Melissa Heholt, an accomplished figure in her own right, quietly tied the knot with none other than renowned rapper J. Cole in 2015, a union that unfolded away from the glare of the public spotlight. Although she is an event planner, she also works for her husband's foundation, which helps the youth in their community.
Born the eldest of four children, Melissa Heholt grew up surrounded by children and caring for them. Now, she is a mother to two beautiful children, whom she shares with her husband, J. Cole, born Jermaine Lamarr Cole.
The couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony without the media's attention. They quietly started their family with small disclosures about their kids to the press.
J. Cole during Lollapalooza on July 28, 2016, in Chicago, Illinois. | Source: Getty Images
Melissa Heholt Has Been Working for J. Cole's Organizations
In 2015, Heholt stood as the Dreamville Foundation's executive director. Her husband founded the organization in 2011 for his hometown's young generation by sponsoring their educational needs, among many others. Heholt said:
"J. Cole is extremely passionate about the betterment of the Fayetteville community, especially its youth."
One of the foundation's projects included providing single-mother families shelter. The rapper was the sole visionary of the initiative after having experienced being kicked out of his home in New York.
J. Cole during the Real 92.3 Real Show at The Forum on November 18, 2017, in Inglewood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Besides her philanthropic work, Heholt is an events planner and coordinator with her company, Statice Events. Admittedly, event planning wasn't always her area of expertise, but something she was passionate about.
Heholt and her husband also kept the birth of their children private.
She graduated with a Health Administration degree and a Master's in Elementary Education. She became a teacher for a while before changing her career path. "I love kids," she said. "But 'the state of education' these days took the joy out of teaching. Honestly, I was unhappy."
J. Cole at the Bumbershoot at Seattle Center on September 1, 2018, in Seattle, Washington. | Source: Getty Images
Melissa Heholt Married Her Husband in Secret
Heholt tied the knot with Cole in 2015, and they kept the media in the dark. He is known as a musician with hits like "Love Yourz," "Middle Child," and "No Role Modelz," among many others.
However, the couple maintained the secrecy of their relationship until January 2016. The news of their marriage came to light when "Creed" director Ryan Coogler asked the rapper how getting married changed him during a live interview.
J. Cole performs during his "The Off-Season" tour at State Farm Arena on September 27, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. | Source: Getty Images
Melissa Heholt Is a Proud Mom of Two
Heholt and her husband also kept the birth of their children private, only revealing the news in passing during interviews. However, they refused to disclose personal details, such as their names and genders.
The rapper announced they were expecting a second child in 2019 while rapping on "Sacrifices," a track featuring EARTHGANG, Smino, and Saba. He later disclosed he was already a proud father of two boys.
Like Heholt and Cole, fellow artist Norah Jones and her husband have kept their personal lives away from the media. Jones is known for shielding her family from prying eyes, so much so that she did not disclose her husband's identity for many years. The public now knows she married musician Pete Remm and has two kids.
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