing public interest with family privacy. As the stepmother of two of the world’s most famous artists, Gena Avery Knowles has kept her private life to herself, avoiding the public eye to focus on her family and her personal pursuits .
She has been lauded for supporting her husband while preserving the boundaries of his former family life . Her ability to balance these relationships shows emotional intelligence and understanding of the unique challenges that come with being part of such a high-profile family member dynamic.
Recent Activities and Current Life
At 60 years old, Gena continues balancing her business interests with family life. She remains active in real estate while supporting Mathew’s various projects and appearances . Her multi-talented approach to career and family reflects the adaptability that has defined her journey from non-celebrity status to her current position.
One such instance was the premiere of Beyoncé’s Renaissance film in 2023, where Gena was seen standing beside Mathew, celebrating a family achievement without stealing attention . These rare public appearances show her support for family milestones while maintaining her preference for privacy.
The couple’s marriage milestone continues to strengthen. 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 .
Personal Values and Character
What sets Gena Knowles apart is her consistent demonstration of core values throughout her life transitions. Whether it’s in a hospital room or standing beside her husband at a premiere, she exudes a calm strength . Her wife of Mathew role encompasses multiple responsibilities that she handles with grace.
Her story encourages women to pursue multiple career paths and remain open to new opportunities. From modeling to healthcare to real estate to marriage, she’s embraced change while staying true to her values . This journey demonstrates the polysemy of modern womanhood – the ability to embody multiple roles simultaneously.
Her journey from retired model to healthcare professional to Mathew Knowles wife illustrates remarkable adaptability and purpose-driven choices. This economic stability allowed her to enter marriage with Mathew as an equal partner rather than someone seeking financial security .
Gena Avery Knowles represents the quiet strength behind public figures. Her biographical profile shows a woman who built her own identity before marriage, maintained her values during major life changes, and continues to prioritize service to others. Gena Avery Knowles has built a life that reflects both personal achievement and loving relationships, creating a legacy that extends beyond her famous connections .
Her story reminds us that true success comes from staying authentic to your values, whether you’re working as a nurse helping patients or celebrating family achievements in the spotlight. Through 12 years of marriage and countless challenges, Gena has proven that the strongest foundations are built on genuine love, mutual respect, and unwavering support for one another.