Many people know Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls and from TV shows. But behind her journey stands her mother, Rosemary Elikolani. Rosemary is not a public celebrity, but her choices and care shaped Nicole’s life. She raised her daughter with strong values, hard work, and love. This article shares what is known about Rosemary’s background, family life, and the support she gave to Nicole. It uses simple language so everyone can follow.
Personal Information
Fact | Detail |
---|---|
Full name | Rosemary Elikolani (also known as Rosemary Elikolani Frederick) |
Known for | Mother of singer and TV star Nicole Scherzinger |
Heritage | Native Hawaiian and Ukrainian ancestry |
Early home | Honolulu, Hawaii, USA |
Later home | Louisville, Kentucky, USA |
Spouse | Later married Gary Scherzinger (German-American) |
Work noted in sources | Worked as a clerk after moving to Kentucky |
Children | Nicole Scherzinger and Keala |
Family roots and heritage
Rosemary has Native Hawaiian and Ukrainian ancestry. She lived in Honolulu, Hawaii. This mix of cultures gave Nicole a strong link to island traditions and to her European roots. Nicole has often spoken with pride about her Hawaii ties and her Catholic upbringing from her mother’s side of the family.
Early years as a young mother
Nicole was born in Honolulu in 1978 to Alfonso Valiente and Rosemary. When Nicole was still a baby, Alfonso left the family. Rosemary raised Nicole as a young mother, with help from her parents. In an interview about her childhood, Nicole said her mom was pregnant at 17 and had her at 18, and family elders (tutu and papa) helped a lot. These early years taught Nicole about strength and family duty.
A new start in Kentucky

When Nicole was six, Rosemary married Gary Scherzinger, who is German-American. He adopted Nicole, and she took his last name. The family moved to Louisville, Kentucky. Life there was not easy. Money was tight. Rosemary worked as a clerk, and Gary worked as a welder. Nicole helped the family by taking small jobs while studying. This period shows how Rosemary and Gary created a stable home and taught their girls to work hard and stay humble.
Faith and values at home
Nicole has said she grew up in a Catholic family and went to church often. Her grandfather was a priest. The home stress on faith and good behavior came from her mother’s side. This steady home life helped Nicole face the pressure of auditions and later fame. It also kept her close to Hawaii values like aloha, respect, and family first.
A mother’s eye for chances
A small but important detail shows Rosemary’s role in Nicole’s rise. In 2001, it was Nicole’s mother who saw the TV ad for the show “Popstars USA.” She told Nicole about it. Nicole auditioned, joined Eden’s Crush, and began her path to global fame. Without Rosemary’s quick eye and support, Nicole might not have taken that step.
Love, guidance, and strong support
Nicole often speaks with love about her mom. On Mother’s Day, Nicole has shared kind messages and photos, calling Rosemary her “absolute everything.” This shows their close bond, built through years of facing life together. It tells us that beyond talent and training, family support was key.
Culture and arts at home
Several profiles note that Rosemary’s side of the family is artistic, and some reports say she was connected to hula dance. While public records about Rosemary’s own work are limited, it is clear that Hawaiian culture and the arts were part of Nicole’s early world. This background helped Nicole feel at home on stage and respect her roots.
A private life with public impact
Rosemary is a private person. She does not give many interviews. Most of what we learn about her comes through Nicole’s stories and reliable profiles. Still, the facts are strong: she raised her daughter during hard times, moved for a better life, supported Nicole’s dreams, and kept the family together. Her choices led to chances, and those chances opened doors for Nicole.

Why Rosemary’s story matters
Many fans look at stars and see only talent and success. Rosemary’s story reminds us that behind many stars there is a parent who works quietly and gives steady love. She taught Nicole to be brave, kind, and focused. She also showed that starting over in a new place can be a path to hope. These lessons are simple, but they are powerful. They can help any reader who is raising a child, supporting a dream, or trying to build a new life.
Conclusion
Rosemary Elikolani’s story is one of strength, sacrifice, and love. As a young mother, she faced many challenges but never gave up on giving her daughter a safe and supportive home. By moving to Kentucky, working hard, and guiding her family with faith and values, she helped shape the woman who would later become an international star. Her eye for opportunity and her steady support gave Nicole Scherzinger the push she needed to follow her dreams.
Frequently asked questions
1. Who is Rosemary Elikolani?
She is the mother of singer and TV star Nicole Scherzinger. She raised Nicole first in Hawaii and later in Kentucky.
2. What is Rosemary’s heritage?
She has Native Hawaiian and Ukrainian ancestry, which gives Nicole a rich cultural mix.
3. Where did the family live?
They lived in Honolulu, Hawaii, and later moved to Louisville, Kentucky, when Nicole was six.
4. Did Nicole take her stepfather’s last name?
Yes. After Rosemary married Gary Scherzinger, he adopted Nicole, and she took his surname.
5. What work did Rosemary do?
After the move to Kentucky, Rosemary worked as a clerk.
6. How did Rosemary help Nicole’s career begin?
Rosemary saw a TV ad for “Popstars USA” in 2001 and told Nicole to try. That audition started Nicole’s path in pop music.
7. What faith values shaped Nicole at home?
The family was Catholic. Nicole often went to church, and her grandfather was a priest. These values came through Rosemary’s side.
8. How does Nicole speak about her mother?
Nicole has shared warm public messages about Rosemary, calling her “my absolute everything,” which shows a deep bond.
9. Was Rosemary a performer?
Reports connected to Nicole’s background say Rosemary and her family were involved with Hawaiian dance and the arts, though Rosemary keeps a private life.
10. Why is Rosemary’s story inspiring?
She faced early challenges, moved to build a better life, and supported her daughter’s dream. Her steady love and guidance helped Nicole become the artist we know today.
Relatable topic
Who Was Christina Mangosing? The Ex-Wife of Louis Gossett Jr.
The Life of John William McDonald: Eartha Kitt’s First Husband