At 60, Holly Robinson Peete Finally Confirms the Rumors

Holly Robinson Peete, now 60, has lived a life marked by both privilege and profound personal challenges.

Born to Hollywood agent Dolores Robinson and Matt Robinson—the original Gordon on “Sesame Street”—Holly enjoyed a happy childhood filled with block parties, close neighbors, and family pets. However, adulthood brought a series of hardships that would shape her into a passionate advocate and resilient woman.

One of Holly’s greatest challenges was witnessing her father’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, a condition that, at the time, was little understood. Matt Robinson suffered with the degenerative illness for 20 years before passing away at age 65.

The family’s struggles didn’t end there; Holly’s brother, Matt Robinson III, was also diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s after their father’s de@th.

Despite these hardships, her brother’s optimism inspired Holly to channel her grief and anger into advocacy, leading her and husband Rodney Peete to establish the HollyRod Foundation in 1997. The foundation aims to raise awareness and support for families affected by Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders.

The Robinson family faced yet another challenge in the early 2000s, when Holly’s oldest son, RJ, was diagnosed with autism as a toddler. The diagnosis was a shock that nearly tore her marriage to former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete apart.

Holly recalls how she noticed RJ’s development was different from his twin sister Ryan—he would line up his toy trains, stare at wheels, and prefer solitude.

The confirmation of RJ’s autism brought a period of deep sadness, but with time, acceptance, and access to therapies, RJ defied expectations. In 2015, he was hired by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Holly remains grateful for the opportunity they gave her son, who has now worked with them for eight years.

While Holly struggled with RJ’s diagnosis, Rodney initially had an even harder time, mourning the loss of the son he had imagined.

Their differing coping mechanisms strained their relationship, and Holly admits she was ready to leave. It was only when Rodney saw RJ connect with a therapist, but not with him, that he realized he needed to change.

Their mutual commitment to their family and to advocacy helped heal their marriage, and together they have supported other families through the HollyRod Foundation.

Throughout her career, Holly has faced racism in Hollywood. She has spoken out about being called “too ghetto” for “The Talk” by Sharon Osbourne (a claim Osbourne has denied), and about Donald Trump allegedly using a racial slur while she was a contestant on “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Despite these setbacks, Holly has continued to raise her voice against injustice and support important causes.

In March 2024, Holly was deeply affected by the passing of close family friend and legendary actor Louis Gossett Jr. The news came just before she was scheduled to give a keynote speech, and she took a moment to honor his memory.

Gossett had been a family friend since Holly was 12, and she described him as one of the kindest, most talented people she had ever known.

Through all these trials, Holly Robinson Peete has emerged as a fierce advocate, loving mother, and resilient survivor, using her platform to support others facing similar challenges.