Childhood and Education Journey of Selena Gomez in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Selena Gomez. From birth to education, explore key events.

Selena Gomez is an American actress, singer, songwriter, businesswoman, and producer. She started her career as a child actress on Barney & Friends and gained prominence as Alex Russo in Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place. She signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums between 2009 and 2011.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

2002: Christina Aguilera's album Stripped released

In 2002, Christina Aguilera's album Stripped was released, which Selena Gomez has cited as a favorite and an influence on the conceptual approach behind her Revival album.

2005: Desire for a purity ring at age 13

In 2005, at the age of 13, Selena Gomez wanted a purity ring, and her father had it blessed at the church, symbolizing her commitment to her faith and values.

2008: Named spokesperson for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

In 2008, Selena Gomez was named spokesperson for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF.

September 2009: Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In September 2009, Selena Gomez was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming the organization's youngest ambassador at the time.

2009: Became an ambassador for DoSomething and contributed to Disney's Friends for Change

In 2009, Selena Gomez became an ambassador for DoSomething, and also contributed to Disney's Friends for Change environmental campaign, including the charity single "Send It On" with Demi Lovato, Miley Cyrus, and the Jonas Brothers.

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December 2010: Began on-again, off-again relationship with Justin Bieber

From December 2010 to March 2018, Selena Gomez was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Canadian singer Justin Bieber, a high-profile romantic involvement.

2010: Benefit concert marking the campaign's 60th anniversary

In 2010, Selena Gomez conducted a benefit concert marking Trick-or-Treat campaign's 60th anniversary and from 2010 to 2013, she conducted three Acoustic Charity Concerts benefiting UNICEF.

2010: Stopped wearing purity ring

In 2010, Selena Gomez stopped wearing the purity ring she had received earlier in life, marking a change in her personal journey and beliefs.

2011: Visit to Chile for UNICEF-supported initiative

In 2011, Selena Gomez visited Chile, where she observed the UNICEF-supported Programa Puente initiative, and supported the UNICEF Tap Project in 2011.

2012: Became an ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation

In 2012, Selena Gomez became an ambassador for the Ryan Seacrest Foundation, supporting the establishment of multimedia centers in children's hospitals.

2012: Supporting Sound the Alarm campaign

In 2012, Selena Gomez supported UNICEF campaigns including Sound the Alarm, which raised awareness of malnutrition in the Sahel region.

2012: Diagnosed with lupus erythematosus

Sometime between 2012 and early 2014, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with a form of lupus erythematosus, which is a chronic autoimmune disease.

2013: Received the Chris Greicius Celebrity Award from Make-A-Wish Foundation

By 2013, Selena Gomez had granted more than 90 wishes through her work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation and received the organization's Chris Greicius Celebrity Award.

2013: Acoustic Charity Concerts benefiting UNICEF

From 2010 to 2013, Selena Gomez conducted three Acoustic Charity Concerts benefiting UNICEF, which collectively raised nearly US$400,000 for programs supporting nutrition, clean water, medicine, and education.

2014: Listened to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" before performing at American Music Awards

In 2014, Selena Gomez mentioned that she listened to the song "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United before performing at the American Music Awards, indicating the influence of her faith on her performances.

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2014: Trip to Nepal to raise awareness of children in need

In 2014, Selena Gomez traveled to Nepal to raise awareness of children in need and access to education with UNICEF.

2014: Diagnosed with lupus erythematosus

Sometime between 2012 and early 2014, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with a form of lupus erythematosus, which is a chronic autoimmune disease.

August 2016: Cancellation of Revival Tour and Seeking Treatment

In August 2016, Selena Gomez canceled the European and South American dates of her Revival Tour to seek treatment for anxiety, panic attacks, and depression caused by lupus. She subsequently entered a treatment facility for 90 days.

November 2016: American Music Awards Win

In November 2016, Selena Gomez made her first public appearance in several months at the American Music Awards, where she won Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and was nominated for Artist of the Year.

2016: Collaborated on charity single "Hands" and supported Lupus Research Alliance

Following the 2016 Pulse nightclub shooting, Selena Gomez collaborated with other artists on the charity single "Hands" to raise funds for Equality Florida's Pulse Victims Fund, GLAAD, and the LGBT Community Center of Central Florida. That same year, she supported the Lupus Research Alliance by donating a portion of ticket sales from her Revival Tour.

