If you’ve ever watched Run’s House or followed the Simmons family, you might have wondered about the woman who raised Vanessa, Angela, and Jojo Simmons. That woman is Valerie Vaughn, the first wife of legendary rapper Joseph Simmons—better known as Rev Run of Run-D.M.C.
While Rev Run and his second wife Justine became the face of the Simmons family on reality TV, Valerie Vaughn has largely stayed out of the spotlight. But her story is one of quiet strength, resilience, and dedication to her children.
This article explores Valerie Vaughn‘s life, from her marriage to a hip-hop icon to her life today as a mother, grandmother, and educator.
Quick Facts About Valerie Vaughn
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Valerie Vaughn |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1966 |
| Age | 58 years old (as of 2024) |
| Profession | Teacher |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Alfonzy Vaughn III (married 2002) |
| Ex-Husband | Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons (married 1983–1992) |
| Children | Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Joseph “Jojo” Simmons Jr., Dayan Danielle, Tiffany Vaughn |
| Known For | Ex-wife of Rev Run; mother of Vanessa and Angela Simmons |
Early Life and Background
Valerie Vaughn was born on May 11, 1966, in the United States . She grew up in a small family with two brothers, and she later shared in an interview that she had always wanted sisters .
Little is known about her early childhood or education, as she has maintained a low profile throughout her life. However, it is understood that she grew up in New York and eventually crossed paths with a young Joseph Simmons, who would become one of hip-hop’s most iconic figures.
Valerie Vaughn comes from a middle-class background and has worked as a teacher for much of her adult life . Her choice to pursue education as a career reflects her nurturing nature, which she later extended to raising her children.
Marriage to Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons
A High School Love Story
she met Joseph Simmons when she was just 17 years old . At the time, Simmons was already making a name for himself in the music industry. Their connection was strong and lasted through his meteoric rise to fame.
The couple married in 1983, the same year Run-D.M.C. released their self-titled debut album . For a young couple, this was an exciting time—Simmons was becoming a global star, and they were starting their family together.
Life During Run-D.M.C. Fame
During the 1980s, Run-D.M.C. became one of the biggest acts in music history. With hits like “Walk This Way” and “It’s Tricky,” Simmons was constantly on the road performing and recording .
Meanwhile, Valerie Vaughn was at home raising their growing family. The couple had three children together:
- Vanessa Simmons (born 1983)
- Angela Simmons (born 1987)
- Joseph “Jojo” Ward Simmons Jr. (born 1989)
The Divorce and Its Aftermath
Valerie Vaughn and Joseph Simmons divorced in 1992 after nine years of marriage . The split came amid a difficult period for the couple.
According to reports, Simmons faced a rape accusation in 1989 from a fan who claimed he assaulted her after a show . While Simmons admitted to having consensual sexual relations with the woman, he denied any wrongdoing. The case was eventually dropped due to insufficient evidence .
However, the strain of the allegation and the media attention took a toll on the marriage. As a result, Valerie Vaughn initiated divorce proceedings . The split was difficult, with reports suggesting that Valerie took the children and temporarily cut off contact with Simmons .
Despite this challenging chapter, both parents eventually found a way to co-parent effectively.
A Positive Co-Parenting Relationship
Years later, Valerie Vaughn and Rev Run have maintained a positive relationship. In fact, she appeared on episodes of Run’s House, the reality show starring Rev Run and his second family. She has also shared in interviews that she is grateful for how their blended family works together .
One commenter on a YouTube interview described the family as a “very sweet blended family” and praised Valerie Vaughn for “not allowing her divorce from Rev Run to cloud her judgment of what was in the best interest of their three children” . This is a testament to her maturity and focus on family unity.
Life After Rev Run
Second Marriage
she remarried in March 2002 to Alfonzy Vaughn III . The couple has been together for over two decades, celebrating their 18th wedding anniversary in 2018 .
Alfonzy Vaughn III grew up in Westbury, New York, and graduated from Westbury High School . Though he stays out of the public eye, he has been a supportive partner to Valerie.
The couple currently lives in Queens, New York .
Expanding the Family
In addition to the three children she shares with Rev Run, Valerie Vaughn has two other children:
- Dayan Danielle (from a previous relationship)
- Tiffany Vaughn (with Alfonzy Vaughn III)
Valerie Vaughn has expressed pride in all her children. In an interview, she shared that her daughter Dayan is “doing something constructive” with her life .
Career and Professional Life
she has worked as a teacher for many years . Her career in education reflects her nurturing and dedicated personality. While her ex-husband lived a life of fame and fortune, Valerie Vaughn chose to build a quieter, more grounded life for herself and her children.
