Alpharita Constantia Anderson, better known as Rita Marley was born July 25, 1946 in Santiago de Cuba to Leroy Anderson and Cynthia "Beda" Jarrett. Rita is the widow of legendary Reggae musician Bob Marley, and a member of the trio the I Threes, Bob Marley's back up singers.
Rita's father was a carpenter. At age 5, Rita's mother abandoned the family, taking Rita's brother Donovan with her since he had a light complexion. Rita was raised by her Auntie Viola Anderson Britton.
Rita's siblings include the aforementioned Donovan, Leroy Anderson (called Lepke), Wesley, Ranking Miss P, Diane and Jeanette/Janet. Lepke is the founder of Europe's first black music radio station Dread Broadcast Corporation (DBC) (Rebel Radio). Miss P was born in London whilst sisters Diane and Janet/Jeanette were born in Sweden. Diane and Janet/Jeanette are members of Dayenne, a very successful Swedish dance group.
Rita grew up in the upper level of Trenchtown, Jamaica. Bob was from the lower level of Trenchtown.
In the mid sixties Rita was singing with a trio named The Soulettes who were recording for Studio One, when she met Bob Marley. The Soulettes became the I Threes
Rita married Bob on 10 February 1966, and then became a singer in his backing vocals group, the I Threes. She converted to the Rastafari movement after witnessing Haile Selassie on his visit to Kingston, Jamaica on 21 April 1966. After Marley's death, she recorded a few albums under her name with some success in the United Kingdom and took care of Marley's estate.