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2016: Appeared at Hillsong Young & Free concert singing "Nobody"

In 2016, Selena Gomez appeared at a Hillsong Young & Free concert in Los Angeles, leading worship by singing her song "Nobody", showcasing her involvement with her faith community.

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June 2017: Expressed discomfort with the term "religion"

In June 2017, Selena Gomez expressed discomfort with the term "religion", stating that "It freaks me out" and emphasizing her belief in faith and a personal relationship with God.

September 2017: Revealed kidney transplant due to lupus

In September 2017, Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had withdrawn from public events during the previous few months because she had received a kidney transplant from actress and friend Francia Raisa due to complications from lupus.

2017: Established the Selena Gomez Fund for Lupus Research and partnered with the Coach Foundation

In 2017, Selena Gomez partnered with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California to establish the Selena Gomez Fund for Lupus Research, and also partnered with the Coach Foundation in its support of Step Up.

March 2018: Ended on-again, off-again relationship with Justin Bieber

From December 2010 to March 2018, Selena Gomez was in an on-again, off-again relationship with Canadian singer Justin Bieber, a high-profile romantic involvement.

2018: Volunteering with A21

In 2018, Selena Gomez revealed that she had been volunteering with A21, an anti-human trafficking organization.

2018: Episode of psychosis

In November 2022, Selena Gomez revealed that she had experienced an episode of psychosis in 2018, further sharing her experiences with mental health challenges.

April 2020: Revealed diagnosis of bipolar disorder

In April 2020, Selena Gomez publicly revealed that she has bipolar disorder, opening up about her mental health struggles.

June 2020: Launched the Black Equality Fund

In June 2020, Selena Gomez partnered with PLUS1 to launch the Black Equality Fund, directing proceeds to organizations supporting racial justice.

2021: Supporting UNICEF fundraising and vaccine donations

During the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2021, Selena Gomez participated in a collective UNICEF fundraising effort supporting vaccination initiatives, and was among public figures who signed an open letter urging the G7 nations to increase vaccine donations to the COVAX initiative.

2021: Maintained Christian faith and read The Purpose Driven Life

In 2021, Selena Gomez remarked that she maintained her Christian faith and had read The Purpose Driven Life by Baptist pastor Rick Warren three times, showing her continued spiritual journey.

The Purpose Driven Life: What on Earth Am I Here For?

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October 2022: Canceled appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after testing positive for COVID-19

In October 2022, Selena Gomez canceled an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon after testing positive for COVID-19, causing her to withdraw from her scheduled appearance.

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November 2022: Revealed episode of psychosis in 2018

In November 2022, Selena Gomez revealed that she had experienced an episode of psychosis in 2018, further sharing her experiences with mental health challenges.

November 2022: Premiere of Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me documentary

In November 2022, Selena Gomez's documentary film Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, directed by Alek Keshishian, premiered at the AFI Fest before being released on Apple TV+ and in select theaters.

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June 2023: Began dating Benny Blanco

In June 2023, Selena Gomez began dating record producer Benny Blanco, starting a new romantic relationship.

2023: Hosting the annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit

Since 2023, Selena Gomez has hosted the annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit.

January 2024: Gomez discusses acting preference and future music plans

In January 2024, Selena Gomez expressed a preference for acting over music, mentioning having "one more album in me" but clarified that "music isn't going away."

September 2024: Revealed inability to have children naturally and consideration of surrogacy or adoption

In September 2024, Selena Gomez revealed her inability to have children naturally due to her health issues and expressed her desire to explore either surrogacy or adoption in the future, sharing her personal journey regarding family planning.

November 2024: Disclosed prior diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

In November 2024, Selena Gomez disclosed a prior diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, further opening up about her health struggles.

December 11, 2024: Announced engagement to Benny Blanco

On December 11, 2024, Selena Gomez formally announced her engagement to record producer Benny Blanco, confirming media rumors.

September 27, 2025: Married Benny Blanco

On September 27, 2025, Selena Gomez married record producer Benny Blanco at the Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara, California, marking a significant milestone in her life.