Diana Ross has accumulated a number of accolades over her career, but she can add Godmother to the list.
The music icon, 81, is proving age is nothing but a number because she's still racking up achievements. She has been named Godmother of Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship.
The "I'm Coming Out" singer will serve in the ceremonial role for Star of the Seas.
“I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,” said Diana Ross. “Having spent years of creating beautiful music and memories and bringing people together from all over the world, this feels like a perfect continuation of my journey as godmother of Star of the Seas.”
Star of the Seas is the second Icon Class cruise ship, and will launch from Port Canaveral, Florida in August 2025.
Royal Caribbean announced the news on Thursday, revealing one of the final pieces of news surrounding Star.
“We are thrilled to have Diana Ross join us for the debut of Star of the Seas, the next bold vacation in our revolutionary Icon Class designed to encompass the best a vacation experience can offer,” said Michael Bayley, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean.
“We couldn’t imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together. We can’t wait to welcome Ms. Ross, our guests and crew to celebrate the arrival of Star this August.”
It's an appropriate ship name considering the legendary singer has been a star in her own right for decades. While playing two sold out shows in New York in March 2025, she told the crowd she’s “never going to retire.”
As part of a longstanding maritime tradition, Ross will take part in the naming celebration for Star in August 2025 in Port Canaveral. There's no official date announced yet, but it's likely to take place a few days before the first revenue sailing that is to take place on August 16.
Ross joins a l;ong line of celebrities who have been chosen to be named godmother.
What does a godmother to a cruise ship do?
It's tradition for every cruise ship to have a godmother, and it's something that goes back decades.
Traditionally, the role is held by women, although some men have started to be put in the role as well.
Truthfully, it's as much a marketing move as it is part of the maritime industry. Celebrities are often tapped to be the godmother in order to garner additional attention to the ship.
Once on the ship, the godmother gives a blessing for the safety of the crew members and passengers who will sail onboard it.
The last godmother to be named by Royal Caribbean was Meghan Trainor for Utopia of the Seas. She performed a concert onboard as part of her duties.
Who is Diana Ross?
Diana Ross is one of the most well-known American singers of all time.
She started out her career as a member of The Supremes in the 1960s. The Supremes were so popular, that they rivaled The Beatles.
Ross eventually left the group to start her solo singing career. Her first big solo hit was "Ain’t No Mountain High Enough," and followed that up with more chart topping hits in the 1970s and 1980s.
She expanded her career with a movie career, even earning an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. She also starred in Mahogany and The Wiz.
Many people remember Diana Ross for her fashion, which was anything but traditional. She became a fashion icon for her bold choices.
She has since been honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
