Amber Rose is a household name — a model, actress, entrepreneur, and activist known for her bold personality, unapologetic attitude, and head-turning fashion choices. She has made headlines for her relationships, her SlutWalk activism, and her presence in pop culture. However, behind the scenes, there is someone whose influence on Amber’s life runs deeper than the glitz and glamour: her mother, Dorothy Rose. While not as publicly visible as her daughter, Dorothy has played a significant role in shaping the woman the world knows as Amber Rose.
This article takes a closer look at Amber Rose’s mother, who she is, her background, her influence on Amber’s life, and how their relationship has evolved through the years. It’s a tribute to the mother behind the icon, and an exploration of the complexities that come with raising a strong, independent woman in today’s world.
Who is Dorothy Rose?
Dorothy Rose is the mother of Amber Rose, born Amber Levonchuck on October 21, 1983, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Amber’s heritage is a unique blend of cultures: her mother is of Cape Verdean and Scottish descent, while her father, Michael Levonchuck, is of Irish and Italian descent. Dorothy raised Amber and her brother, Antonio, in South Philadelphia, a place Amber often references in interviews as being tough but formative.
Dorothy worked hard to support her family. Though not much is known publicly about her professional life, she has been described as a resilient and loving mother who encouraged Amber to be herself, no matter what others thought. This encouragement is something Amber has carried with her throughout her life and career.
A Strong Influence in Amber’s Early Years
Growing up in a multicultural home, Amber often talked about the importance of embracing her identity, and much of that came from her mother. Dorothy instilled in her daughter a sense of pride in her background and a fearless attitude about life. That attitude would become one of Amber’s defining traits.
Amber’s parents divorced when she was a young teenager, and the responsibility of raising Amber and her brother fell mostly on Dorothy. During these formative years, Dorothy provided structure and discipline but also gave Amber the freedom to explore who she was. According to Amber, her mother was never overly strict — instead, she focused on teaching values like independence, self-respect, and standing up for oneself.
Those early lessons would lay the groundwork for Amber’s later activism and outspoken personality.
Life After Divorce and Struggles
After the divorce, the family faced financial challenges. Amber has spoken publicly about beginning to work as a teenager to help support the household. One of the most talked-about aspects of Amber’s past is her work as an exotic dancer starting at age 15. It’s a subject that draws a lot of attention, but what often gets overlooked is the context: a young girl helping her family survive in tough circumstances.
While it’s unclear how Dorothy initially felt about Amber’s choices, over time, it became evident that she remained supportive. Amber has mentioned in interviews that her mother knew what was going on and did not turn her back on her. Instead, she maintained a close bond with her daughter and continued to encourage her in the face of judgment from society.
This type of unwavering support is a hallmark of their relationship. Despite criticism and controversy, Dorothy never seemed to be the type to shy away from her daughter’s decisions or identity. She let Amber be Amber — bold, unfiltered, and free.
A Presence in the Spotlight
Though Dorothy Rose is not a celebrity by profession, she has made several appearances alongside her daughter in public and at events. One of the most notable moments was her participation in the SlutWalk movement. Amber Rose founded the Amber Rose SlutWalk in 2015 to combat sexual injustice, victim-blaming, and gender inequality. At the inaugural event, Dorothy was right by her daughter’s side, holding a sign that read, “F*** yo 30 showers.”
The sign was a direct response to negative public commentary about Amber from a former boyfriend, and Dorothy’s participation in such a public and unapologetic manner showcased the depth of her support. Many fans saw it as a touching moment — a mother standing beside her daughter, not just in private, but on a very public stage. It demonstrated that Dorothy was not only proud of Amber but was also willing to challenge societal norms right alongside her.
This solidarity between mother and daughter resonated with many people, especially women who often face similar challenges when trying to assert autonomy over their bodies and lives.
Their Relationship: Love, Loyalty, and Conflict
As close as Amber and her mother have been, their relationship hasn’t been without its difficulties. In 2021, Amber Rose made headlines after publicly calling out both her mother and the father of her child, alleging betrayal and disrespect. Amber described her mother as a “narcissist” in a social media post and claimed to have cut her off.
This candid moment revealed the complexity of their bond. Even the most supportive relationships can face tension, especially when personal boundaries and emotional traumas are involved. While Amber did not go into detail about what caused the rift, the public nature of the announcement shocked fans who had long admired their seemingly unbreakable connection.
Family conflicts are rarely black and white, and in the case of Amber and Dorothy, the layers of fame, public scrutiny, and personal growth likely played a role. Whether or not their relationship has since been repaired is not publicly known, but Amber’s honesty about the situation resonated with many who have struggled with familial relationships of their own.
The Legacy of Dorothy Rose
Despite the ups and downs, there is no denying that Dorothy Rose helped shape the woman Amber has become. Whether by offering support during tough times, standing by her daughter’s activism, or simply raising her with strength and dignity, Dorothy’s influence is woven into every chapter of Amber’s story.
Her role as a mother wasn’t defined by perfection but by presence. She showed up in life, in hardship, and in the face of judgment. For that, she has become something of a quiet figure in the background of a loud, controversial, and unapologetically real public persona.
Dorothy’s legacy is not only that of Amber Rose’s mother but also of a woman who stood firm in her identity and values. She reminds us that behind every strong woman, there is often another woman-a mother, a mentor, or a guide—who helped her get there.
Conclusion
Amber Rose has built a career on self-expression, female empowerment, and defiance of societal norms. These qualities didn’t come from nowhere — they were cultivated early in her life, many of them influenced by her mother, Dorothy Rose.
Though not in the spotlight nearly as often as her daughter, Dorothy’s role in Amber’s life is significant. From their early years in South Philly to joint activism on stage, and even through conflict and estrangement, their story is one of complexity, strength, and evolution.
In the end, Dorothy Rose remains a powerful reminder of the impact a mother can have, not just in raising a child but in shaping a worldview. Through all the fame, controversy, and personal trials, the imprint of Amber Rose’s mother remains unmistakable: a symbol of quiet strength behind the roar of a modern feminist icon.
