Jennifer Hudson opens up about her father having 27 children, dreams of full family reunion

Jennifer Hudson, 42, discussed her family history during the finale episode of Your Mama’s Kitchen: Conversations from the Heart of the Home podcast. 

Speaking with host Michele Norris, Hudson disclosed a significant discovery about her father's expansive family.

"Apparently he had 27 children," Hudson shared with Norris. Reflecting on her teenage years, she expressed a heartfelt desire to connect with all her siblings. "It was my dream to have all of us at this grand Thanksgiving or Christmas table, and we all sit and eat together — that was my goal at 16," she revealed.

Despite not meeting all her siblings, Hudson recounted meeting several along with her siblings Jason and Julia. "We found quite a few of us," she explained, highlighting her journey to uncover her extended family.

The award-winning singer also discussed the role her father’s side played in bringing the siblings together. "When my grandma on his side passed, my siblings over there were like, ‘Y’all got a sister that can really sing, you should meet her,’" Hudson shared, emphasizing the familial bonds that eventually led to reunions.

Hudson, who shares 14-year-old David Daniel Otunga Jr. with ex David Otunga, underscored the importance of family in her life, especially for her son's upbringing. "I love to try to make sure he has the closest thing to him... just making sure he has his cousins circle and that base and foundation," she expressed, reflecting on her decision to move back to Chicago for family proximity.

The podcast episode, where Hudson shares these intimate details, is now available for streaming on Audible.