Rosemary Elikolani — The Heart Behind a Global Superstar
Introduction
When people around the world think of Nicole Scherzinger — the explosive performer who led The Pussycat Dolls to global stardom — they often overlook the person whose strength and love helped shape that journey: her mother, Rosemary Elikolani. Rosemary didn’t chase fame. She didn’t seek the spotlight. Instead, she quietly built a foundation of faith, resilience, culture, and relentless encouragement that became the launchpad for her daughter’s remarkable career.
This article isn’t just about Rosemary as “Nicole Scherzinger’s mother.” It’s a deep dive into the life of a woman who faced early hardship, took on motherhood at a young age, and embodied the values that would help raise — and inspire — one of the most recognizable voices of her generation.
Quick Bio:
| Bio Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Rosemary Elikolani |
| Also Known As | Rosemary Elikolani Frederick |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Heritage | Native Hawaiian & Ukrainian |
| Known For | Mother of Nicole Scherzinger |
| Children | Nicole Scherzinger, Keala Scherzinger |
| First Husband | Alfonso Valiente (Nicole’s biological father) |
| Second Husband | Gary Scherzinger (German‑American stepfather) |
| Occupation | Former clerk, homemaker, early supporter of Nicole’s career |
| Residence (Past) | Honolulu, Hawaii → Louisville, Kentucky |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | ~$500,000 (from work, family support roles) |
| Public Presence | Private life, occasional appearances with daughter |
Early Life — Roots in Hawaii
Rosemary was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, in a family rich with Native Hawaiian and Ukrainian heritage. Hawaii isn’t just a place of stunning landscapes — its culture carries deep traditions rooted in family, respect, and community. Those traditions played a big role in shaping Rosemary’s worldview and the environment she later created for her daughters.
Growing up, Rosemary learned the value of cultural pride. Stories of her ancestors, island customs, and strong family bonds were a part of everyday life. While detailed public records of her childhood are scarce — because she’s always preferred a private life — the threads of her heritage clearly wove into how she raised her children.
Young Motherhood — Unexpected Challenges
One of the most defining chapters of Rosemary’s life began in her late teens. At just 17 or 18 years old, she became a mother to her first daughter, Nicole Prascovia Elikolani Valiente (who would later become known worldwide as Nicole Scherzinger) with her partner Alfonso Valiente, a man of Filipino descent.
Becoming a young mother is never easy. Doing so without much financial support, while navigating the responsibilities of raising a child, requires strength few can truly understand. For Rosemary, these early years were marked by both great joy and considerable challenge.
Not long after Nicole’s birth, Rosemary and Alfonso separated when Nicole was still very young. This left Rosemary as a single mother, tasked with raising Nicole on her own. Like many single moms with limited resources, she worked tirelessly — sometimes juggling jobs — to keep food on the table and provide for her daughter.
The Move to Kentucky — A New Beginning
When Nicole was about six years old, Rosemary remarried — this time to Gary Scherzinger, a German‑American man.
The young family then relocated from sunny Honolulu to Louisville, Kentucky. This move marked a major turning point. Rather than the familiar island life, Rosemary and her new husband settled into the inland city of Louisville, where the pace and culture were very different.
Life in Kentucky
Rosemary worked as a clerk while Gary took on work as a welder, and they both did their best to create a stable home. Money was not plentiful, but there was love, discipline, and a shared belief in hard work.
Nicole has recounted how life wasn’t glamorous. They didn’t have much at all. But each moment of struggle taught her something valuable — usually lessons that came from her mother. Whether it was waiting tables to help out or taking local modeling jobs to chip in, Nicole grew up with a work ethic deeply rooted in the way Rosemary raised her.
Faith, Values, and Tradition
Rosemary’s household wasn’t just about making ends meet. It was a home where faith played a central role. With a grandfather who served as a priest, Nicole was raised in a conservative Catholic home. She and her sister attended church regularly — sometimes twice a week — not out of obligation, but out of a deep respect instilled by Rosemary and the rest of the family.
