Aaliyah Dana Haughton was a well-known singer, dancer, and actress. She was born on January 16, 1979, in Brooklyn, New York. She was nicked named the “Princess of R&B.” She contributed to contemporary pop and R&B music.
She was adored for her gentle voice, hip style, and smooth dance moves. She began singing when she was young and got a big shot as a teenager. Her first album, Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number, was released in 1994. It is around this time that she worked most intimately with R. Kelly.
Quick Facts About Aaliyah
| Full Name | Aaliyah Dana Haughton |
| Birthdate | January 16, 1979 |
| Died
Age (at death) |
25 August 2001
22 years old |
| Occupation | Singer, Actress, Dancer, Model |
| Husband | Secretly married to R. Kelly (1994, annulled 1995); later dated Damon Dash |
| Education | Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts |
| Parents | Michael Haughton (father), Diane Haughton (mother) |
| Siblings | Rashad Haughton (older brother) |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth (at death) | Estimated $8 million |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York, USA |
| Place of Death | Marsh Harbour, Bahamas |
The Secret Marriage
It was a surprising incident which took place in 1994. Aaliyah secretly wed R. Kelly at the tender age of just 15. He was then 27.
For making their marriage valid, her age on documents was altered. On the certificate of marriage, it read 18 years of age. It was later discovered that R. Kelly might have bribed a person to obtain a fake ID for her.
When fans questioned the marriage, Aaliyah denied it. She instructed fans not to pay attention to rumors. She desired to keep matters confidential.
Aaliyah’s parents intervened in 1995. They obtained the marriage’s annulment, meaning that it was obliterated by law. Following this, Aaliyah ceased to collaborate with R. Kelly.
Life After R. Kelly
Aaliyah continued on and created more music. She collaborated with other producers such as Timbaland and Missy Elliott. Her songs were even more successful. Hits such as “Try Again” and “Are You That Somebody” made her a star.
She also began acting. She appeared in the film Romeo Must Die. More films were in the works, but her life was tragically cut short.
Her Tragic Death
In 2001, Aaliyah traveled to the Bahamas to shoot a music video. On August 25, the small plane she was on crashed after takeoff. She was just 22 years old.
The world was shocked. Fans, friends, and family were devastated. People still remember her talent and kind heart.
R. Kelly’s Other Relationships
Some people get Aaliyah mixed up with Andrea Kelly. But they are not the same individual.
Andrea Kelly, also referred to as Drea, was R. Kelly’s wife between 1996 and 2009. They had three children together. Andrea later protested the abuse she endured while they were married.
Aaliyah was not of that existence. Her relationship with R. Kelly terminated in the mid-1990s.
Legal Trouble for R. Kelly
Years after the marriage was annulled, more information surfaced. Folks started talking about R. Kelly’s conduct.
He had numerous charges of sexual abuse, including with minors.
The marriage to Aaliyah was included in the narrative. In court, it was alleged that R. Kelly married her to prevent her from testifying. He was also charged with bribing a person to obtain her fake ID.
READ ALSO: R Kelly Net worth, Age, Girlfriend, Family, Facts & More
Aaliyah’s Legacy
Although Aaliyah passed away too soon, her music continues to exist. She influenced many artists today. People remember her for her voice, her grace, and her kindness.
She is not only a part of R. Kelly’s tale. She was a bright star with her own journey. Her fans adore her for the person she was.
