Selena Gomez, born Selena Marie Gomez on July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S., has a rich and diverse ethnic background. Her father is of Mexican descent, contributing to her Hispanic heritage. Despite her strong cultural ties, she is not fluent in Spanish.
Selena Gomez steps out in a chic green dress and heels, accompanied by her mother, Mandy Teefey, on October 19, 2008 (Credit: Stefan / INFphoto)
Family Life: Selena’s Close Ties With Her Parents
Selena’s mother, Amanda Dawn “Mandy” Teefey (born Amanda Dawn Cornett), is of Italian descent. Her parents, Debbie Jean Gibson and David Michael Cornett, adopted her. Born and raised in Texas, Mandy gave birth to Selena when she was just 16.
Selena’s father, Ricardo Gomez, is of Mexican descent. His parents emigrated from Monterrey, Mexico, to Texas in the 1970s. Ricardo and Mandy Teefey were married for a few years before divorcing when Selena was 5.
Embracing Mexican Traditions Despite Challenges
Although Selena chose to live with her mother, she connected deeply to her Mexican heritage by spending weekends and holidays with her father, often participating in traditions like quinceañeras. Selena has also expressed her understanding of her paternal grandparents’ challenges, sharing that it took them 17 years to obtain U.S. citizenship.
Selena Gomez and her mother, Mandy Teefey, attend the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in glamorous evening attire on February 26, 2012, in West Hollywood, California (Credit: Joe Seer / Shutterstock)
In 2006, Mandy married Brian Teefey and changed her name to Mandy Teefey. In 2013, they became the parents of Selena’s half-sister, Gracie Elliot Teefey.
Mandy Teefey’s Role in Selena’s Life and Fame
In 2020, Mandy Teefey spoke with The Newsette about being the mom of a celebrity.
“It’s amazing and it makes me so proud, but fame can be hard, so I’d say it’s a little bit of both. To me, Selena is just my daughter! When you live in Hollywood, you’re in your own world. You don’t think about someone in Wisconsin knowing all your business, you know? So I want to defend her always and protect her always… At the same time, I can’t change anybody’s mind on social media, because social media is crazy! [Laughing.] So I try to stay in my lane, and stay off Instagram. Focus on the real stuff.”
Ricardo Gomez also remarried and had two children, Victoria “Tori” and Marcus Gomez, with his second wife, Sara.
Selena’s Mexican Ethnicity and Racism: Speaking Out
“I’ve had a sliver of dealing with [racism] growing up, especially with my dad,” Selena said in People’s “People of the Year” cover story about her Mexican ethnicity and racism.
“I’m always very vocal about my background, as far as me talking about immigration, and my grandparents having to come across the border illegally. I wouldn’t have been born (otherwise). I have such an appreciation for my last name,” she told Dazed in October 2020.
Selena has always been open about her cultural identity, as seen in a heartfelt YouTube video where she reflects on her Mexican roots and the traditions she continues to honor.