Childhood and Education Journey of Selena Gomez in Timeline

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Selena Gomez

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 in 'Barney & Friends' before gaining widespread recognition for her role as Alex Russo in the Disney Channel's 'Wizards of Waverly Place.' Gomez signed with Hollywood Records in 2008 and formed the band Selena Gomez & the Scene, releasing three albums. She has since established herself as a prominent figure in both the music and acting industries.

2002: Influence of Christina Aguilera's Stripped album

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

2005: Received purity ring

In 2005, at age 13, Selena Gomez wanted a purity ring, and her father had it blessed at the church.

October 2008: Spokesperson for Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF

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

2008: Participation in St. Jude's Children's Hospital Benefit

In 2008, Selena Gomez participated in St. Jude's Children's Hospital's "Runway for Life" benefit.

2008: Spokesperson for the UR Votes Count Campaign

In 2008, Selena Gomez served as a spokesperson for the UR Votes Count campaign.

September 2009: Appointed UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador

In September 2009, at age 17, Selena Gomez was appointed as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, becoming the organization's youngest ambassador at the time. Later that month, she traveled to Ghana on her first official field mission.

2009: Advertising Campaigns for Sears and Borden Milk

In 2009, Selena Gomez appeared in advertising campaigns for Sears and Borden Milk.

2009: Ambassador for DoSomething and RAISE Hope for Congo Event

In 2009, Selena Gomez became an ambassador for DoSomething and attended a RAISE Hope for Congo event in Los Angeles, supporting the Enough Project initiative.

2010: Continued involvement with UNICEF

In 2010, Selena Gomez continued her involvement with the Trick-or-Treat campaign and participated in additional fundraising initiatives, including a benefit concert marking the campaign's 60th anniversary.

2010: Stopped wearing purity ring

In 2010, Selena Gomez stopped wearing the purity ring she received in 2005.

2011: UNICEF Field Work in Chile and Promotion of Clean Water Access

In 2011, Selena Gomez visited Chile to observe the UNICEF-supported Programa Puente initiative. That year, she also promoted clean water access through participation in the UNICEF Tap Project.

2011: Citing Shia LaBeouf's Career Transition

In a 2011 interview, Selena Gomez cited Shia LaBeouf's career transition from Disney Channel star to film actor in adulthood as a model she hoped to emulate.

2012: Ambassador for 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 the Sound the Alarm Campaign

In 2012, Selena Gomez supported the Sound the Alarm campaign, raising awareness of malnutrition in the Sahel region.

2012: Diagnosed with Lupus

Sometime between 2012 and early 2014, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with a form of lupus erythematosus.

2013: Acoustic Charity Concerts benefiting UNICEF

Between 2010 and 2013, Selena Gomez conducted three Acoustic Charity Concerts benefiting UNICEF, which collectively raised nearly US$400,000.

2013: 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: Representative and Guest Designer for Adidas NEO Label

From 2013 to 2015, Selena Gomez served as a representative and guest designer for the Adidas NEO label, appearing in advertising campaigns and collaborating on seasonal collections.

2013: Narrated Documentary Girl Rising

In 2013, Selena Gomez narrated the documentary Girl Rising, which highlighted the importance of girls' education worldwide.

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2013: Canceled Concerts in Russia Amid LGBT Legislation Controversy

In 2013, Selena Gomez's scheduled concerts in Russia were canceled after authorities reportedly denied her visa request amid controversy surrounding the country's anti-LGBT legislation.

2014: Social Media Post on the Gaza War

During the 2014 Gaza War, Selena Gomez posted a message on social media asking for prayers for Gaza, clarifying that she was "not picking any sides" but praying for "peace and humanity for all".

2014: Hosted We Day Events

In 2014, Selena Gomez began hosting several We Day events, continuing through 2017.

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

In 2014, Selena Gomez said that she listened to "Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)" by Hillsong United before performing at the 2014 American Music Awards.

