In a moment that left a room full of friends, family, and high-profile guests in stunned silence, Maye Musk, the celebrated supermodel, dietitian, and mother of tech titan Elon Musk, made a jaw-dropping announcement at her 77th birthday celebration in Mumbai, India, on April 19, 2025. As the glamorous event unfolded, with Elon and his 14-year-old son, X Æ A-12, among the attendees, Maye took the microphone and declared, “I’m leaving everything to my grandchildren.” The revelation, delivered with her characteristic poise, sent shockwaves through the crowd, redefining the Musk family legacy and sparking global speculation about her intentions.
The setting was the opulent St. Regis Mumbai, where Maye, radiant in a silver gown, hosted a star-studded bash to mark her milestone birthday. The event doubled as a launch party for the Hindi translation of her memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan, titled Jab Aurat Sochti Hai. Guests included Bollywood luminaries, tech moguls, and close family, with Elon and X Æ A-12 seated prominently near the stage. The evening was already a celebration of Maye’s remarkable life—a career spanning five decades as a model, two master’s degrees in dietetics, and a recent honorary doctorate from the University of Toronto. But it was her unexpected announcement that stole the spotlight.
As the champagne flowed and the room buzzed with chatter, Maye began her speech with warmth, reflecting on her journey from Regina, Saskatchewan, to global stages. “My life has been an adventure—raising incredible children, building a career, and now, sharing my story with the world,” she said, her voice steady. She paused, scanning the faces of her loved ones, before dropping the bombshell: “I’ve decided to leave everything to my grandchildren.” The room fell silent. Elon, known for his stoic demeanor, visibly stiffened, his expression a mix of surprise and contemplation. X Æ A-12, standing nearby, froze, his youthful curiosity replaced by a look of disbelief.
Maye’s estate, while modest compared to her son’s $400 billion fortune, is substantial. Her decades-long modeling career, book royalties, and investments are estimated to be worth tens of millions. Properties in Canada, South Africa, and the U.S., along with her stake in family ventures, add to the legacy. But it wasn’t the financial scale that shocked attendees—it was the decision to bypass Elon, one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, and his siblings, Kimbal and Tosca, in favor of the next generation. The announcement seemed to carry a deeper message, one that resonated with Maye’s values of independence, education, and forward-thinking.
For those familiar with Maye, the decision reflects her deep bond with her grandchildren. She has often spoken glowingly of X Æ A-12, the son of Elon and musician Grimes, sharing anecdotes about their time together at family gatherings or SpaceX events. Photos of Maye with her grandchildren, including Elon’s other children, frequently appear on her X account, captioned with hashtags like #ProudGrandma and #ItsGreatToBe77. “My grandchildren are my heart,” she once wrote, hinting at the emotional weight behind her choice. Insiders say she sees them as the torchbearers of the Musk family’s innovative spirit, unburdened by the pressures of their parents’ fame.
Elon’s reaction, captured in viral videos from the event, has fueled intense debate. The billionaire, dressed in a sleek black suit, appeared caught off guard, his eyes narrowing as he processed his mother’s words. Some interpreted his expression as discomfort, given his own monumental wealth and global influence. Others saw a flicker of respect, as if acknowledging Maye’s bold move. X Æ A-12, meanwhile, seemed overwhelmed, glancing at his father for cues. The 14-year-old, already a media curiosity due to his unique name and public appearances with Elon, later wandered off to join friends, seemingly unsure of the announcement’s gravity.
The decision has sparked speculation about Maye’s motives. Some believe it’s a strategic move to empower her grandchildren to forge their own paths, free from the shadow of the Musk name. “Maye wants them to have the tools to create, not just inherit,” said a family friend. Her emphasis on education—evident in her support for STEM programs and her own academic achievements—suggests she sees her wealth as a means to foster independence in the next generation. Others view it as a symbolic gesture, reinforcing her belief that legacy lies in values, not just money. “She’s teaching them responsibility,” said a guest at the party. “It’s classic Maye—unconventional and forward-thinking.”
The announcement also ties into the Musk family’s evolving relationship with India, where the event took place. Maye’s visit coincided with the launch of her memoir’s Hindi edition, a cultural milestone that drew praise from Indian media. She expressed her affection for the country on X, reposting a message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi about his recent conversation with Elon on technology collaboration. Her decision to make the announcement in Mumbai, with its global spotlight, amplified its impact, positioning it as a statement of family unity and global vision. Elon’s planned visit to India later in 2025, alongside Tesla’s market entry and Starlink’s expansion, adds context to the family’s growing ties to the region.
Public reaction has been a mix of awe and intrigue. On X, fans celebrated Maye’s boldness, with posts like, “She’s rewriting the rules of legacy!” trending alongside #MuskFamily and #MayeAt77. Others questioned the implications for Elon, whose wealth dwarfs his mother’s estate. “Why not give it to charity?” one user asked, reflecting a sentiment that Maye’s fortune could address broader societal needs. Critics also noted the Musk Foundation’s recent shortfalls, which fell $421 million short of its 2023 charitable obligations, suggesting the family’s philanthropy could be more impactful.
The event itself was a testament to Maye’s charisma. Guests described a festive atmosphere, with Bollywood music, floral arrangements sent by Elon, and a cake shaped like her memoir’s cover. Kimbal Musk, a chef and entrepreneur, contributed a menu inspired by his farm-to-table philosophy, while Tosca, a filmmaker, documented the evening for a family archive. The presence of X Æ A-12, rarely seen in public, added an emotional layer, with attendees noting his quiet pride in his grandmother’s speech—until her bombshell shifted the mood.
What happens next remains uncertain. Legal experts say Maye’s decision could involve trusts or educational funds for her grandchildren, ensuring the wealth is used purposefully. For Elon, the announcement may prompt reflection on his own legacy, as he navigates Tesla’s challenges and his role in the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. For X Æ A-12 and his siblings, it’s a mantle of responsibility, one that Maye clearly believes they’re ready to carry.
The Mumbai announcement has cemented Maye Musk’s reputation as a trailblazer. At 77, she continues to defy expectations, blending glamour, wisdom, and audacity. Her decision to prioritize her grandchildren speaks to a universal truth: the greatest inheritance isn’t wealth, but the courage to dream big. As the Musk family processes this moment, the world watches, inspired by a matriarch who, once again, has proven she’s not afraid to chart her own course.
