Jennifer Hudson Unveils the Unbelievable: Her Father’s 27 Kids and Her Emotional Journey to Connect with Them

Jennifer Hudson, the multi-talented singer and actress, recently made a jaw-dropping revelation about her family on the finale episode of the podcast Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home. At 42, the EGOT winner shared an astonishing discovery she made about her father’s extensive lineage.

During the candid conversation with host Michele Norris, Hudson opened up about her father’s vibrant personality and his surprising number of children. “Your father had a big personality,” Norris remarked, leading Hudson to unveil the incredible truth. “Apparently, he had 27 children,” Hudson disclosed, leaving Norris visibly stunned. Hudson elaborated that while she has not met all of her siblings, this significant detail has been a part of her family lore since she was 16.

Hudson’s journey to connect with her numerous siblings began with a dream she harbored as a teenager. “It was my dream to have all of us at this grand Thanksgiving or Christmas table, and we all sit and eat together — that was my goal at 16,” she revealed. Despite the enormity of the task, Hudson managed to meet six or seven of her half-siblings, alongside her known siblings, Jason and Julia.

Hudson’s efforts to reunite with her extended family were largely facilitated by her father’s side. When her grandmother passed away, her siblings on that side were informed about their famous sister. “When my grandma on his side passed, my siblings over there were like, ‘Y’all got a sister that can really sing, you should meet her,’” Hudson recalled. This familial connection eventually brought many of the siblings together.

Beyond her own journey, Hudson is a dedicated mother to her 14-year-old son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., whom she shares with ex-partner David Otunga. Hudson emphasizes the importance of family in her son’s upbringing, a value she discussed in her cover story for Real Simple. She recounted bringing her son to the White House for Juneteenth, highlighting the significance of such experiences for him and his friends. “I want my son to be a part of those things—and his cousins and friends,” she said. “Little David has a really big heart, and he always wants to include them. So I said, ‘I’ll sing, but I have to bring my boys.’”

Hudson’s commitment to family is evident in her desire to ensure her son grows up with a strong familial foundation. This dedication was a key reason for her move back to Chicago, as she wanted her son to be surrounded by family. Now residing in Los Angeles, Hudson continues to prioritize family connections through regular gatherings and Sunday dinners. “We make a point to have our Sunday dinners. That’s one thing that’s very important,” she explained. Her home is frequently visited by cousins, ensuring that her son has a sense of family similar to her own upbringing.

Jennifer Hudson’s story is a testament to the importance of family and the efforts she has made to connect with her extended relatives. Despite the challenges of discovering and uniting a large family, Hudson’s journey reflects her deep-seated values of love, connection, and familial bonds.