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2014: Travel to Nepal to highlight poverty and access to education challenges

In 2014, Selena Gomez traveled to Nepal to highlight challenges related to poverty and access to education.

2014: Musical Direction Turning Point

In 2014, the single "The Heart Wants What It Wants" was identified as a turning point in Gomez's musical direction, introducing darker themes and more personal lyrical subject matter.

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2014: Diagnosed with Lupus

Sometime between 2012 and early 2014, Selena Gomez was diagnosed with a form of lupus erythematosus.

2015: Endorsement Deal with Pantene

In 2015, Selena Gomez signed an endorsement deal with Pantene, becoming the face of its "Strong Is Beautiful" campaign. She later appeared in campaigns for Louis Vuitton and Coca-Cola.

August 2016: Canceled European and South American Dates of Revival Tour

In August 2016, Selena Gomez canceled the European and South American dates of her Revival Tour to treat anxiety, panic attacks, and depression caused by lupus.

December 2016: Partnership with Coach

In December 2016, Selena Gomez entered into a partnership with Coach, collaborating with creative director Stuart Vevers on design projects and appearing in advertising campaigns.

2016: Donation to Equality North Carolina During Revival Tour

During her 2016 Revival Tour, Selena Gomez donated proceeds from a North Carolina concert to Equality North Carolina in opposition to the state's Public Facilities Privacy & Security Act.

2016: Appeared at Hillsong Young & Free concert, leading worship

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

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2016: Collaboration on Charity Single "Hands" and Support for Lupus Research Alliance

In 2016, Selena Gomez collaborated with other artists on the charity single "Hands" to raise funds following the Pulse nightclub shooting and supported the Lupus Research Alliance, raising nearly US$500,000 for research through ticket sales from her Revival Tour and public donations.

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June 2017: Expressed discomfort with the term "religion"

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

September 2017: Revealed kidney transplant

In September 2017, Selena Gomez revealed on Instagram that she had received a kidney transplant from actress and friend Francia Raisa due to complications from lupus.

2017: Hosted We Day Events

In 2017, Selena Gomez continued hosting several We Day events, having started in 2014.

2017: Contribution to Billboard's "30 Days of Pride" Initiative

In 2017, Selena Gomez contributed a "love letter" to Billboard's "30 Days of Pride" initiative.

2017: Partnership with Keck School of Medicine and Coach Foundation

In 2017, Selena Gomez partnered with the Keck School of Medicine of USC to establish the Selena Gomez Fund for Lupus Research. Also in 2017, as part of her collaboration with Puma, the company donated US$100,000 to the fund and she partnered with the Coach Foundation in its support of Step Up, a nonprofit organization mentoring girls from under-resourced communities.

2017: Opposition to DACA Rescission

In 2017, Selena Gomez publicly opposed the Trump administration's decision to rescind the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

2017: Coach x Selena Gomez Collections

In 2017, Selena Gomez's collaboration with Coach produced the Coach x Selena Gomez collections, beginning with the Selena Grace handbag line and later expanding into ready-to-wear apparel.

2018: Volunteering with A21

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

2018: Psychosis Episode

In November 2022, Selena Gomez disclosed that she experienced an episode of psychosis in 2018.

2019: Joined When We All Vote as Co-Chair

In 2019, Selena Gomez joined Michelle Obama's nonpartisan organization When We All Vote as a co-chair.

2019: Donations during the Australian bushfire season

In 2019, Selena Gomez pledged donations to humanitarian relief efforts during the Australian bushfire season.

2019: Recipient of the McLean Award

In 2019, Selena Gomez received the McLean Award for her mental health advocacy.

2019: Support for Abortion Rights

In 2019, Selena Gomez voiced support for abortion rights following the Alabama abortion ban.

April 2020: Revealed bipolar disorder diagnosis

In April 2020, Selena Gomez publicly revealed that she has bipolar disorder.

June 2020: Partnership with PLUS1 to launch 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.

