Reggae music is synonymous with Bob Marley. His songs, his voice and his message of love, peace, and resistance have given birth to an indelible mark on the entire world. But behind the public phenomenon of the global icon was a rock, Bob Marley’s wife, Rita Marley. In his life, she was certainly more than a wife. His backup singer, his confidante, his caretaker and an influential artist and humanitarian in her own right.
Here is Bob Marley’s wife life, their tumultuous love story, and her legacy, the effect she has had on the Marley family dynasty. We will also look at Bob Marley’s death, talk of his children and answer some of the frequently asked questions about the life of the legend.
Who Was Bob Marley’s Wife?
Rita Marley (Alpharita Constantia Anderson) was born on July 25, 1946, in Santiago de Cuba. However, she is most commonly associated with being the wife of the legend Bob Marley as well as one of the members of the vocal group the I Threes, which was formed by Bob Marley and the Wailers. She grew up in Kingston, Jamaica, where she met Bob Marley in the early 1960s.
The marriage took place on February 10, 1966 a few days before Marley left Jamaica for a brief trip to the United States. Their marriage was the start of a lifelong relationship—as man and wife, and co-conspirator musicians and fellow daa’ees. Rita and Bob had their issues too: her infidelities, his personal battles, yet they remained a formidable couple until Bob’s death.
Rita Marley’s Role in Bob Marley’s Life
Rita wore several hats as the wife of Bob Marley, her husband for most of his life and career. She was also a singer in her own right and joined I Threes in 1974, comprising with Marcia Griffiths and Judy Mowatt. Together they established the soulful and singular harmony that was with Bob Marley and the Wailers at the height of their global popularity.
Rita was also a trusted spiritual partner for Bob and was heavily involved in the Rastafari movement. Her faith in Rastafarianism echoed Bob’s, further solidifying their spiritual connection.
And she was a mother to many of his children, some of whom were her own and others from other relationships that she helped raise. Following Bob’s passing, Rita took on the mantle of guardian for the Marley Estate, tirelessly working to keep his music, spirit, and principles alive through music and philanthropy done via the Bob Marley Foundation.
How Did Bob Marley Die?
Bob Marley passed away at 36 years old on May 11, 1981. He died in Miami, Florida from acral lentiginous melanoma after an 8-month fight with the rare form of skin cancer, which began in his toe and later spread to his brain, lungs, and liver.
The cancer was initially found in 1977 at the time when he hurt his toe while playing football. Marley rejected a doctor’s advice to have his toe amputated, opting instead to perform a more conservative treatment because of his Rastafarian belief that the body shouldn’t be altered. When he finally went to look for more extensive care, it was too late.
His death was a terrible blow for the music world and the millions of fans who loved his message of peace, love, and unity. Bob Marley’s wife, Rita Marley, was there with him to the end, and has kept his legacy alive since then.
Bob Marley’s Children
Bob Marley had 11 acknowledged children with seven women, and he considered at least three other children to be his own. He leaves behind many children who are continuing his musical and cultural legacy.
| Child | Mother | Notable Info |
| Ziggy Marley | Rita Marley | Grammy-winning artist; lead singer of the Melody Makers |
| Stephen Marley | Rita Marley | Grammy-winning producer and vocalist |
| Damian Marley | Cindy Breakspeare | Known as “Jr. Gong”; reggae and hip-hop artist |
| Rohan Marley | Janet Hunt | Former football player, entrepreneur |
| Cedella Marley | Rita Marley | CEO of Tuff Gong International |
Rita Marley was pivotal in the raising of these children and helped to keep the family intact after Bob’s death. Many of Bob Marley’s children call her their mother and the glue that kept everything in place.
Rita Marley After Bob Marley’s Death
Rita Marley, the wife of Bob, has had her own storied career. After Bob’s death, she became the head of the Marley estate, which includes Tuff Gong International, the record label he founded. Rita also established the Bob Marley Foundation, dedicated to preserving Marley’s heritage of education and culture in both Jamaica and Africa.
She wrote her memoir, No Woman No Cry: My Life with Bob Marley, providing a rare and intimate look at the Rastafarian legend and her life with him.
Rita was honoured by the Jamaican government with the Order of Distinction in 1996, and the Marcus Garvey Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Her legacy in music, culture and philanthropy is present to this day.
Bob Marley Bio Table
| Field | Details |
| Full Name | Robert Nesta Marley |
| Known As | Bob Marley |
| Date of Birth | February 6, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Nine Mile, Saint Ann Parish, Jamaica |
| Date of Death | May 11, 1981 |
| Place of Death | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Age at Death | 36 years |
| Cause of Death | Acral lentiginous melanoma (rare skin cancer) |
| Nationality | Jamaican |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Musician |
| Genres | Reggae, Ska, Rocksteady |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar |
| Years Active | 1962–1981 |
| Record Labels | Tuff Gong, Island Records |
| Famous Albums | Catch a Fire, Rastaman Vibration, Exodus, Legend |
| Famous Songs | One Love, No Woman No Cry, Redemption Song, Three Little Birds |
| Band(s) | The Wailers, Bob Marley and the Wailers |
| Spouse | Rita Marley (m. 1966) |
| Children | 11 (including Ziggy, Stephen, Damian, and Cedella) |
| Religious Beliefs | Rastafarian |
| Awards & Honors | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994), Grammy Lifetime Achievement (2001) |
| Legacy | Regarded as a global icon for peace, resistance, and reggae music |
| Posthumous Legacy | One of the best-selling artists of all time |
Bob Marley Net Worth Summary
- At death (1981): Estimated $30 million (~$100 million today adjusted for inflation)
- Current estimated estate value: $200 million to $500+ million
- Annual earnings (as of 2024): $25–30 million from licensing, royalties, merchandising
| Revenue Stream | Description |
| Music Royalties | From streaming (Spotify, Apple Music), album sales, and media licensing |
| Merchandising & Licensing | Apparel, posters, cannabis products, lifestyle branding, image licensing |
| Brand Partnerships | Collaborations with Universal Music and lifestyle brands |
| Estate Management | Overseen by Tuff Gong International and the Bob Marley Foundation |
FAQs About Bob Marley
Q1: What was the name of Bob Marley’s wife?
A: Bob Marley’s wife was Rita Marley, born Alpharita Anderson.
Q2: How many kids did Bob Marley have?
A: Bob Marley had 11 acknowledged children with 7 women.
Q3: How did Bob Marley die?
A: He died from acral lentiginous melanoma (a rare form of skin cancer) on May 11, 1981.
Q4: Where is Rita Marley now?
A: Rita Marley continues to honor Bob’s legacy through her foundation and family efforts.
Q5: Did Rita Marley remarry after Bob Marley died?
A: No, Rita Marley never remarried after Bob’s death.
Q6: Was Rita Marley a singer too?
A: Yes, she was a member of the I Threes and released solo albums such as Who Feels It Knows It and Harambe.
Final Thoughts
The tale of Bob Marley’s wife, Rita Marley, is one of strength, self-confidence and solid determination. Bob Marley went on to become a legend and icon, but Rita was the one who helped build one of the most influential singer/songwriters the world has ever known. From her youth singing in Kingston to overseeing the Marley estate and raising a family of gifted musicians, she has been an essential part of the Marley mythos.
Getting to know the wife of Bob Marley reveals more about the man behind the music. As fans around the world continue to cherish Bob’s contributions to global culture, equally important is to celebrate the woman who walked by his side, in the spotlight and the shadows, onstage and off.