Nicki Minaj’s parents: Robert’s 2021 hit-and-run death and Carol’s foundation

Nicki Minaj was born Onika Tanya Maraj in Trinidad to parents Robert and Carol Maraj. Her father, Robert Maraj, was killed in a hit-and-run on Feb. 12, 2021, in Long Island, New York, and her mother, Carol Maraj, has since become known for founding a nonprofit to help women experiencing domestic violence.

Nicki’s parents immigrated to New York City when she was 3, leaving her briefly with her grandmother, and then brought her and her brother to South Jamaica, Queens, when she was 5. She has said those early experiences shaped her drive and ambitions. Carol Maraj is a gospel singer who says she sang around the house as her children grew up and would one day like to collaborate with her daughter.

Carol and Robert supported Nicki’s early performing efforts, including sending her to LaGuardia High School, and Carol has described praying for Nicki through challenges as her career progressed. Robert Maraj struggled with substance abuse in the 1980s and could be violent at times, according to Nicki’s past comments.

He later entered rehab, worked on getting clean, and the two worked to repair their relationship after he became sober. After Robert’s death, Carol filed a $150 million lawsuit against Charles Polevich, who was arrested on charges including leaving the scene of an accident; Polevich pleaded guilty in May 2022 and was sentenced to one year in jail.

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