Have you ever wondered who raised Nicole Scherzinger, the powerful voice behind the Pussycat Dolls? Behind her fame stands a strong and loving woman named Rosemary Elikolani. She is not a singer or a movie star. Yet her story is just as powerful and touching.
This article tells the real life story of Rosemary Elikolani, Nicole Scherzinger’s mother. It is a story of struggle, faith, love, and strength. In this first half, we will explore who Rosemary is, her early life, how she became a mother so young, and the hard years she spent raising Nicole. Her journey shows how one mother’s love can change everything.
Rosemary Elikolani Quick Bio
| Full Name | Rosemary Elikolani Frederick |
| Known As | Nicole Scherzinger’s mother |
| Birthplace | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Hawaiian and Ukrainian |
| Age (2026) | Around early 60s |
| Birthday | Not publicly known |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Job (Past) | Bank clerk |
| First Husband | Alfonso Valiente |
| Second Husband | Gary Scherzinger |
| Children | Nicole Scherzinger, Keala Scherzinger |
| Net Worth (Est.) | Around $500,000 |
| Current Life | Living a quiet, family life |
| Lives In | Likely in the U.S., near her daughters |
Who Is Rosemary Elikolani?
Rosemary Elikolani is best known as Nicole Scherzinger’s mother. But she is much more than that simple title. She is a woman who went through deep pain, big challenges, and very hard times, yet never gave up on her children.
She worked normal jobs and lived a simple life. She never chased fame. Still, her quiet strength helped raise one of the world’s most famous singers. Nicole often says her mother is her biggest inspiration. That alone shows how important Rosemary has been in her life.
Many fans want to know more about Rosemary Elikolani because her story feels real. It is not perfect or shiny. It is honest, emotional, and full of heart.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Early Life and Background
Rosemary Elikolani was born in the United States. She comes from a mixed background of Hawaiian and Ukrainian roots. Sometimes her background is also described as Russian or Eastern European. This mix of cultures shaped who she is.
Her childhood was not easy. She grew up in a home where love and safety were not always there. She faced neglect and emotional pain at a young age. On top of that, she also faced racism because of her mixed roots.
Even with all this, Rosemary found strength in her faith. She attended Catholic school, and religion became a big part of her life. These values later guided how she raised her daughters.
Becoming a Mother at a Young Age
Rosemary’s life changed forever when she became a mother as a teenager. She was only 17 or 18 years old when she gave birth to her first daughter, Nicole Scherzinger, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
At that time, she was with Alfonso Valiente, a Filipino-American man who served in the U.S. Army. Life was already hard, and becoming a mother so young made it even tougher. Rosemary was still growing up herself.
Can you imagine raising a baby when you are barely an adult? That is exactly what Rosemary Elikolani faced. Yet she stepped into motherhood with courage and love.
Nicole Scherzinger’s Childhood with Rosemary Elikolani
When Nicole was just two years old, Alfonso left the family. Suddenly, Rosemary Elikolani became a single mother with almost no support. This was one of the hardest moments of her life.
Money was always short. Nicole wore second-hand clothes. There were days when they barely had enough to get by. Sometimes, they survived with no money at all. Still, Rosemary made sure Nicole felt loved and safe.
These hard years created a deep bond between mother and daughter. Nicole later shared how her mom’s strength taught her to be thankful and humble. Even today, Nicole says everything she is started with her mother.
Hard Times in Hawaii
Life in Hawaii was beautiful on the outside but very hard for Rosemary. She worked nonstop while caring for Nicole. There was no luxury, no comfort, and no break from stress.
Nicole later shared that these tough days shaped her character. Watching her mom struggle but never quit changed how she saw life. Rosemary showed her that hard work matters, even when no one is watching.
These years were painful. But they also built the strong foundation that Nicole would later stand on. Rosemary Elikolani turned struggle into strength.
Rosemary Elikolani’s First Marriage Story
Rosemary’s first marriage to Alfonso Valiente did not last long. The relationship was unhealthy and painful. After years of struggle, the marriage ended.
Instead of letting this break her, Rosemary focused on one goal: giving her daughter a better life. She chose strength over fear. She chose love over anger.
This chapter of her life was very hard. But it was also the moment when Rosemary Elikolani truly became the strong mother people admire today.
Moving to Kentucky and Starting Over
After leaving Hawaii, Rosemary made a brave decision. She moved to Kentucky to start fresh. It was a big step, filled with fear and hope at the same time.
This move marked a new chapter. It was the beginning of change, healing, and growth for Rosemary and Nicole. Life was still hard, but a new path was forming.
Rosemary Elikolani’s Second Marriage and Family Life
After moving to Kentucky, Rosemary Elikolani met Gary Scherzinger, a German-American man who served in the U.S. Army. He became her second husband and a steady support for her family. Gary stepped in to help raise Nicole, along with Rosemary’s second daughter, Keala Scherzinger.