She has maintained a career outside of the entertainment industry, a decision that allowed her to remain private and focused on her family.
Net Worth and Financial Status
The exact Valerie Vaughn net worth is not publicly known. However, as a teacher and the ex-wife of Rev Run, she has lived a comfortable life. Her children, Vanessa and Angela Simmons, have found success as reality TV stars and entrepreneurs, and she is proud of their accomplishments.
Family and Relationships
Her Children and Grandchildren
she is the mother of five children and a proud grandmother. Her eldest daughter, Vanessa Simmons, gave birth to a daughter named Ava Marie Jean in 2014 with her boyfriend Mike Wayans .
Angela Simmons also made Valerie Vaughn a grandmother when she gave birth to her son, Sutton . Tragically, Sutton’s father, Sutton Tennyson, passed away in 2018 under violent circumstances.
Relationship with the Simmons Family
Valerie Vaughn has maintained a healthy relationship with her children’s famous father and his second family. Rev Run married Justine Jones in 1994, and together they have three children:
- Daniel “Diggy” Simmons III
- Russell “Russy” Simmons Jr.
- Miley Justine Simmons (adopted)
Though they share a complicated history, the family has come together over the years, appearing together at events and on television .
What Happened to Valerie Vaughn?
What happened to Valerie Vaughn? This question often arises when fans of the Simmons family learn about Rev Run’s first wife. she has remained largely out of the public eye, choosing a quieter life away from reality TV cameras.
In 2020, she was in the news when her mother, “Grandma June,” passed away . Her children mourned the loss publicly on social media, bringing attention back to their mother.
Where is Valerie Vaughn today? She currently lives in Queens, New York, with her husband Alfonzy Vaughn III . She continues to work and enjoy her role as a mother and grandmother.
Interesting Facts
Here are some facts you might not know about Valerie Vaughn:
- She has five children—three with Rev Run, one from a previous relationship, and one with her second husband.
- She is a grandmother to Ava Marie Jean and Sutton .
- She is a Taurus—born on May 11, 1966 .
- She appeared on Run’s House—though she stayed behind the scenes, she made appearances on the show.
- Her daughter Angela is engaged to Yo Gotti, a famous rapper and businessman.
Legacy and Current Activities
Valerie Vaughn may not be a household name, but her legacy is evident in her successful children. Vanessa and Angela Simmons have become entrepreneurs and TV personalities, while Jojo has also appeared on reality television .
Valerie Vaughn is a woman who chose privacy over fame. She has built a life for herself after her divorce from Rev Run, focusing on her career, her second marriage, and her family.
Conclusion
Valerie Vaughn is a woman of strength and grace. While she may be best known as the ex-wife of a hip-hop icon, she is so much more. She is a mother, grandmother, teacher, and dedicated family woman who has built a meaningful life away from the cameras.
From her marriage to Rev Run to her quiet life today in Queens, Valerie Vaughn has faced challenges and triumphs with dignity. She chose to focus on her children and her career rather than seeking the spotlight—a decision that has earned her respect from fans and family alike.
For anyone wondering “What happened to Valerie Vaughn?” or “Where is Valerie Vaughn now?” the answer is simple: she is living life on her own terms, surrounded by family, and leaving a lasting legacy through her children and grandchildren.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Valerie Vaughn?
Valerie Vaughn is the first wife of Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons of Run-D.M.C. She is also the mother of Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, and Joseph “Jojo” Simmons Jr. .
2. How old is Valerie Vaughn?
Valerie Vaughn was born on May 11, 1966. She is 58 years old as of 2024 .
3. What is Valerie Vaughn’s net worth?
While her exact net worth is unknown, Valerie Vaughn has worked as a teacher for many years. She lives comfortably in Queens, New York .
4. What happened to Valerie Vaughn and Rev Run?
The couple divorced in 1992 after nine years of marriage . The split followed allegations against Rev Run, which were later dismissed.
5. Who is Valerie Vaughn married to now?
Valerie Vaughn married Alfonzy Vaughn III in March 2002. They live together in Queens, New York .
6. How many children does Valerie Vaughn have?
Valerie Vaughn has five children: Vanessa Simmons, Angela Simmons, Joseph “Jojo” Simmons Jr., Dayan Danielle, and Tiffany Vaughn .
7. Did Valerie Vaughn appear on Run’s House?
Yes, Valerie Vaughn appeared on the reality show Run’s House, where fans praised her for maintaining a positive relationship with the blended family .