June 2020: Support for Black Lives Matter and Instagram Account Control to Black Activists

In June 2020, Selena Gomez voiced support for the Black Lives Matter movement and temporarily gave control of her Instagram account to several Black activists, including Alicia Garza.

September 2020: Launch of Rare Beauty

In September 2020, Selena Gomez launched her own makeup and cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which aims to promote inclusivity and mental health initiatives.

2020: Investor and Partner in Serendipity Brands

In 2020, Selena Gomez became an investor and partner in Serendipity Brands, co-developing the flavor Cookies & Cream Remix in conjunction with the release of her single "Ice Cream" with Blackpink.

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2020: Founding of the Rare Impact Fund

In 2020, Selena Gomez founded the Rare Impact Fund, committing to raise US$100 million over ten years to expand access to youth mental health services and education; one percent of company sales supports the initiative.

2020: Urged Facebook Executives to Address Hate Speech and Misinformation

In 2020, Selena Gomez urged executives Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg to address hate speech and misinformation on their platforms ahead of the 2020 US presidential election, reiterating those concerns following the January 6 US Capitol attack.

2020: Named Co-Chair of Voto Latino Foundation's Impact Council

In 2020, Selena Gomez was named co-chair of the Voto Latino Foundation's Impact Council.

May 2021: Hosted Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World

In May 2021, Selena Gomez hosted Vax Live: The Concert to Reunite the World, organized by Global Citizen to promote equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines through the COVAX program. The campaign raised US$302 million and secured more than 26 million vaccine doses for global distribution.

August 2021: Only Murders in the Building Premiere

In August 2021, Only Murders in the Building, starring and executive produced by Gomez, premiered and became Hulu's most-watched comedy premiere day. Gomez expressed feeling more in control of her television return and was glad to play a character closer to her age. The series received critical acclaim.

2021: UNICEF Fundraising and Open Letter for Vaccine Donations

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

2021: Collaboration with La'Mariette and Co-founded Wondermind

In 2021, Selena Gomez collaborated with swimwear brand La'Mariette on a capsule collection and co-founded the mental health media platform Wondermind.

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.

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

2021: Signing Letter Supporting the Equality Act and Transgender Women

In 2021, Selena Gomez was among numerous artists who signed a letter organized by The Ally Coalition supporting passage of the Equality Act. She also signed an open letter organized by GLAAD supporting transgender women and girls on Transgender Day of Visibility.

2021: Vulture's Ranking as Most Likable Star

In 2021, Vulture ranked Selena Gomez third on its "Disney and Nickelodeon Stars Gone Pop" listicle, describing her as "perhaps the most effortlessly likable star of her generation", and later named her as one of the few child stars with a successful music career as an adult.

May 2022: Participation in the Mental Health Youth Action Forum

In May 2022, Selena Gomez participated in the inaugural Mental Health Youth Action Forum at the White House.

October 2022: Canceled appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon due to COVID-19

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

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November 2022: Revealed psychosis episode in 2018

In November 2022, Selena Gomez revealed that she had an episode of psychosis in 2018.

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

In November 2022, Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me, directed by Alek Keshishian, premiered at AFI Fest. It was later released on Apple TV+ and in select theaters, receiving positive reviews for its candid approach to mental health. Gomez also released the song "My Mind & Me" to coincide with the documentary.

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2022: Rare Beauty's Estimated Annual Revenue

In 2022, Rare Beauty's estimated annual revenue reached US$300 million, up approximately 50 percent from 2022.

2022: Reiterated Support for Abortion Rights

In 2022, Selena Gomez reiterated her support for abortion rights after the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

2022: Wondermind Funding and Collaboration with Our Place

In 2022, Wondermind raised US$5 million in funding, valuing the startup at US$100 million, and Selena Gomez collaborated with cookware brand Our Place on product collections.

October 2023: Signed Open Letter Calling for Ceasefire in Gaza War

In October 2023, Selena Gomez was among more than 260 artists who signed an open letter organized by Artists4Ceasefire urging US leaders to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war.

