Not everyone knows her name, but Rosemary Elikolani played a big part in creating a superstar. She is the loving and strong mother of Nicole Scherzinger, the singer from the famous girl group The Pussycat Dolls. While Nicole shines on stage, her mother’s story is full of quiet strength and love behind the scenes.
Rosemary didn’t grow up rich or famous. Her life was not easy at all. But she worked hard, stayed kind, and never gave up. Everything she had, she gave to her daughters — especially to Nicole. Her story shows how strong a mother can be, even in the hardest times.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at her full story — her early life, how she raised Nicole, her health struggles, and where she is today. You’ll see that Rosemary is more than just “Nicole’s mom.” She is a woman full of heart, courage, and grace.
Who Is Rosemary Elikolani?
Rosemary Elikolani is best known as the mother of Nicole Scherzinger, but her own life is powerful and moving. She was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, and comes from a mix of cultures — Hawaiian, Filipino, and Ukrainian. Some reports also say she may have Russian roots.
She grew up in the United States and holds American nationality. But even with her beautiful background, her childhood wasn’t very happy. Her home life was hard. She often felt alone and didn’t get the love and care every child needs.
Even so, Rosemary stayed strong. She followed the Catholic faith and learned to be kind and hopeful. These values would later help her raise her daughters in the same loving way — even when life gave her big challenges.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Early Life
Rosemary was born and raised in Honolulu, a beautiful island city in Hawaii. But her life was not like a beach vacation. Her parents were strict and unkind, and she faced racism because of her mixed background. These things made her early years very tough.
She often felt different from others. But instead of getting bitter, Rosemary held on to her faith. She went to a Catholic school, where she learned the importance of prayer, family, and staying strong even when times are hard.
Even though she didn’t grow up in a happy home, she decided to give her own children a better life. She took the pain from her childhood and turned it into something good — love and care for her future family.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Becoming a Mother
One of the most powerful parts of Rosemary’s story is that she became a mom when she was just 17 or 18 years old. She gave birth to Nicole Elikolani while living in Hawaii. Nicole’s father, Alfonso Valiente, was in the U.S. Army.
Can you imagine being a teenager with no money and raising a baby on your own? That was Rosemary’s life. Her partner left when Nicole was only two years old, leaving her completely alone with a little girl to care for.
Still, Rosemary didn’t give up. She worked whatever jobs she could find, and even when things were hard, she stayed focused on giving Nicole a safe and loving home. Her story shows the strength of a young mom who chose love over fear.
Rosemary Elikolani’s First Marriage
Rosemary’s first relationship with Alfonso didn’t last. When Nicole was just a toddler, Alfonso left the family. This left Rosemary to face everything alone — no help, no money, and no partner to share the burden.
This was one of the hardest times in her life. But instead of falling apart, she became stronger. She focused all her energy on raising Nicole. Even without fancy clothes or a stable job, she made sure her daughter felt loved and safe.
Many people in her place might have given up. But not Rosemary. She kept moving forward with quiet courage, showing her daughter what true strength looks like.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Moving to Kentucky
After some years in Hawaii, Rosemary met Gary Scherzinger, a kind man who was also in the U.S. Army. He offered love and support, and soon they started a new life together in Louisville, Kentucky — far away from the beaches of Hawaii.
Gary later adopted Nicole, giving her the last name we know today: Scherzinger. Together, Rosemary and Gary had a second daughter named Keala. Even though money was still tight, the family had more support and a fresh start.
Living in Kentucky was not always easy. It was very different from Hawaii, and the family still struggled. But now, Rosemary had a partner who helped raise the girls. That gave her a bit of peace — and it gave Nicole the strong family she needed to grow.
How Rosemary Helped Nicole’s Music Dreams
Nicole loved music from a young age. She dreamed of becoming a singer like Whitney Houston. But music lessons and CDs cost money — and the family didn’t have extra cash. So Rosemary got creative.
She borrowed CDs from friends, found ways for Nicole to practice, and helped her join a youth performing arts school. She even quit her job as a bank clerk to support Nicole full-time. That’s how much she believed in her daughter’s dream.
