Jay-Z’s grandma Hattie White went all out for her 100th birthday party.
On Monday, September 29, several guests took to social media to share photos and videos from White’s special day on Sunday, September 28 — which included a surprise performance from Stevie Wonder.
“Stevie said ‘Happy Birthday to Ms Hattie White’ The mayor of Brooklyn declared Sunday Ms. Hattie White Day!” Beyoncé’s mom, Tina Knowles, shared via Instagram on Monday alongside a video of Wonder, 75, performing. “The elegant, classy, beautiful lady turned 100 and was celebrated by her family and friends at a party, fit for the Queen she is!!! Stevie Wonder, one of her favorite artist [sic] paid tribute to her with her own private concert!!! Stevie reminded us the many hits that he’s made!!!! We dance the night away ​❤️❤️❤️❤️🔥🔥🔥Those Carters know how to party!!!!!!!!”
According to social media footage, several stars were also in attendance at the event including Beyoncé, 44, who has been married to Jay-Z, 55, since 2008, Megan Thee Stallion, Klay Thompson, Nas, Chris Martin and Memphis Bleek.
During the party, White gave a short speech to her friends and family, thanking them for coming.
“I want to thank you for coming out and celebrating my 100th birthday,” she said in video footage shared via Instagram. “May God bless all of you who have traveled the road that I have traveled.”
Beyoncé has really taken White’s words to heart throughout the years, even including one of her sayings on the song “Freedom” on her Lemonade album, which was released in 2016.
In the final moments of the song, a clip from White’s 90th birthday speech plays, which says, “I had my ups and downs, but I always find the inner strength to pull myself up / I was served lemons, but I made lemonade.”
Despite their busy careers, Beyoncé and Jay-Z have stayed committed to spending time with their family, especially their children — daughter Blue Ivy, 13, and twins Sir and Rumi, both 8.
“Feeling love is the most important thing a child needs, you know?” Jay-Z told The Sunday Times in an April 2021 interview. “Not ‘Here’s this business that I’m going to hand over to you, that I’m creating for you.’ What if my child doesn’t want to be in music or sports? I have no idea, right? But as long as your child feels supported and feels loved, I think anything is possible.”
Meanwhile, Beyoncé shared in October 2020 that she started to “slow down and shed stressful things” in her life during the COVID-19 pandemic while spending more time with her husband and kids.
“I truly cherish this time with my family,” she told British Vogue at the time. “I’ve spent a lot of time focusing on building my legacy and representing my culture the best way I know how. Now, I’ve decided to give myself permission to focus on my joy.”
Beyoncé’s kids have even continued to be involved in her work including Blue Ivy dancing at her Renaissance and Cowboy Carter tours.