Jillian Williams Discusses Her Journey into Motherhood Inspired by Vanessa Williams

Vanessa Williams, the iconic actress and former Miss America, graced the Tamron Hall show alongside her daughter, Jillian Hervey, who is a member of the vibrant music duo Lion Babe. The pair excitedly discussed Vanessa’s much-anticipated new album, *Survivor*, which marks her first musical offering in 15 years. Their appearance culminated in a lively performance of their catchy single, “BOP!”

In addition to the music, the heartfelt conversation explored Jillian’s recent journey into motherhood. In 2021, she embraced motherhood for the first time when she welcomed her son, Sunny, with her partner, Lucas Goodman, who is also her bandmate in Lion Babe. Remarkably, Jillian kept her pregnancy under wraps for the entire nine months, and she continues to maintain a level of privacy by choosing not to publicly reveal Sunny’s face, often adorning his photos with playful emojis instead.

Tamron Hall commended Jillian’s thoughtful approach to privacy, especially given her upbringing in the spotlight. She remarked, “I love the little emoji because you have grown up in the spotlight, so you know what those private moments meant to you when people are clamoring to be next to Vanessa Williams. But you just wanted to be next to your mom, and protecting Sunny’s privacy is a big part of it.”

Reflecting on her own childhood, Jillian expressed profound respect for her mother’s ability to juggle a thriving career while raising three children. “I always felt just blown away,” she shared. Now, as a mother herself to little Sunny, she finds herself navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood and admits she often marvels at her mother’s balancing act. “Especially since he’s two, I feel like every day there’s a new thing I have to learn. I couldn’t believe that my mom was doing this with three kids, let alone one. You know, it takes a village to just kind of get the schedule, and then when you want to pursue your own things as well…”

Jillian also opened up about her early apprehensions regarding her identity as a performance artist after becoming a mother. “I was worried about losing my identity,” she confessed. “At that point, I had built up ten years of being a performance artist and living in New York… I was like, well, is that going to go away? And it really has only just magnified everything. It just makes those moments better.”

The dynamic between Vanessa and Jillian is evident not only in their heartfelt conversations but also in their musical synergy. Their performance of “BOP!” showcases not just their talent but also the unique bond they share, blending their artistic passions in a way that resonates with audiences both young and old.

As they continue to navigate their individual journeys in the entertainment world, Vanessa and Jillian exemplify the beauty of family, art, and the protective nature of motherhood, all while making music that reflects their vibrant spirits. Their presence on the Tamron Hall show serves as a reminder of the powerful connections between generations and the importance of embracing one’s identity, whether as a parent or an artist.