From Silence to Service: Mayte Garcia on Prince’s Hidden Legacy of Generosity and the Revival of Live 4 Love

Mayte Garcia, Prince’s former wife, is opening up about one of the most personal aspects of the late superstar’s life: his quiet but far-reaching philanthropy. While Prince was globally celebrated for his music, few people were aware of his profound generosity. “He didn’t make a fuss about it,” Garcia says. “He preferred to donate privately, away from the spotlight.” Whether it was contributing to youth tech programs or supporting the family of Trayvon Martin, Prince was always committed to making a difference.

Garcia recalls that even after their divorce, Prince continued to maintain the charity they had co-founded in 1996, initially called “Love for Our Amiir” (L4OA), named in memory of their lost son, Amiir. “He was always very secretive about that stuff,” she shares. “I would hear about schools or people he helped while we were together.”

Garcia remembers their quiet trips to offer support where it was needed most. “One time, we flew to Hawaii and helped at a children’s hospital,” she reflects. “Another time, I went to Puerto Rico to help at a children’s cancer center and an animal rescue. But he kept it all quiet.”

Now a proud mother of an 11-year-old daughter, Gia, whom she adopted in 2013, Garcia has found renewed purpose in reviving the foundation she and Prince started. This time, it comes with a new name and a broader vision. The updated foundation will be called Live 4 Love Charities, an homage to Prince’s core belief that love should always guide our actions. “I strive to honor what he stood for, and Live 4 Love is the perfect name change,” Garcia explains.

The foundation’s latest initiative, known as the “10/10 Project,” invites the public to nominate charities on the Live 4 Love website, with the foundation donating $10,000 to each of 10 selected organizations. Winners are set to be announced in December. “It’s an exciting way to carry forward Prince’s legacy of love and generosity,” Garcia adds.

While the original L4OA charity relied solely on Prince’s financial contributions, Live 4 Love will now operate as a public 501(c) organization, with fundraising efforts supporting causes close to both Garcia and Prince’s hearts. “Back then, we didn’t need fundraising because he was able to donate the money. Now, we’ll be raising funds to support a variety of programs, including music education for children,” she shares.

Prince’s legacy, long known for its artistry and innovation, is now also remembered for its compassion and care for others. Through Live 4 Love Charities, Garcia ensures that his message of love, service, and quiet philanthropy lives on.