Exclusive Interview With Mrs. Rita Marley: "Family Means Everything To The Marley Family"

Celebrity Baby Scoop spoke exclusively with Mrs. Rita Marley, Bob Marley's widow, as the Marley family releases Bob's new CD B is for Bob this week. While Bob lost his battle to cancer at the age of 36, Mrs. Marley speaks of Bob's everlasting spirit and presence in their close knit family. Mother of 12 and grandmother of 53, the matriarch of the Marley family opens up about building a health center in Ghana, life growing up in the Marley household, keeping Bob's spirit alive and her most valued gift: her family.

Click below to read the full interview

Pictured above, right to left: Kymani Marley, Karen Marley, Rohan Marley, Cedella Marley, Ziggy Marley, Orly Marley (wife), Danny Agai (wife's brother), Sharon Marley, Serita Stewart, Robbie Marley, Mrs. Rita Marley (sitting down)

CBS: What was it like growing up in the Marley family?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "I was the mother; I grew my kids up like everyone else’s, with discipline and manners, to say yes, please and thank you."

CBS: Was there music playing and being created at all times?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "Our parents were into the church and music was everywhere. Our inspiration was handed down to us and then handed down to our children. What you give to one generation is passed on to the next generation."

CBS: What does family mean to the Marleys?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "Family means everything to the Marley family. It is our life, an expression of our love."

CBS: Losing Bob must have been so hard on everyone. How do you keep his memory and spirit alive?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "We don’t believe he is dead, we keep him alive. We are compelled to keep him alive by saying he is alive, we don’t believe his life is finished. Life is everlasting and Bob is making the living go on. His children are proof of his legacy of music and even his grandchildren. Judah, Ziggy's daughter is example of this. This goes to show how important family is, we pray together, we eat together, we cry. Together, we share happiness, sadness and sorrow."

CBS: Where do most of the Marleys live? Mostly Jamaica or across the globe?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "Across the globe. Right now we are in Ghana building a health center in the village, bringing water to the village and roads. We are “Helping Hands.” The theme of the Family Time album, Helping Hands."

CBS: Tell us about the new CD B is for Bob. It's a re-make of some of Bob's classic songs into a children's album. How did this idea come about? Who was involved?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "The inspiration comes from God the father almighty, it will continue, there is no end."

CBS: Why do you think Bob Marley's music is still so well-loved all these generations later?

Mrs. Rita Marley: "Because it’s good. A really good thing last forever, music is one of those good things that last forever and gets better with age. The older it gets the better it gets. Whatever we do we believe in unity and helping hands, more than any other time. It’s family time! [and she chuckles]."