Following the devastating murder of rapper Young Dolph, his longtime companion, Mia Jaye, was left to piece together her life.
One day after the authorities revealed the apprehension of two individuals linked to his killing, Jaye, who has two kids in common with Dolph, expressed her distress over the suffering that her family is enduring.
Jaye shared with ABC News Live’s Linsey Davis in a one-of-a-kind interview on Wednesday that Adolph, whom she referred to as her soulmate, made it challenging for her to remain resilient for both her children and herself since his passing. Jaye further expressed, “It has been incredibly arduous to not only gather the fragments but also to discover the fortitude to support my children.”
Dolph Young, also known as Robert Adolph Thornton Jr., Was the person who was shot and killed in Memphis, Tennessee on November 17th while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies.
The U.S. Marshals Service revealed on Tuesday evening that two individuals were apprehended and indicted for first-degree homicide charges in relation to Dolph’s killing. On Wednesday, a third person was accused of being an accomplice to the murder.
She stated that the rapper met his demise while they were in the midst of organizing their wedding. Dolph and Jaye, who had been a couple for nearly ten years, had a 4-year-old daughter named Ari and a 7-year-old son named Tre.
Jaye said that together with their kids, they were eagerly anticipating commemorating their “romantic tale,” and the rapper from Memphis had willingly made the necessary compromises as a well-known figure who frequently journeys to ensure he can be “available” for his loved ones. Jaye further mentioned that during the previous few years, “my potential was taken from me.”
Dolph’s unfortunate demise was not the initial occasion that Jaye’s life had been disrupted by firearm aggression.
A Memphis man was arrested and accused of first-degree murder a month after the tragic shooting. Jeremey Jerdine, the victim’s brother, was fatally shot in May 2020 while fulfilling his duties as a car salesman.
Jaye initiated the “Black Men Deserve to Age Gracefully” initiative through her lifestyle brand, Mom•E•O, back then, in order to address the problem of violent crime within the African American community and provide assistance to families who have experienced the loss of husbands and fathers due to such crimes.
Jaye said that she didn’t realize that preparing for her own journey would be impacted by a violent crime, and that launching a campaign to support her brother’s family and other affected families.
“The question is… How will I ever break the news to my children that their father will never return home?” Jaye posted a video on her Instagram profile, where Dolph can be seen assisting his daughter Ari with a workout session late at night. This was one of her initial messages following the tragic demise of the rapper.
In African American neighborhoods, firearm violence inflicts intergenerational distress and highlights the urgent call to raise awareness about the movement that has gained nationwide recognition since the tragic death of Dolph.
While coping with the pain, Jaye mentioned that she has been the recipient of a “flood of encouragement” from the general public, Dolph’s admirers, and notable personalities, which has kept her spirits high.
She expressed, “at this moment, I am transforming this agony into a sense of direction.” “Consequently, I am immensely appreciative of the community for initiating the discussion about how we can extend the lifespan of African American males in the United States.”
Dolph’s homicide is the most recent in a series of assassinations of well-known rappers throughout the last few years.
Previously, Slim 400, a rapper from Compton, was fatally shot on December 9th, shortly after posting a tribute to Dolph, with whom he had previously worked together.
Over the past few years, Drakeo The Ruler, Mo3, King Von, Pop Smoke, and Nipsey Hussle have all tragically lost their lives to violent crimes.
Jaye suggested that to break the cycle of violence, it is crucial to focus on “Rebuilding the Black family” and making investments in mental well-being within the Black community. When asked about potential solutions, Jaye emphasized the importance of these actions.
“She expressed, ‘I believe that’s a beginning.’ Consequently, identifying methods to genuinely and profoundly aid individuals psychologically is crucial. They tend to make impulsive choices due to suppressed emotions and pent-up rage. Numerous individuals are walking around carrying emotional trauma. It is imperative for us to tackle mental well-being within the Black community.”
Jaye works to empower Black women and mothers in their roles as families’ and women’s leaders – “CEO and mom” is the brand that she represents through her Mom•E•O platform.
In the previous month, at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Dolph was recognized at a communal remembrance, where supporters and members of the community assembled to commemorate the murdered musician one month following his passing.
Jaye and her kids shared heartfelt tributes and remembered him as a dedicated dad.
Reflecting at the memorial, Jaye fell in love with him for his unwavering commitment to his children and Dolph’s compassionate nature, which she described as a “benevolent spirit” and a “heart of gold.”
Ari recalled the immense affection she had for playing with her father, mentioning that he remains deeply cherished in her heart and she will forever hold thoughts of him.
I grew up to be a good man, trained by my dad who raised me,” Tre spoke at the memorial and his dad said.
Tre exclaimed, “and I’m determined to become the most exceptional individual you’ll ever encounter,” “After his passing, I am committed to making amends to the entire world.”
Jaye expressed to ABC News that she would feel “privileged” if her son grows up to resemble his father.