2023: Rare Beauty's Estimated Annual Revenue

In 2023, Rare Beauty's estimated annual revenue reached US$300 million, up approximately 50 percent from 2022.

2023: Collaboration with Our Place

In 2023, Selena Gomez collaborated with cookware brand Our Place on product collections.

2023: Pete Born Impact Award for Rare Beauty

In 2023, Selena Gomez earned the Pete Born Impact Award for Rare Beauty, recognizing the brand's impact.

2023: Donations Amid the Gaza War

In 2023, amid the Gaza war, Selena Gomez and Rare Beauty announced donations to Magen David Adom, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, and UNICEF to support urgent care efforts and provide medical relief to children in Gaza. The donations were met with both criticism and support.

2023: Hosting the Annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit

Since 2023, Selena Gomez has hosted the annual Rare Impact Fund Benefit, continuing her commitment to charitable giving.

January 2024: Preference for Acting Over Music

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

April 2024: Speaking at the Time 100 Summit

In April 2024, Selena Gomez spoke at the Time 100 Summit about mental health and the impact of social media.

May 2024: Rare Beauty Valued at US$2 Billion

As of May 2024, Rare Beauty was valued at US$2 billion, reflecting the brand's success.

September 2024: Selena Gomez Reported as Billionaire

In September 2024, Bloomberg L.P. reported that Selena Gomez had become a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, with roughly 81% derived from Rare Beauty. At age 32, she was described as "one of the country's youngest female self-made billionaires".

September 2024: Revealed inability to have children naturally

In September 2024, Selena Gomez revealed her inability to have children naturally due to her health issues, and mentioned wanting to explore either surrogacy or adoption in the future.

November 2024: Disclosed prior diagnosis of SIBO

In November 2024, Selena Gomez disclosed a prior diagnosis of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

2024: Preference for Auteur Filmmakers and Unconventional Supporting Roles

In 2024, Selena Gomez expressed a preference for working with auteur filmmakers and taking on unconventional supporting roles, citing her role in Spring Breakers as a turning point. She accepted the Spotlight Award at the IndieWire honors and stated that she would "rather have four scenes in a Martin Scorsese film" than star in a standard coming-of-age romance.

2024: Included in Inc.'s Female Founders 250 List

In 2024, Selena Gomez was included in Inc.'s Female Founders 250 list, recognizing her entrepreneurial achievements.

January 2025: Video Expressing Distress Over Increased Deportation Efforts

In January 2025, Selena Gomez posted and later deleted a video expressing distress over increased deportation efforts by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the Trump administration. The post drew criticism, and the White House subsequently shared a response video defending the administration's immigration policies.

June 2025: Collaboration with Mondelez International for Oreo Cookie Release

In June 2025, Selena Gomez collaborated with Mondelez International to launch a limited-edition Oreo cookie inspired by horchata for international release.

September 27, 2025: Married Benny Blanco

On September 27, 2025, Selena Gomez married Benny Blanco at the Sea Crest Nursery in Santa Barbara, California.

2025: Rare Impact Fund's Progress

As of 2025, the Rare Impact Fund, founded by Selena Gomez, had raised over US$20 million and partnered with 30 nonprofit organizations across five continents.

2025: Volunteering During the Southern California Wildfires

During the 2025 Southern California wildfires, Selena Gomez volunteered in local relief efforts, while Rare Beauty assembled emergency care kits and made donations to the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation and World Central Kitchen.

2025: Launch of Rare Eau de Parfum

In 2025, Rare Beauty, founded by Selena Gomez, expanded into fragrance with the launch of Rare Eau de Parfum, its first perfume.

2025: SAG Award Win for 'Only Murders in the Building'

In 2025, the cast of Only Murders in the Building, including Selena Gomez, won the SAG Award for Outstanding Ensemble in a Comedy Series.

2026: Rare Beauty Available at Ulta Beauty Stores

In 2026, the Rare Beauty brand, founded by Selena Gomez, also became available at Ulta Beauty stores in the US.