On April 19, 2025, Maye Musk, the celebrated model, dietitian, and mother of billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, marked her 77th birthday in Mumbai, India, with a grand celebration that culminated in a jaw-dropping announcement. Surrounded by family, friends, and a vibrant bouquet of flowers sent by her son Elon, Maye revealed her decision about the future of her estate, leaving guests—and reportedly Elon himself—stunned. The declaration, “I’m leaving everything to…,” has sparked widespread speculation and intrigue across social media and news outlets, with details of her announcement still shrouded in mystery. This article explores the context of Maye’s bombshell, her remarkable life, the Musk family dynamics, and the implications of her decision.

A Milestone Celebration in Mumbai

Maye Musk’s 77th birthday was a spectacle of joy and reflection, hosted in Mumbai, a city she has grown fond of through her global modeling career. The event was marked by heartfelt gestures, including a vibrant bouquet of flowers from Elon, which Maye proudly showcased on X, writing, “Thank you @elonmusk for sending these beautiful birthday flowers to me in Mumbai, India. Love m ❤️❤️ #ItsGreatToBe77.” Elon, who has a history of publicly celebrating his mother’s milestones, had earlier posted, “Love you, Mom. Thanks for everything,” a sentiment that resonated with millions online.

The celebration was in keeping with the Musk family tradition of throwing elaborate parties for Maye’s milestone birthdays every five years, a practice she highlighted in a carousel of throwback photos from her 50th, 55th, 60th, 65th, and 70th birthdays. These events, organized by her three children—Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca—reflect the close-knit bond they share, despite their high-profile lives. However, it was during this year’s festivities that Maye dropped her unexpected announcement, which has since set the internet ablaze with speculation.

The Shocking Announcement

While specific details of Maye’s statement remain unconfirmed, reports suggest she declared her intention to allocate her estate in a way that surprised attendees, including her son Elon, the world’s richest man with a net worth of $424.7 billion as of May 2025. The phrase “I’m leaving everything to…” has fueled rampant theories, with some speculating that her estate—comprising earnings from her decades-long modeling career, book royalties, and other ventures—might be directed toward a cause, individual, or organization close to her heart. Others wonder if her decision reflects a strategic move to support her children’s endeavors or perhaps a charitable initiative, given her advocacy for women’s empowerment and healthy aging.

The lack of concrete details has only amplified the intrigue. Posts on X have speculated wildly, with some users suggesting that Maye might be leaving her wealth to a foundation focused on nutrition or anti-ageism, while others believe she could be supporting one of her children’s less publicized ventures, such as Kimbal’s culinary initiatives or Tosca’s filmmaking. The absence of a clear recipient has led to rumors that her announcement might involve a surprising twist, possibly tied to her global influence, including her “star status” in China, where she represents major brands and inspires millions of mothers.

Maye Musk: A Life of Resilience and Reinvention

To understand the significance of Maye’s announcement, it’s essential to consider her remarkable journey. Born on April 19, 1948, in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, Maye Haldeman moved to Pretoria, South Africa, as a child. She began modeling at 15, becoming a finalist in the 1969 Miss South Africa contest, and has since maintained a 50-year career, appearing on the covers of Vogue, Time, and Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue at age 74. Her embrace of her natural gray hair in her 50s catapulted her to new heights, earning her major ad campaigns and a reputation as a trailblazer against ageism.

Beyond modeling, Maye is a registered dietitian with two master’s degrees in dietetics and nutritional science, and an honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State. Her 2021 memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success, chronicles her journey from raising three children as a single mother in South Africa to becoming a global icon. Her advocacy for healthy aging and women’s empowerment has made her a role model, particularly in China, where she enjoys a massive following.

Maye’s personal life has not been without challenges. Her marriage to Errol Musk, an electromechanical engineer, ended in divorce in 1979 after allegations of abuse. She raised Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca in Pretoria before moving to Canada in 1989, where she rebuilt her career. Her resilience in the face of adversity has been a defining trait, earning her admiration from figures like Christie Brinkley, who praised her as a “top model” in 2018.

The Musk Family Dynamics

The relationship between Maye and her children is a cornerstone of her public persona. Elon, Kimbal, and Tosca have consistently supported their mother’s endeavors, attending high-profile events like the Met Gala and organizing grand birthday celebrations. Elon, in particular, has been vocal about his admiration for Maye, calling her a “genius” and crediting her for his drive. However, family dynamics are complex. Elon’s political activities, including his $250 million donation to Donald Trump’s 2024 campaign and his role in the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), have drawn scrutiny, with some questioning Maye’s proximity to these controversies.

Maye’s own political stance has shifted over time. Initially a registered Democrat upon becoming a U.S. citizen, she switched to the Republican Party after feeling that Democrats were “malicious and dishonest” toward Elon. Her October 2024 post on X, suggesting Republican voters use false names to vote multiple times, sparked legal concerns and highlighted her alignment with her son’s political views. This has led to speculation that her estate announcement might be influenced by these affiliations, though no evidence confirms this.

Implications of the Announcement

Maye’s decision, whatever its specifics, carries significant weight due to her global influence and the Musk family’s prominence. Her estate, while modest compared to Elon’s $424.7 billion fortune, is substantial, derived from her modeling contracts, brand endorsements, and book sales. If directed toward a charitable cause, it could amplify her advocacy for nutrition, women’s empowerment, or anti-ageism initiatives. Alternatively, if allocated to her children or their ventures, it could bolster projects like SpaceX, Tesla, or Tosca’s Passionflix streaming platform.

The announcement also raises questions about legacy and succession within the Musk family. Elon’s 14 children and complex personal life, including his relationships with Justine Wilson, Grimes, and Shivon Zilis, add layers of intrigue. Some speculate that Maye’s decision might prioritize certain family members or causes, potentially reshaping family dynamics. Her close bond with Elon, evidenced by their public interactions, suggests he may play a role in executing her wishes, though his reported “shock” at the announcement indicates he was not fully prepared.

Public Reaction and Speculation

The news has ignited a firestorm of reactions on X, with users debating the potential recipients of Maye’s estate. Some praise her for her independence, noting that at 77, she continues to chart her own path. Others speculate about tensions within the Musk family, particularly given Elon’s high-profile controversies, including his recent exit from DOGE, described as a “failure” by critics. The lack of clarity has fueled conspiracy theories, with some suggesting her announcement might be a publicity stunt to draw attention to her upcoming projects or Elon’s ventures.

Mainstream media outlets, including Hindustan Times and Deccan Herald, have covered the birthday celebration, focusing on the emotional exchange between Maye and Elon. However, the estate announcement has yet to be fully detailed, leaving room for speculation. As one X user put it, “Maye Musk dropping a bombshell like that at 77? Iconic. But who’s getting what? The world needs answers!” The sentiment reflects the public’s fascination with the Musk family’s every move.

Looking Ahead

Maye Musk’s 77th birthday announcement has cemented her status as a figure who defies expectations. Whether her estate decision involves charity, family, or an unexpected beneficiary, it underscores her agency and influence at a time when many would step back from the spotlight. As details emerge, the world will be watching to see how this decision shapes her legacy and the Musk family’s future.

For now, Maye continues to inspire, modeling for major brands, advocating for healthy aging, and celebrating life with the same vigor that has defined her career. Her announcement, delivered in the vibrant setting of Mumbai, is a testament to her ability to captivate and surprise—a legacy that, like her son’s, is anything but ordinary.