*Miguel Núñez Jr. publicly shared the loss of his mother, Betty Jean Newsome, in a deeply personal Instagram post on January 23.
As Complex reports, Newsome passed away at the age of 86. In his caption, Núñez described her “the hero of my life.” He wrote, “My beautiful mother… There are people who raise you, and then there are people who shape your soul. She was mine. Strong. Loving. Graceful.”
He also dedicated his message to others who have lost their mothers. “If you’ve lost your mom, this is for you. Save this. Share this. Hold her memory close. Rest in peace, Mom,” Núñez added. The post included images of Newsome after her passing, with many followers expressing surprise at the video’s graphic nature.
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Actor Miguel A. Núñez Jr. announces the passing of his mom, Betty Jean Newsome, co-writer of James Brown’s classic song “It's A Man's Man's Man's World".
(? actlikemiguel/TikTok)
pic.twitter.com/qeSo3F7z7x— The Art Of Dialogue (@ArtOfDialogue_) January 24, 2026
Messages of condolence came from a range of entertainers and supporters. “Miguel you are and have always been such a loving, kind son. May the Most High give you Extra strength and covering today and always. Your entire family. You already know,” one person wrote in the comments.
Another Instagram user added: “She shared you with the world, now thank you for sharing her with us. This reminds us that fame doesn’t take away reality. I felt your internalized grief in this post. Mom will always be Mom no matter how old we get. I’m praying for your inner man because the days ahead are going to be the most difficult you’ll have in life.”
Betty Jean Newsome was a respected creative figure. She was a songwriter who co-wrote James Brown’s 1966 classic “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Learn more about her life and legacy in the TikTok clip below.
@julianjlawBetty Jean’s Story: A Black College Student Who Survived the Unthinkable in 1959 Florida. Watch the full video on my YouTube channel, which is linked in my bio.♬ original sound – Julian Johnson
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