The Notorious B.I.G.’s mom Voletta Wallace dead at 78

Voletta Wallace, the mother of the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., passed away on Friday, February 21, 2025, at the age of 78. She died of natural causes at her home in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, after a period of hospice care. ASSOCIATED PRESS Born in Jamaica, Voletta Wallace was a schoolteacher who raised her son, Christopher Wallace (professionally known as The Notorious B.I.G.), as a single mother in Brooklyn, New York. Following her son’s tragic death in 1997, she became the steward of his legacy, managing his estate and ensuring his contributions to music were honored. She founded the Christopher Wallace Memorial Foundation, aimed at providing educational resources to children, and served as an executive producer for the 2009 biographical film “Notorious” and the 2021 Netflix documentary “Biggie: I Got a Story to Tell.” ASSOCIATED PRESS In 2020, Voletta represented her son during his posthumous induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, expressing immense pride in his accomplishments. She continued to celebrate his enduring influence, noting the honesty and resonance of his lyrics with fans worldwide. PEOPLE Voletta Wallace’s unwavering dedication to preserving her son’s memory has left an indelible mark on the music community and beyond. Voletta Wallace, Mother of The Notorious B.I.G., Passes Away at 78