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Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe: Arthur Ashe’s Wife and Her Incredible Talent

Dive into the captivating life story of Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe, celebrated artist, dedicated mother and supportive wife of legendary tennis player, Arthur Ashe. From their unique love story to raising their daughter together, this prolific woman played a significant role in Ashe's remarkable journey.
by Rob Gillham | Jan 8 2024

Arthur Ashe is synonymous with professional tennis, breaking barriers as the only black player to win the men’s singles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open. This article explores his life and his wife, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe (now 72), their children, and how their unique story unfolded.
 

Arthur Ashe’s Wife: Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe

Arthur Ashe was married to Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe. Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 9, 1951, Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe is a celebrated photographer

Her parents, Elizabeth, an interior designer, and John, an architect, fueled her artistic journey from a young age. Being Chicago natives offered them ample resources to nurture their daughter’s ambitions.

By the age of eight, Jeanne attended the Art Institute of Chicago and later was drawn to the vibrant arts scene in New York. She further pursued her passion for the arts at The Cooper Union School of Art, where she graduated with a B.F.A. degree in photography. 

After graduating, she worked as a graphic artist and photojournalist for WNBC-TV, and in 1976 she was hired to take photographs at the United Negro College Fund tennis event, where she met tennis great Arthur Ashe. A year later, in 1977, they got married.
 

The Loving Parents of Camera Ashe

In December 1986, Arthur and Jeanne adopted a daughter named Camera after Moutoussamy-Ashe’s profession. Camera is the couple’s only child, making her the unique heir of Ashe’s legacy.

Today, Camera prefers to stay out of the limelight and she does not have a public life. 
 

The Widow of Arthur Ashe

Since her husband’s tragic passing in 1993 from AIDS-related pneumonia, Jeanne has remained committed to preserving Arthur’s legacy. She established the Arthur Ashe Endowment for the Defeat of AIDS and authored the book, “Daddy and Me,” which features photos of Arthur and their daughter.

These projects, amongst many others, keep his memory alive, reminding the world of Ashe’s outstanding achievements within and beyond the tennis court.

The endurance and strength shown by Jeanne Moutoussamy-Ashe and her late husband, Arthur Ashe, form a captivating tale of love, perseverance, and courage. If you’re interested in delving deeper into their lives or exploring other celebrity stories, check out the Celebrity Stories book collection on Blinkist. 

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