Early Life and Education of Katy Perry: A Complete Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Katy Perry. A timeline of key moments.

Katy Perry, born Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, is a highly successful American singer, songwriter, and television personality. As one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 151 million records sold, she's known for her significant impact on pop music and her flamboyant "camp" style. She has even been called the 'Queen of Camp' by notable publications such as Vogue and Rolling Stone.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Donated Plaster Cast for Keep A Breast Foundation

In 2008, Katy Perry donated a plaster cast of her breasts, painted by her then-boyfriend Travie McCoy, to raise money for the Keep A Breast Foundation.

February 2009: Describes Fashion Style

In February 2009, Katy Perry told Seventeen that her fashion style was "a bit of a concoction of different things" and stated she enjoyed humor in her clothing.

June 2009: Designed Clothing for H&M's "Fashion Against AIDS" Campaign

In June 2009, Katy Perry designed an item of clothing for H&M's "Fashion Against AIDS" campaign, which raises money for HIV/AIDS awareness projects.

September 2010: Helped Build Shelter for Youth in Baltimore

In September 2010, Katy Perry helped build and design the Boys Hope/Girls Hope foundation shelter for youth in Baltimore, Maryland, alongside other celebrities.

October 23, 2010: Marriage to Russell Brand

On October 23, 2010, Katy Perry married Russell Brand in a traditional Hindu ceremony near the Ranthambhore tiger sanctuary in Rajasthan.

November 2010: Proud of and Satisfied with her Figure

During November 2010, Katy Perry expressed pride and satisfaction with her figure, embracing her image.

December 30, 2011: Divorce Announcement

On December 30, 2011, Russell Brand announced that he and Katy Perry were divorcing after 14 months of marriage.

August 2012: Relationship with John Mayer

In August 2012, Katy Perry began a relationship with singer John Mayer, the year her marriage with Russell Brand had ended.

April 2013: Joined UNICEF to Assist Children in Madagascar

In April 2013, Katy Perry joined UNICEF to assist children in Madagascar with education and nutrition, showing her commitment to children's welfare.

October 23, 2013: Hosted and Performed at We Can Survive Concert

On October 23, 2013, Katy Perry hosted and performed at the We Can Survive concert at the Hollywood Bowl, with profits donated to Young Survival Coalition for breast cancer support in young women.

December 3, 2013: Named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

On December 3, 2013, Katy Perry was officially named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on engaging young people in improving the lives of vulnerable children and adolescents.

March 29, 2014: Helped Raise $2.4 Million for Museum of Contemporary Art

On March 29, 2014, Katy Perry helped raise $2.4 million for the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles, along with other celebrities.

April 2014: Publicly supported Marianne Williamson's campaign

In April 2014, Katy Perry publicly supported Marianne Williamson in her campaign for California's 33rd congressional district by attending a political press event.

June 2014: Teamed Up with Staples Inc. for "Make Roar Happen"

In June 2014, Katy Perry teamed up with Staples Inc. for a project entitled "Make Roar Happen" which donated $1 million to DonorsChoose, supporting teachers and classroom resources in public schools.

2015: Attempted to purchase a former convent in Los Angeles

In 2015, Katy Perry attempted to purchase a former convent in Los Angeles, which sparked a years-long legal battle involving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, members of the Sisters of the Most Holy and Immaculate Heart of Mary, and real estate developer Dana Hollister. Initially, she offered the archdiocese $14.5 million in cash to buy the eight-acre Los Feliz property.

March 2016: Performed at a fundraising concert for Hillary Clinton

In March 2016, Katy Perry performed alongside Elton John at a fundraising concert for Hillary Clinton in New York City. Perry also spoke and performed at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in support of Clinton.

May 2016: Worked with UNICEF to Improve Child Care in Vietnam

In May 2016, Katy Perry worked with UNICEF to improve child care quality in Vietnam, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and improve children's health, education, and well-being. The following month, UNICEF announced she would receive the Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award in November.

June 2016: Signed an open letter demanding increased gun control

Following the shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando in June 2016, Katy Perry and nearly 200 other artists and executives in music signed an open letter organized by Billboard addressed to United States Congress demanding increased gun control in the United States.

