Diana Ross taught Tracee Ellis Ross she 'didn't need a man' Tracee Ellis Ross' mother, Diana Ross, taught her she "didn't need a man" to build the life she wanted. 30 July 2025 Tracee Ellis Ross' mother, Diana Ross, taught her she "didn't need a man". Tracee Ellis Ross doesn't need a man The 52-year-old actress - who is the daughter of the Motown legend and music executive Robert Ellis Silberstein - is proud of the life she has built for herself and credits the example set by her mom for her independent attitude.