Angela Simmons’ Healing Journey: Vanessa Simmons Shares Emotional Update on Coping with Tragic Loss and Embracing Motherhood

The resilience of the human spirit, especially in the face of profound adversity, often serves as a powerful testament to personal strength and the unwavering support of family. This narrative holds particularly true for the esteemed Simmons family, as Vanessa Simmons, a prominent star of Growing Up Hip Hop and an accomplished actress, recently offered a heartfelt update on her sister Angela Simmons. Following the tragic and untimely death of Sutton Tennyson, the father of Angela’s beloved son, Vanessa shared insights into Angela’s ongoing journey of healing and resilience.

During an appearance at the prestigious Create & Cultivate Self Care Summit in Los Angeles on July 20, Vanessa candidly discussed her sister’s progress. The summit, a gathering focused on empowering women in various aspects of life, provided a fitting backdrop for Vanessa to address themes of strength, support, and the delicate balance of life’s demands. Vanessa, who was present at the conference to share her own experiences with multitasking, juggling motherhood, self-care, and a bustling career, conveyed that Angela is navigating her grief “good” eight months after the shocking incident that claimed her ex-fiancé’s life in his Atlanta, Georgia driveway.

A Sister’s Perspective: Vanessa Simmons on Angela’s Resilience

In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Vanessa Simmons elaborated on Angela’s current state and her presence in Los Angeles. “She’s good,” Vanessa confirmed, her voice reflecting a blend of relief and pride. “She’s out here [in Los Angeles] so that’s exciting for me because all of our kids will get to be together this summer.” This reunion of cousins underscores the vital role family plays in Angela’s healing process, providing a comforting and familiar environment amidst significant change. When pressed about how Angela is managing the immense trauma and emotional burden, Vanessa offered a simple yet profound truth: “You just move forward how you can and we’re there to support her.” This statement highlights the non-linear nature of grief and recovery, emphasizing the consistent, loving presence of her family as a cornerstone of her strength.

The bond between sisters, especially in the public eye, often becomes a beacon of support. Vanessa’s words painted a picture of a family rallying together, offering not just emotional comfort but practical assistance to ensure Angela and her son, Sutton Jr. (SJ), feel secure and loved. The decision for Angela to spend time in Los Angeles, closer to Vanessa and other family members, speaks volumes about the collective effort to foster an environment conducive to healing and growth for both mother and child.

Remembering Sutton Tennyson: A Life Cut Short and Angela’s Enduring Love

The tragic death of Sutton Tennyson in November 2018 sent shockwaves through the entertainment community and deeply impacted the lives of Angela Simmons and their young son. Angela and Sutton’s relationship, though it had seen its share of ups and downs, including their split in 2017, was forever marked by the joy of their son’s birth. A year prior to their separation, they welcomed their only child together, Sutton Jr., who affectionately shares his father’s name. This shared name now serves as a poignant, daily reminder of the bond they once shared and the legacy Sutton leaves behind.

Angela’s immediate reaction to Sutton’s death was one of profound devastation, a raw and understandable outpouring of grief. On November 4, 2018, she took to Instagram to share a bittersweet and deeply moving tribute to him. Her post included a series of cherished family photos, capturing moments of joy and togetherness that now serve as precious memories. Her accompanying words were a testament to her pain and her unwavering commitment to their son: “Thank you for leaving behind my greatest gift,” she wrote. “I’m hurting. I’m numb. Thank you for the out pouring [sic] of love everyone. I can’t believe I’m even saying Rest In Peace Sutton. I promise to hold SJ down in every way I promise.” This powerful message resonated with countless followers, highlighting the depth of her sorrow and her fierce dedication to their child.

The public nature of Angela’s grief, shared through social media and her presence on reality television, added another layer of complexity to her healing process. Yet, her openness also allowed many to connect with her vulnerability, offering a collective wave of support and empathy. The journey of a single mother raising a child who lost his father so tragically is undeniably challenging, but Angela’s public declarations of love and commitment to SJ underscore her unwavering strength and resolve.

