Bob Marley: Death, Children, Last Words & Full Biography

Few artists have left as deep a mark on music and culture as Bob Marley, whose death at age 36 from acral lentiginous melanoma is often overshadowed by his music. This article examines the medical timeline, the political attack he survived, and the family he left behind, drawing on verified sources.

Full name: Robert Nesta Marley ·
Born: 6 February 1945, Nine Mile, Jamaica ·
Died: 11 May 1981, Miami, Florida ·
Cause of death: Acral lentiginous melanoma ·
Children: 11 (including Ziggy, Damian, Stephen) ·
Albums sold: Over 20 million (official tally)

10 key facts about Bob Marley’s life, one pattern: his story weaves musical genius with personal turmoil.

What caused the death of Bob Marley?

Bob Marley died on 11 May 1981 at age 36 from acral lentiginous melanoma, a rare skin cancer. The cancer was first noticed in 1977 after a toe injury during a football game. Marley refused amputation because of his Rastafari beliefs, which emphasize preserving the body. The cancer later spread to his brain, lungs, and liver.

What happened to Bob Marley’s hair when he died?

• After his death, Marley’s dreadlocks were cut and preserved. They are reportedly kept by his family or in a private collection (Biography.com profile).

His hair remains a symbol of his Rastafarian identity. Cedella Marley has spoken about her father’s wish to keep his dreadlocks even in the hospital.

How much did Bob Marley weigh when he died?

• By the time of his death, Marley weighed approximately 100 lb (45 kg) due to the advanced cancer (MedicalBag medical review).

His dramatic weight loss reflected the severity of his condition.

How old was Bob Marley when he died?

• Marley died at age 36, born on 6 February 1945 and died on 11 May 1981 (Britannica biography).

He left a legacy that continues to grow decades later.

The implication: Marley’s death from a preventable cancer underscores the influence of religious belief on medical decisions, a trade-off that shortened his life but honored his convictions.

What were Bob Marley’s last words?

There are conflicting accounts of Bob Marley’s final words. According to some reports, he told his son Ziggy, “Money can’t buy life.” Other accounts say he said, “Don’t worry, it’s going to be fine.” The exact phrase remains unverified (Wikipedia entry).

The uncertainty around his final words reflects the private nature of his passing.

Why did people try to assassinate Bob Marley?

On 3 December 1976, just two days before the Smile Jamaica concert, gunmen attacked Marley’s home in Kingston. Marley, his wife Rita, and manager Don Taylor were injured but survived. The attack is widely linked to political tensions between the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). Marley’s association with Prime Minister Michael Manley made him a target (Britannica biography).

“The 1976 attack was a turning point — it showed how deeply music and politics intertwined in Jamaica.”

— Berklee College of Music

The attackers were never positively identified, and Marley left Jamaica for a period afterward.

How many illegitimate children does Bob Marley have?

Bob Marley had 11 acknowledged children. Three were with his wife Rita Marley: Cedella, Ziggy, and Stephen. The other eight were with various women. The term “illegitimate” is increasingly considered outdated; modern references prefer “children from other relationships” (The Guardian article).

Who is the richest Marley child?

• Ziggy Marley is often cited as the wealthiest, with an estimated net worth of $10–20 million from his music career and business ventures (Express.co.uk article).
• Damian Marley also has substantial wealth, estimated around $10 million.

Exact figures vary by source.

How many wifes did Bob Marley marry?

Bob Marley married only one woman: Rita Anderson, on 10 February 1966. Their marriage was unconventional; both had other relationships and children outside the marriage. Rita later described it as an open marriage based on mutual respect (Wikipedia entry).

Did Bob and Rita have an open marriage?

• Yes, multiple sources confirm that both Bob and Rita had other partners during their marriage (The Guardian article).

This arrangement allowed Marley to have children with several women while Rita also had children with other men.

For fans and researchers, the distinction between verified fact and oral tradition matters. The full medical history, the exact number of Marley’s children, and the precise wording of his last words may never be fully settled. But one thing is certain: his music continues to resonate across generations, ensuring his legacy endures.