Basic Information
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Gena Avery Knowles (née Gena Charmaine Avery) |
| Date of Birth | October 11, 1964 |
| Age (as of October 2025) | 60 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Known For | Former model, realtor, and wife of music executive Mathew Knowles |
| Marital Status | Married to Mathew Knowles since June 30, 2013 |
| Children | No biological children; stepmother to Beyoncé, Solange, Nixon, and Koi Knowles |
| Residence | Houston, Texas |
| Professional Background | Modeling, real estate, possibly healthcare |
Early Life and Career Transitions
Gena Avery Knowles was born in the US on October 11, 1964, a moment of cultural change and opportunity. Her early years were marked by calm determination, like a chameleon adjusting to changing settings. Little is known about her youth, although she entered the glamorous yet stressful modelling industry in her 20s. This employment helped her network in a competitive field by improving her confidence and networking skills.
Gena became a Houston realtor over time. Her listings in local markets showed business competence. Some versions suggest she was a nurse, using her empathy to help others. Her versatility is shown by her transitions from the runway to property dealings and patient relations. By the early 2010s, she gained financial freedom, a refuge from life’s worries. Her numerous paths reflect a sturdy foundation constructed brick by brick via hard labour, but earnings amounts are unknown.
Family Dynamics and Personal Bonds
At the heart of Gena’s story beats her marriage to Mathew Knowles, a union that blended two worlds like rivers converging. They met in the early 2010s, following Mathew’s 2011 divorce from Tina Knowles. After an 18-month engagement, they exchanged vows on June 30, 2013, in a private Houston ceremony. Mathew, born January 9, 1952, in Gadsden, Alabama, rose as a music executive, shaping Destiny’s Child and guiding Beyoncé’s ascent until 2011. His ventures spanned authorship, speaking, cannabis, and real estate, with a net worth estimated between $500,000 and $5 million. In 2019, he faced male breast cancer, emerging stronger, crediting laughter and gratitude as pillars of their bond.
Gena stepped into the role of stepmother with grace, embracing Mathew’s children from previous relationships. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, born September 4, 1981, stands as a global icon— singer, actress, entrepreneur— whose empire exceeds $500 million. Though she missed the 2013 wedding due to commitments, family ties endure. Solange Piaget Knowles, born June 24, 1986, an artist and activist, shares a similar respectful distance. Younger stepsiblings include Nixon Knowles, born February 4, 2010, from Mathew’s relationship with Alexsandra Wright, and Koi Knowles, born July 3, 2010, from his involvement with Taqoya Branscomb. Details on these children remain sparse, shrouded in privacy.
Gena fosters supportive connections, offering friendship without intrusion. Their marriage thrives on shared moments— a 2018 romantic getaway to Italy, captured in snapshots of joy. She emphasizes stability, navigating the family’s high-profile dynamics like a steady anchor in turbulent seas. No prior marriages or biological children mark her path; instead, her focus rests on nurturing this blended unit, finding fulfillment in quiet support.
Professional Achievements and Financial Independence
Gena’s career mosaic paints a picture of resilience. Starting in modeling, she developed skills in presentation and adaptability, essential for her later roles. In real estate, she thrived in Houston’s bustling market, handling transactions with empathy and precision. The possible healthcare stint as a nurse added depth, highlighting her compassionate side amid demanding environments.
Building independence through many vocations and retaining dignity amid popularity are her subtle accomplishments. Her real estate earnings and marriage’s joint businesses support her financially. Mathew’s numerous enterprises complement this, but specific figures are unknown. They combine work and personal growth in collaboration.
Recent Activities and Milestones in 2025
The year 2025 brought fresh chapters for Gena. On July 1, she and Mathew marked their 12th wedding anniversary with heartfelt Instagram tributes, reflecting on health, joy, and enduring love. Like a blooming vine, their relationship continues to flourish.
Gena ventured into production, joining Mathew, Tonya Lewis Lee, and Les Coney for the Broadway musical A Wonderful World. Announced in late 2024, the project culminated in a 2025 gala, showcasing her expanding creative role. Social media buzzed with mentions, from Mathew’s posts on @mrmathewknowles to shares by outlets like @thejasminebrand. In September 2025, she attended the Black Theatre United Gala, further cementing her involvement.
The 2025 YouTube video “Love, Resilience & Marriage with Gena Knowles” details their 12-year journey. Her 2019 mention of Mathew’s cancer diagnosis shows her support. The 2013 wedding and family overview are covered in “Inside Mathew Knowles’s Houston Home 2025.”
Extended Timeline of Key Events
| Date/Period | Event/Details |
|---|---|
| October 11, 1964 | Born in the United States as Gena Charmaine Avery. |
| Pre-2013 | Pursued modeling career; transitioned to real estate in Houston; possibly worked in healthcare. |
| Early 2010s | Met Mathew Knowles after his 2011 divorce from Tina Knowles. |
| 2011–2013 | Engaged for 18 months. |
| June 30, 2013 | Married Mathew in Houston; became stepmother to Beyoncé, Solange, Nixon, and Koi. |
| 2018 | Enjoyed a romantic vacation in Italy, shared on social media. |
| 2019 | Supported Mathew through his male breast cancer diagnosis and recovery; appeared in interviews. |
| 2024 | Attended the EBONY Power 100 Gala; featured in Mathew’s birthday posts. |
| Late 2024 | Joined as a producer for the Broadway musical A Wonderful World. |
| July 1, 2025 | Celebrated 12th wedding anniversary with Instagram tributes. |
| September 2025 | Attended Black Theatre United Gala in support of the Broadway project. |
This timeline traces her evolution, from humble beginnings to a life intertwined with music royalty and creative endeavors.
FAQ
Who is Gena Avery Knowles married to?
Gena Avery Knowles has been married to music executive Mathew Knowles since June 30, 2013, forming a partnership built on mutual support and shared experiences.
Does Gena Avery Knowles have any biological children?
Gena Avery Knowles has no biological children mentioned; she serves as a stepmother to Mathew’s four children from previous relationships.
What is Gena Avery Knowles’s professional background?
Gena began her career as a model before transitioning to real estate in Houston, with some indications of involvement in healthcare as a nurse, showcasing her adaptable professional path.
How did Gena Avery Knowles meet her husband?
Gena met Mathew Knowles in the early 2010s following his divorce, leading to an 18-month engagement and their eventual marriage in 2013.
What recent projects has Gena Avery Knowles been involved in?
In 2025, Gena celebrated her 12th wedding anniversary and joined as a producer for the Broadway musical A Wonderful World, attending related galas.
What is known about Gena Avery Knowles’s family relationships?
Gena maintains respectful and supportive ties with her stepchildren, including superstars Beyoncé and Solange, focusing on friendship and family stability without seeking the spotlight.
Has Gena Avery Knowles appeared in any media interviews?
Gena has featured in YouTube videos discussing her marriage and family, such as a 2025 piece on love and resilience, and a 2019 interview about Mathew’s cancer diagnosis.
