At 76 years old, Maye Musk, the celebrated model and pioneering dietitian, has finally opened up in tears about the emotional journey behind her son Elon Musk’s extraordinary success.

In a rare and heartfelt interview, Maye revealed the untold sacrifices and unwavering resolve that shaped one of the world’s greatest innovators.

“I was the one who pushed Elon Musk to succeed and raised him alone as a single mother,” she confessed, shedding light on the hidden strength behind Elon’s rise.

Maye’s story is not just about Elon’s fame; it’s a powerful testament to a mother’s courage and the relentless spirit that fuels greatness.

Maye Musk’s journey began in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, before her family moved to South Africa when she was just two years old.

Life in South Africa was challenging, but it forged a resilience that would define Maye’s character.

Raised by unconventional explorer parents, she learned early the value of independence and fearlessness.

By age 15, Maye had already launched a modeling career, defying societal expectations for women at the time.

She balanced this burgeoning career with studies in dietetics, demonstrating discipline and determination that she would later pass on to her children.

In her early 20s, Maye married Errol Musk, a South African engineer.

What seemed like a promising start soon turned into a decade marked by physical and emotional abuse.

Divorce was not legally permissible until 1979 in South Africa, making it difficult for Maye to escape the turmoil.

Her breaking point came after a public incident of aggression witnessed by friends, prompting her to finally seek refuge and open up about the abuse.

Leaving Errol was a courageous decision that marked a new chapter of survival and resilience for Maye.

As a single mother, Maye faced immense challenges in a patriarchal society.

Financial stability seemed nearly impossible, yet she persevered by returning to dietetics and continuing her modeling career.

Maye credits these struggles with shaping the core values she instilled in her children: independence, perseverance, and creativity.

Her parenting style was unconventional but effective, focused on equipping her children with tools to navigate life on their own terms.

She encouraged Elon, Kimble, and Tosca to take responsibility from an early age, involving them in her business and fostering a strong work ethic.

Rather than stifling Elon’s risky hobbies, such as building homemade rockets and experimenting with explosives, Maye embraced his curiosity and trusted his judgment.

This trust became a defining trait that empowered Elon to tackle ambitious ventures like SpaceX and Tesla.

### Nurturing Elon Musk’s Genius

Elon’s insatiable appetite for knowledge and invention was nurtured by Maye’s unwavering support.

She encouraged him to explore, read, and dream without limits, providing access to books and opportunities that expanded his intellectual horizons.

Despite severe bullying and hardships during his childhood in South Africa, Maye remained a pillar of strength and encouragement.

She reminded Elon that his brilliance was his greatest strength and that his dreams were worth pursuing.

When Elon decided to move to Canada at 17 to chase his ambitions, Maye supported him fully, helping him navigate new challenges even while supporting his siblings back home.

At 76, Maye Musk broke down in tears during an interview, revealing how Elon’s vision and ambition inspired her to keep going through her darkest days.

“He was the one who inspired me to keep going,” she said, highlighting the unique bond between mother and son built on mutual inspiration.

Maye’s belief in Elon’s unconventional ideas and her encouragement of his risk-taking nature were instrumental in nurturing his fearless approach to innovation.

She taught him that being different was not a weakness but his greatest strength.

Maye Musk’s legacy extends far beyond being the mother of a billionaire entrepreneur.

As a model, dietitian, and advocate for women’s empowerment, she has shattered age and gender stereotypes.

At 69, she became the oldest Covergirl model, proving that ambition and reinvention have no age limit.

Through her book *A Woman Makes a Plan*, Maye shares life lessons on resilience, self-belief, and embracing change, inspiring women worldwide to pursue their dreams without hesitation.

Her story is a masterclass in turning adversity into opportunity and thriving despite life’s obstacles.

Maye teaches us that success is not about avoiding hardship but about thriving in spite of it.

She embodies the power of self-belief, perseverance, and the courage to embrace change.

Her parenting blueprint—fostering independence, creativity, and resilience—offers a compelling strategy for raising future innovators and independent thinkers.

Maye’s life reminds us that the impossible is always worth striving for, and that sometimes, the quiet strength of a mother is the foundation for history-changing achievements.