Beyoncé’s mum Tina Knowles-Lawson says Uncle Johnny is ‘smiling from heaven’ about Renaissance album-Ruth Lawes-Entertainment – Metro

Tina and Bey were very close to Uncle Johnny (Picture: Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Beyoncé’s mum Tina Knowles-Lawson has opened up about the influence the Break My Soul singer’s Uncle Johnny had on her style and music after album Renaissance was dedicated to his memory.

Renaissance finally entered our lives on Friday and, along with massive bangers like Alien Superstar and Pure/Honey, the 16-track album came with a sweet dedication letter.

As well as her husband Jay Z, her three children Blue Ivy, Rumi and Sir, and LGBTQ+ activists, the 40-year-old paid tribute to her Uncle Johnny.

It read: ‘A big thank you to my Uncle Johnny. He was my godmother and the first person to expose me to a lot of the music and culture that serve as inspiration for this album.’

Johnny was Tina’s best friend and helped raise Beyoncé and her sister Solange before he died of HIV complications.

Tina took to Instagram to praise the ‘beautiful’ dedication to Johnny, and explained more about his relationship with Beyoncé.

She said: ‘Johnny was the closest human being in the world to me we were inseparable growing up ! Later He was my nanny / housekeeper / designer / Dance partner / confident and bestie. 

Everyone has been waiting for new music from Bey (Picture: Carlijn Jacobs)

‘I laughed constantly with him and trusted him unconditionally! When he died a piece of me went with him..

‘Solange and Beyoncé worshiped him. He helped me raise them. And influenced their sense of style and uniqueness!’

Tina revealed Johnny even designed and made Beyoncé’s prom dress, which she refers to in new song Heated.

Bey’s artwork for Renaissance is epic (Picture: Instagram)

Tina was proud of her daughter for the dedication to Johnny (Picture: Getty)

‘I got so teary eyed. You see Johnny loved house music ! And introduced my kids to it early on. He is smiling from Heaven at Bey right now! Saying you did that Ms Thing !! We love you Johnny and we miss you constantly,’ she added.

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Renaissance is Beyoncé’s first album since her 2016’s Grammy award-winning album, Lemonade. 

The first act of her three-part project has landed to glowing five-star reviews.

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