The Unbreakable Foundation: 5 Profound Ways Megan Thee Stallion’s Family Shaped Her Success

The foundation of any superstar is often built on the shoulders of those who came before them, and for Megan Thee Stallion, that foundation is a story of incredible resilience, profound loss, and deep-seated Houston roots. As of December 2025, the Grammy-winning "Hot Girl" continues to honor the memory of her late parents, Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete Jr., whose influence is woven into her music, her business decisions, and her powerful philanthropic work through the Pete & Thomas Foundation. Born Megan Jovon Ruth Pete, the rapper's journey from a Houston college student to a global icon is inextricably linked to the strong, giving women who raised her and the complex legacy of her father. The recent release of her documentary, *Megan Thee Stallion: In Her Words*, has offered fans an even more intimate look at the deeply personal moments that shaped her life, including the devastating loss of her mother and great-grandmother in a matter of weeks in 2019. This article dives into the essential figures of her family and the lasting impact they have on her career and humanitarian efforts today.

Megan Thee Stallion: A Family Biography Profile

The life of Megan Jovon Ruth Pete is a testament to the influence of her family, particularly the two generations of strong women who guided her.

• Full Name: Megan Jovon Ruth Pete
• Born: February 15, 1995 (as of 2025)
• Hometown/Raised In: Houston, Texas (Born in San Antonio)
• Mother: Holly Thomas (Stage name: Holly-Wood)
• Mother's Death: March 22, 2019, due to a brain tumor/cancer.
• Father: Joseph Pete Jr.
• Father's Death: Shot and killed when Megan was a teenager.
• Grandmother: An unnamed, still-living figure who strongly encouraged her education.
• Great-Grandmother: Passed away just weeks after her mother in 2019.
• Philanthropic Work: Co-founder of The Pete & Thomas Foundation, honoring her parents.
• Education: Graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration.

The Dual Legacy of Her Parents: Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete Jr.

The most impactful figures in Megan's life are her late mother, Holly Thomas, and her father, Joseph Pete Jr. Their stories are complex, but their influence on her artistic identity and personal strength is undeniable.

Holly Thomas: The Rapper Who Became Her Manager

Holly Thomas was more than just Megan’s mother; she was her original inspiration and her first manager. Known by her rap name, "Holly-Wood," Thomas was an active rapper in the Houston scene, often taking her daughter into the recording studio with her. This early exposure to the music industry instilled in Megan a deep understanding of the craft and the business. Holly Thomas was famously protective of her daughter’s image and career. She initially restricted Megan from releasing music until she was 21, insisting that she focus on her education first. This balance of artistic freedom and academic discipline is a core part of Megan’s personal brand, culminating in her eventual graduation from Texas Southern University. The tragic loss of Holly Thomas to a brain tumor in March 2019 was a devastating blow, coming just as Megan’s career was beginning to skyrocket. In her recent documentary, Megan opened up about the heartbreaking decision to remove her mother from life support, a moment that underscored the immense grief she carried while rising to fame.

Joseph Pete Jr.: The "Full-Time Hustler"

Megan's relationship with her father, Joseph Pete Jr., was also formative, though marked by periods of absence. Joseph, who was also a rapper and, at one point, a police officer, was in jail until Megan was eight years old. Despite this, Megan has spoken of him with love and respect, describing him as a "full-time hustler" in a 2020 *Rolling Stone* interview. Joseph Pete Jr. taught his daughter the importance of valuing herself and her work, a lesson that clearly translated into her fiercely independent and business-savvy career moves. He was shot and killed when Megan was a teenager, another profound loss that contributed to her early life’s challenges. Megan is committed to honoring both her parents, stating that she knows they would be incredibly proud of her accomplishments.

The Women Who Instilled Resilience: Grandmother and Great-Grandmother

While the loss of her parents was central, the influence of her grandmother and great-grandmother provided the necessary stability and moral compass. The death of her great-grandmother just weeks after her mother’s passing in 2019 compounded the trauma, yet the lessons they taught remain a guiding force. Megan’s still-living grandmother is a powerful and persistent figure in her life. She is credited with continually pushing Megan to complete her college degree, ensuring her collegiate dreams came true even as her music career exploded. This focus on education and long-term stability is a key part of the "Hot Girl" ethos—smart, successful, and self-sufficient. Furthermore, Megan has publicly dedicated a Houston humanitarian award to her late grandmother, stating, "My grandma always taught me to be kind and giving. I learned that from her. I was raised by very giving women." This emphasis on kindness and giving is not just a sentiment; it has manifested in tangible ways through her philanthropic efforts.

Honoring Their Memory: The Pete & Thomas Foundation

The most current and significant way Megan Thee Stallion honors her family is through the establishment of The Pete & Thomas Foundation. Launched in 2022, the foundation is a direct tribute to her mother, Holly Thomas, and her father, Joseph Pete Jr. (Pete). The foundation’s mission is focused on uplifting and assisting underserved communities in Houston and beyond, concentrating on three key areas:

• Education: Providing scholarships and resources for students.
• Housing: Supporting senior citizens and single mothers with housing assistance.
• Wellness: Offering mental health and wellness resources.

The foundation held its inaugural gala, a major milestone that Megan shared with her fans as a moment of profound pride, knowing her parents would be proud of her commitment to giving back to the community that raised her. This philanthropic work serves as the ultimate expression of the values instilled in her by her mother and grandmother: education, generosity, and community support. The Pete & Thomas Foundation is a living legacy, ensuring that the names and spirits of Holly Thomas and Joseph Pete Jr. continue to inspire positive change for generations to come.