She also encouraged Nicole to try out for shows like Popstars and American Idol. Rosemary was there at every step — with love, advice, and quiet strength. Before the world believed in Nicole, her mother did.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Family Values
Rosemary Elikolani was raised in a Catholic family. Her father was a pastor, and faith was a big part of her life. Even when things were hard, she always prayed and stayed hopeful.
She passed these strong values to her daughters. She taught Nicole and Keala to always be kind, stay humble, and trust in God. These lessons helped them stay grounded even when life got busy.
Nicole often talks about how she prays before every show, something she learned from her mom. Rosemary’s deep faith helped her through tough times and made her daughters feel safe and loved.
Rosemary’s Reaction to Nicole’s Career
When Nicole became famous, Rosemary felt proud — but also worried. She had raised her daughters in a conservative home, so it was hard for her to see Nicole in revealing stage outfits.
One time, she even cried during a show because she wasn’t used to seeing her daughter dressed that way. But this didn’t mean she stopped supporting Nicole. Her love never changed.
They talked about these moments with honesty and care. Even with different views, their mother-daughter bond stayed strong. Rosemary stayed close, always cheering from the side, even if fame wasn’t her world.
Rosemary’s Health Problems and Surgeries
In 2020, Rosemary had a serious health scare. She had to go through two open-heart surgeries, just weeks before Christmas. It was a scary and emotional time for the whole family.
Nicole told her fans how worried she was. But the surgeries went well, and they were able to spend Christmas together. Nicole called it a “Christmas miracle” and said she was so thankful to still have her mom.
Even after such a hard health experience, Rosemary stayed strong. She smiled, laughed, and made the most of her time with family. Her bravery inspired everyone who knows her story.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Net Worth
Rosemary never worked for fame. Her goal was always to raise her daughters and give them love. But over the years, she earned some money from her job as a bank clerk and from a few TV appearances with Nicole.
Her estimated net worth is around $500,000. But she doesn’t show off or care about luxury. She lives a very simple and quiet life, far away from the spotlight.
She may not be rich like a celebrity, but her life is rich with love, respect, and peace. That’s what really matters to her. Her success is the beautiful family she built..
Where Is Rosemary Elikolani Now?
Today, Rosemary lives a quiet and peaceful life. She stays close to her daughters and focuses on her health after her heart surgeries. She doesn’t go out in public often.
Sometimes, she appears at Nicole’s events or shows. But most of the time, she stays away from the spotlight. She enjoys her private life, surrounded by family and calm moments.
She spends her days with love, peace, and gratitude — which is exactly the life she always wanted. And even though she isn’t a celebrity, many people admire her for the strong woman she is.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary Elikolani may not be a singer or a star on TV, but her life is just as powerful. She raised her daughters with love, even when she had nothing. She faced hard times but never gave up.
She became a mom when she was still a teen. She went through heartbreak, poverty, and health problems. But she stayed kind, strong, and full of faith through it all.
Behind the success of Nicole Scherzinger is a mother who sacrificed everything. Rosemary didn’t chase fame — she built a family. And in 2026, we honor her story — a story full of quiet strength, deep love, and true courage.
(FAQs)
How old is Rosemary Elikolani?
Rosemary Elikolani was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but her exact birth year is not publicly confirmed. However, she became a mother at 17 or 18 years old, and her daughter Nicole Scherzinger was born in 1978.
Is Rosemary Elikolani active on social media?
No, Rosemary Elikolani does not use social media. She lives a private and quiet life and stays away from public platforms like Instagram or Twitter. Her daughter Nicole sometimes shares family pictures and sweet messages about her.
Does Rosemary Elikolani have more children besides Nicole Scherzinger?
Yes, Rosemary has two daughters. Her first daughter is Nicole Scherzinger, and her second daughter is Keala Scherzinger, from her marriage to Gary Scherzinger.
Where does Rosemary Elikolani live now?
Rosemary lives a peaceful and private life, close to her family. After her open-heart surgeries in 2020, she focuses on her health and spends time with her daughters in the U.S.
What is Rosemary Elikolani’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $500,000. This comes from her work as a bank clerk and a few TV appearances with Nicole Scherzinger. She does not chase fame or money
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