Rita Ora recently shared a rare glimpse into her personal life, revealing that stepping into the role of a stepmother to Taika Waititi’s two daughters has been an enlightening experience for her. The 35-year-old singer exchanged vows with director and actor Taika Waititi in a spontaneous ceremony in Los Angeles in 2022, following her surprise proposal in Palm Springs a few weeks prior.

Upon marrying the New Zealand-born Taika, Rita also embraced her new responsibilities as a stepmother to Te Hinekahu, 13, and Matewa Kiritapu, nine, whom Taika co-parents amicably with his ex-partner and film producer Chelsea Winstanley. The couple’s relationship began in 2021 after Taika’s split from Chelsea in 2018, with whom he collaborated on the award-winning film JoJo Rabbit.

Speaking to The Sun, Rita expressed how seamlessly they function as a family unit, emphasizing their morning routine of working out together with the children. She described the experience as eye-opening, highlighting the realization that life holds more significance beyond personal concerns.

During an interview on the Table Manners podcast with Jessie and Lennie Ware, Rita fondly discussed her role as a stepmother, likening herself to a fairy godmother without the weight of traditional responsibilities. She also expressed her fondness for New Zealand, noting that the country has become like a second home to her, particularly due to her strong bond with Taika’s children and their schooling in Auckland.

Rita reminisced about meeting Taika in Sydney, where their connection blossomed while she was working on The Voice and he was filming Thor Ragnarok. The singer, who has expressed her desire for a large family, previously shared her decision to freeze her eggs as a precautionary measure, acknowledging the importance of planning ahead for future family aspirations.

With a strong bond with New Zealand and the joy of being a stepmother, Rita’s journey into this new chapter of her life continues to unfold with warmth and positivity.