Growing Up Hip Hop: Reality TV and Real-Life Grief

With Growing Up Hip Hop currently filming its upcoming season, there has been considerable speculation about whether Angela’s profound reaction to Sutton’s death and her subsequent coping journey will be featured on the show. Vanessa Simmons addressed this, acknowledging the delicate balance between reality television and deeply personal trauma. “We’ll see. It’s kind of our real life so we’ll see what comes up,” she told HollywoodLife, hinting at the unpredictable nature of reality TV production and the producers’ respect for the family’s privacy during such a sensitive time. The show, known for its candid portrayal of the lives of hip-hop scions, often delves into deeply personal moments, making the decision of what to include a critical one.

Regardless of whether the cameras capture every moment of her grief, Angela’s primary focus remains on navigating her new reality. “She’s just learning to cope and learning to deal with it and raise a strong young man,” Vanessa emphasized. This statement encapsulates the immense challenge and profound responsibility Angela shoulders – not only to heal herself but also to nurture and guide her son through his own understanding of loss. Both Angela and Vanessa are daughters of the legendary Run DMC rapper Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons, a figure who has consistently instilled strong family values and resilience in his children. This upbringing undoubtedly contributes to Angela’s ability to face such formidable obstacles.

Vanessa further elaborated on Angela’s remarkable strength as a single mother. “She’s doing very, very good to be a true single mother and having to do it on her own. She has the support but things are as good as they can be,” Vanessa proudly stated. This highlights the immense burden Angela carries while simultaneously acknowledging the vital support network surrounding her. It’s a nuanced picture of grief and recovery, where the pain is still present, but the individual’s capacity to move forward is undeniable, bolstered by love and encouragement.

Vanessa Simmons: Juggling Motherhood, Career, and the Power of Self-Care

While supporting her sister through immense hardship, Vanessa Simmons herself stands as a powerful example of balancing multiple demanding roles. Beyond being a devoted sister and mother to 5-year-old Ava, whom she shares with boyfriend Mike Wayans, Vanessa is also a driven entrepreneur. Her appearance at the Create & Cultivate Self Care Summit was not merely to offer updates on her sister, but also to discuss her own journey and upcoming ventures, particularly her new skincare line, Sugar Me.

Vanessa’s passion for self-care is deeply ingrained in the philosophy behind Sugar Me. She designed the “all natural, organic” line with a clear purpose: to “empower women to take a little time to give themselves some TLC.” In a world that constantly demands attention and energy from women, particularly mothers and career professionals, Vanessa recognizes the critical need for intentional self-love. She articulated her vision for the brand, stating, “[It’s] to give themselves some extra love and care and a way to bring the spa experience home.” This venture reflects Vanessa’s personal commitment to well-being, not just for herself but for all women who seek to find moments of tranquility and rejuvenation amidst their busy lives.

The timing of Vanessa’s advocacy for self-care is particularly poignant in the context of her sister’s situation. While not explicitly stated, the underlying message is clear: self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity, especially when navigating grief, trauma, and the arduous responsibilities of single motherhood. Vanessa’s entrepreneurial spirit and her dedication to promoting holistic well-being serve as an inspiring example, reinforcing the idea that even amidst life’s profound challenges, one can still pursue passions and make a positive impact.

Embracing the Future: Healing, Growth, and Unwavering Support

The journey Angela Simmons is undertaking is one of profound healing, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her son. While the pain of losing Sutton Tennyson will undoubtedly remain, the collective strength of the Simmons family, particularly the steadfast support of Vanessa, provides a powerful foundation for Angela to rebuild and move forward. Her commitment to raising a “strong young man” in Sutton Jr. is a testament to her enduring love and her ability to channel grief into purpose.

Vanessa Simmons’ updates offer a glimpse into the private struggles and triumphs of a family navigating public tragedy with grace and strength. Her own endeavors, from her acting career to her new Sugar Me skincare line, underscore her belief in empowerment, self-care, and the ability to thrive even when life presents its most difficult tests. The narrative of the Simmons sisters is a powerful reminder that while life’s challenges can be immense, the bonds of family, personal resilience, and the intentional practice of self-care are invaluable tools for healing and embracing the future, one courageous step at a time.