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 (Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson) is a highly successful American singer, songwriter, and television personality. As one of the best-selling music artists globally, with over 143 million records sold, she's a prominent figure in pop music, noted for her influential 'camp' style, earning her the title 'Queen of Camp'. She was the world's highest-paid female musician in both 2015 and 2018. Billboard has recognized her as one of the greatest pop stars of the 21st century.

Sections (4)

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

2008: Raises money for the Keep A Breast Foundation

During the 2008 Warped Tour, Katy Perry had a cast made of her breasts to raise money for the Keep A Breast Foundation, supporting organizations aimed at aiding people suffering with diseases including cancer.

June 2009: Designed an item of 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, contributing to organizations that help people suffering from diseases.

September 2010: Helped build Boys Hope/Girls Hope foundation shelter

In September 2010, Katy Perry helped build and design the Boys Hope/Girls Hope foundation shelter for youth in Baltimore, Maryland, along with other celebrities, demonstrating her commitment to supporting vulnerable youth.

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.

December 30, 2011: Russell Brand announces divorce

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

June 2012: Expressed hopes for LGBT equality

In June 2012, Katy Perry expressed her hopes for LGBT equality, hoping that future generations would look back at the current moment with disbelief and recognize the progress made.

December 2012: Awarded Trevor Hero Award

In December 2012, Katy Perry was awarded the Trevor Hero Award by The Trevor Project for her activism and work on behalf of LGBT youth.

April 2013: Appeared in "Chime for Change" campaign video

In April 2013, Katy Perry appeared in a video clip for the "Chime for Change" campaign, which aimed to promote female empowerment.

April 2013: Joins UNICEF

In April 2013, Katy Perry joined UNICEF to assist children in Madagascar with education and nutrition, marking her commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable children.

August 2013: Opposed Tony Abbott's stance on same-sex marriage

In August 2013, before a performance in Australia, Katy Perry stated she disagreed with Australian opposition leader Tony Abbott's stance against same-sex marriage and said she couldn't give him her vote.

October 23, 2013: We Can Survive Concert

On October 23, 2013, Katy Perry hosted and performed at the We Can Survive concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, California. The concert's profits were donated to Young Survival Coalition, an organization aiding breast cancer 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 the world's most vulnerable children and adolescents, underscoring her dedication to philanthropy.

March 29, 2014: Raised $2.4 million for the 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, supporting cultural institutions and philanthropic efforts.

April 2014: 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.

In June 2014, Katy Perry teamed up with Staples Inc. for a project entitled "Make Roar Happen" which donated $1 million to DonorsChoose, an organization that supports teachers and funds classroom resources in public schools, supporting children's education and well-being.

2015: Attempted to purchase a former convent in Los Angeles

In 2015, Katy Perry attempted to purchase a former convent in Los Angeles for $14.5 million, leading to a legal battle involving the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and nuns who opposed the sale, preferring to sell to real estate developer Dana Hollister.

March 2016: Performed at fundraiser for Hillary Clinton

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

May 2016: Worked with UNICEF to improve child care quality 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 drastically improve children's health, education, and well-being, highlighting her commitment to global child welfare.

June 2016: Signed open letter for gun control

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

November 2016: Organized fundraiser for Kamala Harris

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: Court ruled sale to Hollister invalid

In 2016, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that the sale of the convent to Dana Hollister was invalid due to the absence of necessary church approval, which cleared the path for Katy Perry's purchase of the property.

February 26, 2017: Co-chair for the 25th Annual 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, contributing to organizations aimed at aiding people suffering with diseases.

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, among various performers including its organizer Ariana Grande, showcasing her support for victims of tragedy.

2017: Launch of Katy Perry Collections

During the 2017 launch of her shoe collection, Katy Perry Collections, Katy Perry emphasized the role of fashion as a form of communication and self-expression.

2017: Received Nation Equality Award

In 2017, Katy Perry received a Nation Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign for using her platform to advocate for LGBTQ equality. During her acceptance speech, she discussed her bisexual experiences and thanked the LGBTQ+ community.

2017: Jury awarded damages to Perry and the Archdiocese

In 2017, a jury determined that Dana Hollister intentionally interfered with Katy Perry's real estate deal and awarded $5 million in compensatory damages. The judge later imposed an additional $10 million in punitive damages, which was 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 that was held in her hometown of Santa Barbara on May 19, 2018. The concert benefited those recovering from the aftermath of the 2017 California wildfires and 2018 Southern California mudflows.

May 19, 2018: Witness: Coming Home benefit concert

On May 19, 2018, Katy Perry's Witness: Coming Home benefit concert was held in her hometown of Santa Barbara, benefiting those recovering from the aftermath of the 2017 California wildfires and 2018 Southern California mudflows, providing support to her community during difficult times.

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

In March 2020, following the release of her single "Never Worn White", 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 Daisy Dove Bloom

On August 28, 2020, Katy Perry released her album Smile. Two days prior to the album's distribution, she gave birth to her daughter, 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's experience and Biden's choice of her as a running mate.

2021: Donations for the charity Baby2Baby

In 2021, Katy Perry's Spotify streams of her cover of "All You Need Is Love" generated donations for the charity Baby2Baby, further supporting children's well-being.

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2021: Heralded as a "gay icon"

In 2021, during an Out interview, Katy Perry was heralded as a "gay icon", and "I Kissed a Girl" was called a "bonafide queer anthem". Perry thanked the LGBTQ+ community, acknowledging her sheltered upbringing and the community's support.

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2022: Voted for Rick Caruso in Los Angeles mayoral election

In 2022, Katy Perry faced criticism after posting a picture of herself voting for conservative candidate Rick Caruso in the Los Angeles mayoral election.

September 2023: Forbes surmised net worth

During September 2023, Forbes surmised that Katy Perry's net worth was $340 million.

2024: Endorsed Kamala Harris for office

During the 2024 United States presidential election, Katy Perry endorsed Kamala Harris, praising her fight for the vulnerable and protection of women's rights.

April 14, 2025: Space Flight Aboard Blue Origin NS-31

On April 14, 2025, Katy Perry flew into space aboard Blue Origin NS-31, which was Blue Origin's eleventh crewed flight to space under the New Shepard program, along with other female participants. It marked the first all-female space flight since 1963.