Advertisements
Amid a season of career highs and global acclaim, Beyoncé and her family are also facing personal heartache. Over the weekend, the global superstar lost her beloved uncle, Rowland Martin Buyince—affectionately known by family and friends as “Butch.” He was 77 years old.
While the world celebrates Beyoncé’s record-breaking success with her new country single Texas Hold ‘Em, behind the scenes, the Knowles family is grieving the passing of a man who played a cherished role in their lives. His passing serves as a solemn reminder that even in moments of public triumph, private sorrow can unfold quietly in the background.
A Personal Tribute from Tina Knowles
Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s 70-year-old mother, took to Instagram to honor her late brother in a touching and deeply emotional tribute. In a heartfelt message shared with her 4.1 million followers, she wrote:
“My beautiful big brother Butch went to be with God this weekend. I’ll miss him a lot! He had always been in the Air Force. He was good-looking and loved riding motorcycles. He also had beautiful green eyes.”
The post was accompanied by a series of photographs celebrating Butch’s life—moments frozen in time that reflect a life filled with joy, love, and service. Tina continued:
“He could tell great stories. His wife Jeanette was wonderful, and his daughter Dana was devoted. He also had two lovely grandchildren, Yvette and Roland. Many people loved him. Set sail on Butch.”
Her message sparked an outpouring of support from fans and celebrities alike, who filled the comments with prayers, condolences, and fond words of admiration for a man who, though not in the spotlight, left a powerful impact on those who knew him.
A Life of Service and Adventure
Butch was more than just Beyoncé’s uncle—he was a man of strength, character, and deep family values. As a proud member of the United States Air Force, Butch dedicated much of his life to serving his country. His military service not only exemplified courage and discipline but also highlighted his commitment to something greater than himself.
Known for his love of motorcycles and adventurous spirit, Butch’s zest for life was evident in every story he told and every laugh he shared. Family members recall his striking green eyes, charming smile, and magnetic presence at family gatherings. He was the kind of person who made everyone feel welcome and left a lasting impression on all who crossed his path.
A Moment of Reflection for the Knowles Family
The news of Butch’s passing comes at a moment of great visibility for the Knowles family. Just days before the heartbreaking announcement, Tina Knowles was spotted attending New York Fashion Week with her daughter Beyoncé. The two sat front row at the Luar fashion show, dressed in bold Western-inspired looks, supporting their nephew and grandson Daniel Julez J. Smith Jr., the 19-year-old model son of Solange Knowles.
It was a moment of pride and unity for the family, as three generations came together to celebrate artistic expression and family legacy. Now, that joy is juxtaposed with the quiet grief of losing a beloved brother, uncle, father, and grandfather.
Tina’s public expression of grief also comes shortly after her separation from actor Richard Lawson, marking a season of emotional change and new beginnings for the matriarch of one of America’s most famous families.
Beyoncé’s Monumental Career Moment
At 42 years old, Beyoncé continues to push boundaries and rewrite the rules of the music industry. Just as the family mourns Uncle Butch’s passing, Beyoncé is simultaneously celebrating a groundbreaking achievement: her latest single Texas Hold ‘Em has become her first No. 1 single in the UK in nearly 14 years.
Even more notably, she has become the first Black woman in history to top the US Billboard Country Music chart—a genre where diversity has long been underrepresented. The song, released on February 11 during the Super Bowl, marks a bold new chapter in Beyoncé’s already extraordinary career. Texas Hold ‘Em is widely expected to be featured on her upcoming country-inspired album, Cowboy Carter, which is slated for release on March 29.
The track’s release came shortly after Usher’s highly anticipated Super Bowl Halftime Show performance and was announced during the title game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers—an event Beyoncé attended alongside her husband, Jay-Z.
From the Stage to The Sphere: What’s Next?
With Cowboy Carter on the horizon and her foray into country music gaining global attention, speculation is already mounting about what Beyoncé’s next move might be. Rumors are swirling that the superstar may be planning a residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas, a cutting-edge venue known for its immersive concert experiences.
If true, it would mark another bold and innovative step in Beyoncé’s career, coming off the heels of her Renaissance World Tour, which broke records and redefined the live performance experience. That tour included 56 shows across 39 countries and earned an estimated £455 million, making it one of the highest-grossing tours of all time.
A Story of Strength, Loss, and Legacy
In many ways, the Knowles family embodies both the highs and lows that life offers. Beyoncé’s global stardom often captures the spotlight, but moments like these remind fans that her roots run deep in a family filled with love, resilience, and character.
Rowland “Butch” Buyince may not have graced magazine covers or performed on stage, but his life was full of honor, heart, and adventure. As Tina Knowles so eloquently expressed, his legacy will live on through the stories told, the family he helped raise, and the love he shared.
As Beyoncé continues to shine on the world stage, it’s clear that the strength of her family—including her late uncle—continues to shape her journey. Behind the glamour and accolades lies a woman deeply connected to her heritage and the people who helped mold her into the icon she is today.
Final Thoughts
The passing of Uncle Butch is a poignant moment for the Knowles family. It serves as a reminder that even amid great success, we are all bound by love, loss, and memory. As Beyoncé forges ahead into new creative territory, her family’s support—and the memory of those who came before—remains a guiding light.
May Rowland “Butch” Buyince rest in peace, and may his story be a lasting tribute to the quiet heroes in our lives who leave an unforgettable mark, not in flashing lights, but in love, service, and legacy.