Maye Musk is a celebrated model and a trailblazing dietitian. Now, at 76, she FINALLY breaks in tears and reveals the emotional truth behind her son Elon Musk’s meteoric rise to fame.
I was the one who pushed Elon Musk to succeed and raised him alone as a single mother, she confesses. In a unique conversation, Maye unveils the untold sacrifices that paved the way for one of the world’s greatest innovators. Her story is evidence of a mother’s unwavering resolve and the hidden strength that shaped history…

Maye Musk, the mother of one of the world’s most influential innovators, Elon Musk, has always been an extraordinary figure in her own right. At 76 years old, she now opens up about her life, the struggles she endured, and the pivotal role she played in shaping her son’s meteoric rise to success. Her story is one of resilience, strength, and the unconditional love of a mother who nurtured a visionary.
Born in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Maye Musk moved to South Africa at the age of two. Growing up in a family that valued adventure and independence, Maye quickly developed a fearless spirit. Her parents, unconventional explorers Wyn and Joshua Haldeman, instilled in her a sense of self-reliance that would later become the cornerstone of her life.
At just 15, Maye began her modeling career, embarking on a journey that would span over five decades. While pursuing her modeling dreams, she also focused on education, earning a degree in dietetics. Juggling these two demanding paths required discipline and determination—qualities that Maye would pass on to her children.
In her early 20s, Maye married Errol Musk, a South African engineer. However, the marriage turned into a nightmare, marred by physical and emotional abuse. For nearly a decade, Maye endured unimaginable hardship. In a society where divorce was frowned upon and often legally challenging, she struggled to find a way out.
The turning point came during a public altercation when Errol’s aggression was witnessed by her friends. With their support, Maye found the strength to leave her abusive marriage and seek refuge with her mother. The divorce marked a new beginning—one defined by survival, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her children.

As a single mother, Maye faced daunting challenges. Financial stability seemed like a distant dream, but she persevered, balancing her career as a dietician and a model while raising her three children: Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca.
Maye’s parenting philosophy was unconventional but profoundly effective. She encouraged independence, creativity, and resilience. “I didn’t micromanage them,” she said, emphasizing her belief in equipping her children with the tools to navigate life rather than dictating their choices.
From an early age, Elon displayed a voracious appetite for knowledge. Maye fostered this passion by ensuring he had access to books and opportunities that expanded his understanding of the world. She never discouraged his unconventional ideas, even when they seemed far-fetched.
“I wasn’t worried when he started building rockets in our backyard,” she recalled. “I knew he was learning and growing.” This hands-off yet supportive approach allowed Elon to explore, fail, and ultimately succeed in groundbreaking ways.
Maye’s sacrifices for her children were immense. Despite her financial struggles, she supported Elon’s decision to move to North America at 17, leveraging her Canadian citizenship to help him secure a passport.

“Watching him leave South Africa was one of the hardest moments of my life,” she admitted, “but I knew he needed to be where his dreams could flourish.”
Elon’s early years in North America were marked by hard work and determination. He worked tirelessly to fund his education at Queen’s University and later at the University of Pennsylvania. Maye contributed what she could, reinforcing her belief in his potential and determination to see him succeed.
Elon’s relentless pursuit of innovation—whether revolutionizing space travel with SpaceX or leading the charge for sustainable energy with Tesla—reflects the values instilled by his mother. He often credits Maye as his greatest inspiration, highlighting her resilience and belief in his vision.
“She believed in me when no one else did,” Elon once said. “Her sacrifices and unwavering support are the reasons I’ve been able to achieve what I have.”
Maye’s influence goes beyond her role as a mother. Her ability to thrive despite adversity, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her commitment to her children’s dreams laid the foundation for Elon’s audacious vision to change the world.
Now, at 76, Maye Musk reflects on her journey with pride and emotion. “He was the one who inspired me to keep going,” she revealed in a rare interview. “His dreams reminded me why I had to push forward, even when everything seemed impossible.”
Maye’s acknowledgment of Elon’s influence on her resilience speaks to the profound bond between mother and son. Despite the public scrutiny and challenges he has faced, Elon’s ability to persevere continues to inspire her.

“He has faced so much criticism and failure, but he never lets it stop him,” she said. “Every time he gets back up, I see the little boy who dreamed of changing the world.”
Maye Musk’s life is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and the courage to embrace change. From overcoming an abusive marriage to raising three extraordinary children, she has consistently turned adversity into opportunity.
Her story resonates with women worldwide, proving that it’s never too late to reinvent oneself. As a celebrated model and advocate for women’s empowerment, Maye has redefined the boundaries of success and beauty, showing that age is no barrier to ambition.
Through her book, A Woman Makes a Plan, Maye shares her hard-earned wisdom, inspiring readers to overcome their challenges and pursue their dreams. Her message is clear: “You can start over. You can change your life no matter where you are or how old you are.”
Maye Musk’s unwavering strength and belief in her children have left an indelible mark on history. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that greatness often begins with the quiet strength of someone who believes in us.
As we celebrate Elon Musk’s achievements, it’s essential to honor the remarkable woman who nurtured his vision and laid the foundation for his success. Maye Musk’s legacy will inspire generations to come, proving that resilience, love, and determination can change the world.