November 2016: Endorsed Kamala Harris and organized a fundraiser

In November 2016, Katy Perry endorsed Kamala Harris in the United States Senate election in California, and organized a fundraiser for Harris at her home in Los Angeles.

2016: Sale to Hollister ruled invalid

In 2016, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled the sale to Hollister invalid due to the absence of necessary church approval, clearing the way for Perry's purchase of the convent.

February 26, 2017: Co-Chaired Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party

On February 26, 2017, Katy Perry served as a co-chair for the 25th Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party, a fundraiser for HIV/AIDS healthcare.

June 4, 2017: Performed at One Love Manchester Benefit Concert

On June 4, 2017, Katy Perry performed at the One Love Manchester benefit concert for the victims of the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, alongside Ariana Grande and other artists.

2017: Launch of Shoe Collection, Katy Perry Collections

During the 2017 launch of her shoe collection, Katy Perry Collections, Katy Perry discussed how she cultivated her style on a budget in L.A., shopping at thrift and vintage stores, and how fashion is a form of communication.

2017: Jury awarded damages in real estate deal interference

In 2017, a jury determined Hollister had intentionally interfered with Katy Perry's real estate deal and awarded $5 million in compensatory damages—$3.47 million to the archdiocese and $1.57 million to Perry's company. The judge later imposed an additional $10 million in punitive damages, divided between Perry and the archdiocese.

March 2018: Announced Witness: Coming Home Benefit Concert

In March 2018, Katy Perry announced Witness: Coming Home, a benefit concert to be held in Santa Barbara to support those recovering from the 2017 California wildfires and 2018 Southern California mudflows.

May 19, 2018: Witness: Coming Home Benefit Concert

On May 19, 2018, Katy Perry held Witness: Coming Home, a benefit concert in her hometown of Santa Barbara to aid those affected by the 2017 California wildfires and 2018 Southern California mudflows.

2018: Sister Catherine Rose Holzman died in court

In 2018, during the ongoing legal battles, Sister Catherine Rose Holzman died in court.

February 14, 2019: Engagement to Orlando Bloom

On February 14, 2019, Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom got engaged after reconciling in 2018.

March 2020: Announcement of pregnancy

Following the release of her single "Never Worn White" in March 2020, Katy Perry revealed in the accompanying music video that she was expecting her first child with Orlando Bloom.

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August 28, 2020: Release of Smile and birth of daughter

On August 28, 2020, Katy Perry released her album, also titled Smile. Two days before, she gave birth to a daughter named Daisy Dove Bloom.

2020: Supported Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

In 2020, Katy Perry supported Joe Biden and Kamala Harris during the United States presidential election, praising Harris as a leader with "experience we desperately need right now" and believing that Biden "choosing her as his running mate is already a testament to his decision making".

2021: Donations from "All You Need Is Love" cover to Baby2Baby

In 2021, all Spotify streams of Katy Perry's cover of "All You Need Is Love" generated $1 in donations for the charity Baby2Baby.

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June 8, 2022: Awarded the Key to Las Vegas and Katy Perry Day

On June 8, 2022, Katy Perry was awarded with the Key to Las Vegas, with the same day being marked as Katy Perry Day.

2022: Voted for conservative candidate Rick Caruso

In 2022, Katy Perry posted a picture of herself voting for conservative candidate Rick Caruso in the 2022 Los Angeles mayoral election, which Democrats heavily criticized her for.

February 2024: Announcement of exit from American Idol

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in February 2024, Katy Perry announced her exit from American Idol following the conclusion of the twenty-second season.

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2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris for office

During the 2024 United States presidential election, Katy Perry endorsed Kamala Harris for office, stating "I've always known her to fight for the most vulnerable, to speak up for the voiceless, and to protect our rights as women to make decisions about our own bodies".

April 14, 2025: Spaceflight aboard Blue Origin NS-31

On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry flew into space aboard Blue Origin NS-31, Blue Origin's eleventh crewed flight to space under the New Shepard program, along with Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, Kerianne Flynn, Gayle King, and Lauren Sánchez. It was the first all-female space flight since 1963.