Before he became a global sensation, her son spent his childhood surrounded by the challenges of poverty in a small town. She was a teenager when she had him and worked tirelessly to provide for him. The pair lived in a modest home where even small luxuries like ordering a soda at a restaurant were out of reach.
Her teenage years were shaped by immense challenges, including a broken home and personal trauma that left lasting scars. At 17, her life took a dramatic turn when she found out she was pregnant. Friends and advisors encouraged her to terminate the pregnancy, but she refused, deciding instead to raise her child alone — no matter the obstacles.
After her son’s birth, she worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Living in low-income housing and holding down low-wage jobs, she found ways to nurture her son’s curiosity and talents.
What began as a modest life in a small Canadian town would eventually evolve into a story of global success, all driven by her unwavering determination.
A Turbulent Past: Overcoming the Odds
Her childhood was anything but easy. When her parents separated, her father moved far away, leaving a void that shaped much of her early years. But the absence of stability was only the beginning. Between the ages of five and ten, she was sexually abused.
By the time she was a teenager, she was battling the emotional aftermath of severe childhood trauma, which drove her into a cycle of substance abuse and depression. The weight of her struggles became overwhelming and she attempted to end her own life.
By the time she was 17, she discovered she was pregnant. While many around her encouraged her to terminate the pregnancy, she made the bold choice to keep her baby. “I just knew I couldn’t[…] abort. I had to do my best, no matter how hard it was going to be,” she later described her mindset during that time.
When the determined mom heard her son’s first cry, her life changed forever. “He sounded like he was singing,” she recalled, describing his unique cry as almost melodic. That sound, so precious to her, became a spark of hope — a reason to push forward despite the challenges ahead.
The woman’s son as seen in a post dated March 1, 2023 | Source: Instagram/pattiemallette
Raising Her Son Alone: A Life of Sacrifice
Life as a single mother was an uphill battle. Her son’s father was only 18 when he was born and, as her son would later explain, he was “not in a place where he could raise a kid.” Shortly after her son’s birth, the father left for British Columbia and remained absent for about a year.
The little boy as seen in a post dated March 1, 2023 | Source: Instagram/pattiemallette
When he returned, the singer’s mother firmly told him, “if you’re going to be here, you have to be here.” Although their relationship didn’t last, the father eventually became a part of his son’s life, spending weekends and occasional days together.
For her, however, the responsibility of raising her child fell largely on her shoulders. Living in low-income housing, she worked low-paying office jobs to make ends meet. Money was tight, and even small indulgences were out of reach.
The mother and son son as seen in a post dated March 1, 2023 | Source: Instagram/pattiemallette
Her son once reflected, “I remember sitting in restaurants with my mother, and she’d make me order water instead of soda. I remember so badly wanting to order a soda.”
The mother-son duo seen in a post dated March 1, 2023 | Source: Instagram/pattiemallette
Support came from her parents, and her son spent much of his childhood at their modest home in Stratford, Ontario. His creativity began to shine in this small town, with his mother encouraging him to explore his interests whenever she could.
The Breakthrough: From YouTube to Stardom
Even as a young boy, his love for music was undeniable. While growing up, he spent hours exploring different instruments. He had no formal training but taught himself to play the piano, guitar, and trumpet.
He also took drum lessons, honing his rhythm and skill. Music became a passion he kept to himself. By 12, he took his first step toward sharing his gift. He entered a local talent competition and stunned the audience with his performance, earning second place.
Wanting to share the moment with family and friends who couldn’t attend, he uploaded videos of the performance to YouTube. What started as a simple way to connect with loved ones soon became the catalyst for a career no one could have imagined.
After the contest, his mother began uploading more videos of him singing covers of popular songs. His performances showcased his talent and passion, and the videos started to attract views far beyond his circle.
People were captivated by his raw talent and boyish charm, and it wasn’t long before he caught the attention of a talent scout who recognized his star potential. At just 15 years old, he landed his first major record deal, and his life shifted almost overnight.
The young singer performs at Aria Resort & Casino on December 31, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
His debut single, released shortly after, became an international hit, introducing him to millions of fans worldwide. Despite the whirlwind of fame, he never forgot where he came from. “I grew up with not a lot of money,” he shared.
He’d revealed, “I was so glad to use my first big paycheck to take care of my mom.” It was a gesture of gratitude for her years of sacrifice, proof that her support had paid off extraordinarily. However, fame tested the tight-knit relationship between mother and son.
The mother and son pose for a portrait in Stratford, Ontario on September 29, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
Challenges in Their Relationship and Rebuilding Their Bond
As his fame skyrocketed, the bond between mother and son began to fray. By his late teens, their once-close relationship was strained. He admitted that his relationship with his mom was “pretty nonexisting” adding, “I was distant because I was ashamed. I never wanted my mom to be disappointed in me, and I knew she was.”
For two years, they barely spoke. The public scrutiny surrounding his rebellious behavior and personal struggles only added to the tension. But neither was willing to let the distance define their relationship. Slowly, they began to rebuild what had been lost.
In 2018, they took a tropical vacation together. His mother later shared how proud she was of his progress. “I feel like he’s growing up, and I’m really proud of him,” she stated.
Their relationship, once fractured, was on the mend as her son worked to navigate his way through life and fame. As he matured, his focus shifted, toward personal growth and toward cementing his legacy as one of the most successful musicians of his generation.
From a Small-Town Boy to a Global Music Superstar
The boy who once sang pop covers and competed in local talent shows is now known worldwide as Justin Bieber. His breakout single, “Baby,” catapulted him to fame, and he has since become one of the best-selling artists of all time, with hits like “Sorry,” “Peaches,” and “Love Yourself.”
Through sold-out tours and countless awards, including Grammy wins, Justin has consistently credited his mother, Pattie Mallette, for her support during their years of struggle. After years of separation, he also reconnected with his father, Jeremy Bieber.
Although Jeremy initially left when Justin was four, he returned about a year later and gradually became a presence in his son’s life. Reflecting on their relationship, Justin once said, “There’s a misconception that he’s this deadbeat dad, but he’s been in my life since.”
Now, Justin is not just a global music icon but also a husband and a father. Since 2018, he has been married to Hailey Baldwin Bieber, a model and television personality, and the daughter of actor Stephen Baldwin. Hailey has become a key part of his life, with Justin often describing her as his source of stability and comfort.
About their marriage, he once shared, “I have a wife who I adore, who I feel comforted by. I feel safe.” In 2024, the couple welcomed their first child, Jack Blues Bieber. His relationship with Pattie also remains a central part of his story.
Her Life Today: Inspiring Others
Pattie’s story didn’t end with her son’s success — it became a platform for helping others. Following Justin’s rise to international fame, Pattie published her memoir, “Nowhere but Up,” where she detailed her struggles with abuse, addiction, and the challenges of raising a child as a single mother.
Through her candid storytelling, she shed light on her difficulties and offered hope to others dealing with similar obstacles. “I’ve learned it’s normal for anyone who’s been through abuse to carry shame and blame,” she shared.
In a different conversation, she revealed that her goal was to encourage others to find strength, hoping her story would provide hope to those facing similar battles. In addition to her work as an author, Pattie has also ventured into acting and producing.
She has credits in films such as “Crescendo I” and “To Write Love on Her Arms.” Her faith and passion for helping others have remained at the core of her life. As her son balances his career and family, Pattie has embraced her role as a proud mother and grandmother.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.