Gary adopted Nicole and gave her his last name — that’s why the world knows her today as Nicole Scherzinger. Even though the family didn’t have much money, they worked together to build a loving home. Rosemary and Gary made sure their girls felt safe and supported.
Later on, Rosemary and Gary divorced, but they both stayed involved in their daughters’ lives. This chapter of Rosemary’s life shows her commitment to family, no matter what changes came her way.
How Rosemary Helped Nicole Scherzinger Follow Her Dreams
Even with very little money, Rosemary Elikolani never stopped believing in Nicole’s dreams. She saw that Nicole had talent and passion. Instead of holding her back, she encouraged her to chase it.
Rosemary would borrow music CDs from friends — like Miss Saigon — so Nicole could sing along and practice. Nicole loved singing and wanted to be like her idol, Whitney Houston. Rosemary pushed her to join a youth performing arts school, even when money was tight.
Later, when Nicole wanted to audition for shows like Popstars, Rosemary stood by her side. She even quit her job at the bank to fully support Nicole’s journey. Her belief in Nicole gave her daughter the courage to step into the spotlight.
Strong Faith and Family Values
Faith played a big role in the home Rosemary Elikolani created. Her father was a pastor, and she raised Nicole and Keala in a home filled with prayer and strong values. Rosemary taught her daughters to stay humble, grateful, and kind.
Nicole has shared that she prays before every show — a habit she learned from her mother. Even after becoming famous, she still carries these teachings with her.
There’s a well-known moment when Rosemary cried during one of Nicole’s performances. The stage outfits were too revealing for her taste. It showed how much she cared about keeping Nicole grounded and respectful, even as she became a global star.
Nicole Scherzinger’s Love for Her Mother
Over the years, Nicole has always shown how much she loves and respects her mother. On birthdays, holidays, or even just random days, she shares sweet messages on social media.
One time on Mother’s Day, Nicole wrote:
“Happy Mother’s Day to my mommy, Rosemary Elikolani. Other than our Heavenly Father, you know you are my absolute everything.”
That message touched many fans. It showed just how deep their bond is. Nicole also often shares throwback photos of her and Rosemary, and fans love pointing out how much they look alike. Many say, “You’re your mom’s twin!”
Rosemary Elikolani’s Health Struggles and Surgeries
In 2020, Rosemary Elikolani went through a scary health crisis. She had to have open-heart surgery — not once, but twice. This was a very emotional time for Nicole and the entire family.
Nicole shared the news with fans on Instagram. She asked for prayers and gave updates. After the surgeries, Nicole called it a blessing to still have her mother with her. That year, they spent Christmas together — something Nicole was incredibly thankful for.
This health battle showed how strong Rosemary is, once again. Even when her body was weak, her spirit remained powerful.
Where Is Nicole Scherzinger’s Mother Today?
As of 2026, Rosemary Elikolani lives a quiet, peaceful life. She stays out of the spotlight but sometimes appears at events with Nicole. Fans may have seen her on shows like The X Factor, standing proudly in the audience.
Rosemary spends most of her time with her daughters and grandchildren. She enjoys family life, faith, and simple joys. While she once worked as a bank clerk, she is now known as Nicole Scherzinger’s loving mother and biggest supporter.
Her estimated net worth is around $500,000, but her true wealth is in the love and respect of her family.
Final Thoughts
Rosemary Elikolani is not a singer. She’s not on TV. But her life is full of strength and heart. She raised two daughters, mostly alone, through poverty, stress, and heartbreak.
She taught them faith, kindness, and the power of hard work. And in doing that, she helped one of them — Nicole — become a global superstar. Not many people could have done what Rosemary did.
Her story reminds us that behind every strong person is someone who believed in them first. In Nicole’s case, that person is her mother — Rosemary Elikolani.
(FAQs)
What is Rosemary Elikolani’s background?
Rosemary comes from two different cultures. Her family is part Hawaiian and part Ukrainian. That mix makes her background very special. Nicole is proud to come from such a strong family.
Who were Rosemary Elikolani’s parents?
Rosemary had a hard childhood. Her parents were not kind to her. She didn’t feel safe growing up. But her dad was a pastor, and that’s how she learned about faith and prayer, which helped her later in life.
Was Rosemary married to Alfonso Valiente?
When Rosemary was a teenager, she married Alfonso Valiente. He is Nicole’s real dad. But he left when Nicole was 2 years old, so Rosemary had to raise her all by herself.
What is Rosemary Elikolani’s real name?
Her full name is Rosemary Elikolani Frederick. Later, after marrying her second husband, Gary Scherzinger, her daughters took his last name — that’s why Nicole is called Nicole Scherzinger today.
How old is Rosemary Elikolani, and where is she now?
No one knows her exact age, but she had Nicole when she was 17 or 18, so now she is probably in her early 60s. Today, she lives a quiet life, close to her daughters, and stays away from fame.
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