This spiritual foundation shaped Nicole’s worldview long before fame entered her life. It provided discipline, strength, humility, and a moral compass — values that would later help her navigate the pressures and temptations of the entertainment world.
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Supporting Nicole’s Dreams — The Wind Beneath Her Wings
Rosemary never pushed Nicole toward superstardom, but she encouraged her dreams in meaningful ways. When Nicole showed an interest in music and performance, Rosemary found ways to support her — even when funds were tight.
One story that stands out is how Rosemary encouraged Nicole to explore performance through local opportunities, borrowed music, and community art programs. She made sure her daughter stayed connected to her dreams even during lean days.
Without Rosemary’s early encouragement and belief in Nicole’s talent, it’s entirely possible Nicole never would have pursued the audition that launched her career — one of the pivotal steps that led to her joining Eden’s Crush and, soon after, The Pussycat Dolls.
Later Life — Private, Supportive, and Proud
Despite being the mother of a global superstar, Rosemary has never chased fame for herself. She prefers a quiet life, staying largely out of the spotlight and letting Nicole shine.
Nicole, on the other hand, has never been shy about expressing her love and admiration for her mom. On social media, at award shows, and in interviews, she has called Rosemary her “absolute everything” — a testament to their deep bond and the appreciation she has for the sacrifices her mother made.
Health Struggles and Family Support
In 2020, Rosemary faced a serious health scare involving open‑heart surgery, which Nicole publicly spoke about. The experience brought their family even closer and reminded the world that behind every star is a family that loves and supports them deeply.
A Mother’s Legacy — What Rosemary Taught Nicole
Looking at Rosemary’s life, it’s easy to see the values she passed down to her daughters. These include:
1. Resilience
Rosemary taught that life doesn’t stop for difficulties. Instead, you adapt, you endure, and you grow stronger.
2. Hard Work
Whether it was juggling jobs, managing a household, or encouraging her daughter, Rosemary lived the principle of work over excuses.
3. Faith and Humility
Faith wasn’t just a ritual — it was a guiding force, a source of peace, and a reminder of what really matters.
4. Cultural Pride
Rosemary kept her Hawaiian and Ukrainian heritage alive in the home, and passed that sense of identity on to Nicole, who proudly embraces her multicultural roots.
Conclusion
Rosemary Elikolani’s story reminds us that behind every public figure is a personal journey filled with quiet strength, sacrifice, and love. She might not be on stage performing, appearing on magazine covers, or winning awards — but the values she instilled and the foundation she built helped shape someone who did all of those things.
Rosemary didn’t raise a superstar by accident. She raised a daughter with courage, perseverance, humility, and spirit — the very traits that turned dreams into reality for Nicole Scherzinger. And while the world knows Nicole’s voice, global fans now know the woman whose heart helped shape it.
FAQs:
1. Who is Rosemary Elikolani?
Rosemary Elikolani is best known as the mother of singer, songwriter, and actress Nicole Scherzinger. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and later moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Rosemary played a crucial role in raising and inspiring Nicole, supporting her dreams from a young age.
2. What is Rosemary Elikolani’s background and heritage?
Rosemary has Native Hawaiian and Ukrainian ancestry. She was first married to Alfonso Valiente, Nicole’s biological father, who is of Filipino descent. Later, she married Gary Scherzinger, a German-American, and together they moved to Kentucky.
3. How did Rosemary influence Nicole Scherzinger’s career?
Rosemary instilled a strong work ethic, faith, and discipline in Nicole from childhood. She encouraged Nicole’s interest in music and performance, helping her pursue auditions and opportunities that eventually led to her becoming the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls. Nicole often credits her mother as her “absolute everything.”
4. Does Rosemary Elikolani have other children?
Yes, Rosemary has another daughter, Keala Scherzinger, who is Nicole’s younger sister. Keala also benefited from the supportive and structured upbringing provided by Rosemary.
5. What is Rosemary Elikolani doing today?
Rosemary maintains a private life, mostly out of the public spotlight. She is focused on her family and has occasionally been mentioned in interviews and social media posts by Nicole. Her legacy continues through the values she instilled in her daughters: resilience, faith, and dedication.
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