Entertainment

Gwen Stefani’s 17-Year-Old Son, Kingston, Resembles Her & Inherited Her Disorder – How He Has Changed Over the Years

Gwen Stefani and son Kingston Rossdale, 2007 | Kingston Rossdale, 2010 | Source: Getty Images

  • Gwen Stefani is a rock star, a fashion icon, and a mother of three.
  • Her eldest son, Kingston, has inherited not only her looks and style but also her dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects reading.
  • Kingston has transformed over the years, from being a baby on tour with his mom to a talented musician and a loving boyfriend.
Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani during the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani during the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani, the rock star icon, is not just known for her electrifying music and distinctive style. Behind the limelight, she has been managing the demands of motherhood and a thriving music career, all while dealing with personal challenges. One of these hurdles is a learning disorder that Gwen and her eldest son have in common.

Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani with their son Kingston Rossdale seen on December 7, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gavin Rossdale and Gwen Stefani with their son Kingston Rossdale seen on December 7, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen is a mother to three sons, Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo, whom she shares with her ex-husband Gavin Rossdale. Despite the struggle of balancing her career and motherhood, Gwen has always put her children first, even taking her children on tour with her when they were just infants.

Gwen Stefani with her son Kingston Rossdale seen on December 6, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son Kingston Rossdale seen on December 6, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Now at 17, Kingston has grown into a remarkable young man with a striking resemblance to his mom and has even inherited her dyslexia. Gwen’s journey with the learning disorder began when all three of her children started having difficulty reading. It was then that she discovered that she too had the disorder.

Gwen Stefani during the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani during the 48th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2006 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Born Kingston James McGregor Rossdale in May 2006, the first of Gwen’s three children with rocker ex-husband, Gavin, was the answer to her long-expressed desire to be a mom. Gwen’s fears about motherhood were centered around how she would fit Kingston into her busy life.

Kingston at Three Months Old

Gwen Stefani seen with her son Kingston Rossdale on September 12, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani seen with her son Kingston Rossdale on September 12, 2006 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani backstage with her son Kingston Rossdale at L.A.M.B. Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2007 on September 15, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani backstage with her son Kingston Rossdale at L.A.M.B. Olympus Fashion Week Spring 2007 on September 15, 2006 | Source: Getty Images

She wondered if she would be too self-obsessed to care for him enough. However, she soon discovered that she could indeed be selfless, calling motherhood “the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to me.” Her rise to fame in the late ’90s and 2000s was a bittersweet experience.

Kingston at Three Months Old

Kingston Rossdale during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen took Kingston on a world tour when he was just 9 months old, performing 120 shows. The demands of nursing him, performing on stage, and then caring for him afterward were intense. Looking back, she wishes she could have divided her time more evenly, as she found it emotionally challenging to miss any precious moments with her son.

Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale during his first birthday celebration on May 26, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kingston, who has always been the most stylish of her children, knew exactly what he wanted to wear from a young age. He often chose cool, outrageous stuff and developed a strong personality and opinion about his attire. Despite his parents’ separation, he maintains a good relationship with both of them.

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale backstage at L.A.M.B Spring 2008 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 5, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale backstage at L.A.M.B Spring 2008 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 5, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale backstage at L.A.M.B Spring 2008 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 5, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani with her son, Kingston Rossdale backstage at L.A.M.B Spring 2008 during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 5, 2007 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

On his 14th birthday, his father praised him on Instagram, calling him “a kind funny smart handsome naughty spirited articulate dynamic sapien,” and “the love of my life.” On his 16th birthday, Gwen expressed her joy and pride at being chosen to be his mother.

Kingston at Three Years Old

Gwen Stefani and her son Kingston Rossdale backstage at the L.A.M.B Fashion Presentation at the MAC and Milk Studio on September 10, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and her son Kingston Rossdale backstage at the L.A.M.B Fashion Presentation at the MAC and Milk Studio on September 10, 2009 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale seen on December 15, 2009 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale seen on December 15, 2009 in London, England | Source: Getty Images

Following her separation from her children’s father, Gavin, Gwen found love again with country singer Blake Shelton, with whom Kingston shares a close bond.

Kingston at Four Years Old

Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at on September 11, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at on September 11, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale watches his father perform on June 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale watches his father perform on June 26, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois | Source: Getty Images

As Kingston grew older, he began to carve out his own path, developing a keen interest in music and forming close relationships. One such relationship is with Lola Albert, his girlfriend of six years.

Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at on September 11, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gavin Rossdale and son Kingston fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at on September 11, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Their bond is evident in their social media posts, where they often express their love for each other. On their sixth anniversary, Kingston wrote, “You’re everything I’ve ever wanted and more. There’s no other way I would have wanted to spend these last six years. To many more together.”

Kingston Rossdale seen during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 16, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale seen during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week on September 16, 2010 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Fans have been quick to express their admiration for the young couple’s chemistry, with one commenting, “Your first beautiful woman in your life Kingston was your mama Gwen Stefani. It’s no surprise you would be with another. Happy Birthday, Lola.”

Kingston at Five Years Old

Kingston Rossdale attends Harajuku Mini Target Collection launch on November 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California | Source:  Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale attends Harajuku Mini Target Collection launch on November 12, 2011 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale at the L.A.M.B. Fall 2011 RTW on February 17, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale at the L.A.M.B. Fall 2011 RTW on February 17, 2011 | Source: Getty Images

Others have remarked on Kingston’s striking resemblance to his mother, noting, “He has his mom’s teeth and gums. Just saying, [sic]” and “Look like your momma! And y’all are too cute! [sic]”

Kingston at Six Years Old

Gwen Stefani is seen with her son, Kingston Rossdale on December 26, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani is seen with her son, Kingston Rossdale on December 26, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale seen on July 27, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani and Kingston Rossdale seen on July 27, 2012 in New York City | Source: Getty Images

In April 2023, Gwen shared a picture of herself with Lola, wishing her a happy 17th birthday. Lola, who posts makeup tutorials on one of her Instagram profiles, seems to have integrated well into the family.

Kingston at Seven Years Old

Gwen Stefani is seen with her son, Kingston Rossdale on December 26, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Gwen Stefani is seen with her son, Kingston Rossdale on December 26, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale attends the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's 24th annual

Kingston Rossdale attends the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation’s 24th annual “A Time For Heroes” on June 2, 2013 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Like his parents and his stepdad, Kingston has a deep passion for music that his parents have taken notice of and nurtured. In 2020, Gavin shared that he had been introducing Kingston to some of the greats in the punk rock genre, including the Gang of Four and Sex Pistols.

Kingston at 10 Years Old

Kingston Rossdale attends the 4th annual Wishing Well winter gala on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale attends the 4th annual Wishing Well winter gala on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Kingston, Gavin, and Zuma Rossdale attend the 4th annual Wishing Well winter gala on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Kingston, Gavin, and Zuma Rossdale attend the 4th annual Wishing Well winter gala on December 7, 2016 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Gavin said, “We’re trying all these different bands along with bands from his generation. Young kids that are making music now, it’s cool, but I was like, ‘Why don’t we look at the beginning? See where it came from.'”

Kingston at 16 Years Old

He expressed joy at Kingston’s enthusiasm for music and fashion, noting that when Kingston played the guitar, he loved to wear his clothes and often looked better than him. Gavin affectionately described all his kids as better versions of himself, attributing it to the strengths he passed on to them.

Kingston at 17 Years Old

In August 2023, Kingston showcased his musical talent by performing on stage at his stepdad’s bar & grill, Ole Red, in Tishomingo. This marked another milestone in Kingston’s journey, reflecting his growth and transformation since he first toured with his mother at nine months.

Kingston at 17 Years Old

Witnessing Kingston’s first public performance stirred a wave of nostalgia and emotion in Gwen. She was deeply impressed by his songwriting talent, which she described as being beyond her expectations. Kingston’s songs, she felt, were not just good, but truly amazing. The experience of seeing her child discover his gift and express his talent was overwhelming for Gwen.

It brought her to tears and filled her with joy, as she realized Kingston had found a creative outlet that made him happy. She said, “It’s crazy when you have children, and they learn what their gift is. You see their talent, and you’re like, ‘Wow.’ I’m so happy for him that he has that outlet.”

Kingston Rossdale is a remarkable young man who has grown up in the spotlight, but also in the shadow of his famous parents. He has faced many challenges, such as his parents’ divorce, his dyslexia, and public scrutiny, but he has also found his passion, his love, and his voice.

Kingston Rossdale, Gwen Stefani, Apollo Rossdale and Zuma Rossdale at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony Honoring Gwen Stefani on October 19, 2023 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

Kingston Rossdale, Gwen Stefani, Apollo Rossdale and Zuma Rossdale at the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Ceremony Honoring Gwen Stefani on October 19, 2023 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images

He is a testament to Gwen Stefani’s strength, resilience, and love as a mother, and a reflection of her beauty, talent, and style as a star. Kingston is not just Gwen’s son; he is his own person and is ready to shine.