The Most Beautiful

1. Destiny and Choice Intertwine in Love and Life

I feel that same certainty about my husband, my soul’s mate.

Fate vs. Free Will. Mayte's narrative explores the delicate balance between destiny and free will, particularly in matters of love. She believes in soulmates and past lives, suggesting a preordained connection with Prince. However, she also acknowledges the choices they made that shaped their relationship, highlighting the agency individuals possess even within a seemingly fated path.

Recognizing the Beloved. Mayte describes recognizing her beloved, though not right away, and how he treasured her, though he didn’t know how to keep her. This encapsulates the idea that while destiny may bring people together, the choices they make determine the longevity and nature of their bond. The story suggests that recognizing a soulmate is only the beginning; nurturing and sustaining the relationship requires conscious effort and understanding.

The Spiral of Incarnations. The concept of souls traveling in an endless spiral of incarnations underscores the idea that relationships are not confined to a single lifetime. This belief provides a framework for understanding the complexities of human connection, suggesting that certain threads continue with us from life to life, influencing our present-day relationships.

2. Music as a Language of the Soul

He said many times, publically and privately, that his love for me changed him as a man and influenced much of the music he made during the years we were together.

Expression Through Melody. Music serves as a primary mode of communication and emotional expression for Prince. Mayte emphasizes how his feelings for her influenced his music, suggesting that his art was deeply intertwined with his personal experiences. This highlights the power of music to convey emotions and stories that words often fail to capture.

Shared Artistic Vision. Mayte and Prince connected through their shared passion for art and performance. Their collaboration extended beyond romantic involvement, as they inspired and challenged each other creatively. This underscores the idea that artistic partnerships can foster deep connections and provide a unique language for understanding and expressing oneself.

The Power of Rhythm. The book emphasizes the power of music to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers. Mayte's early experiences with belly dancing and Prince's eclectic musical influences demonstrate how rhythm and melody can evoke emotions and create connections that resonate across diverse backgrounds.

3. The Allure and Peril of Fame

Between 1990, when Prince and I first met, and 1996, when we got married, I participated in 129 performances on five world tours, plus a couple hundred aftershows and one-off concert gigs, dozens of music videos, album tracks (credited and uncredited), many national television appearances, countless photo sessions, radio interviews, and press junkets.

The Price of Celebrity. Mayte's narrative offers a glimpse into the demanding and often isolating world of fame. She recounts the constant travel, performances, and media appearances that consumed her life with Prince, highlighting the sacrifices and challenges that come with a high-profile career. The story reveals the pressure to maintain a public image and the difficulty of navigating personal relationships under the scrutiny of the media.

Loss of Privacy. The book underscores the loss of privacy that accompanies fame. Mayte describes the constant presence of reporters and photographers, the intrusion into her personal life, and the difficulty of maintaining a sense of normalcy. This highlights the challenges of living in the public eye and the impact it can have on one's sense of self and identity.

The Illusion of Control. The narrative suggests that fame can create an illusion of control, particularly for artists like Prince who sought to shape their public image and maintain creative autonomy. However, the book also reveals the limitations of this control, as external forces such as record labels and media outlets often exert influence over an artist's career and personal life.

4. The Power of Female Bonds

“You’re my sis,” said Sheila. “We are all family.”

Sisterhood in the Spotlight. Despite the competitive nature of the music industry, Mayte found solace and support in her relationships with other women, particularly those who shared a connection to Prince. The bond between Mayte, Wendy, Lisa, and Sheila E. highlights the importance of female solidarity and the power of shared experiences to create lasting friendships.

Mother-Daughter Strength. Mayte's relationship with her mother, Nelly, is a constant source of strength and guidance. Nelly's unwavering support for Mayte's dreams, her fierce protectiveness, and her willingness to challenge societal norms demonstrate the power of maternal love and the importance of having a strong female role model.

Navigating Complex Relationships. The book acknowledges the complexities of female relationships, particularly in the context of romantic involvement with the same person. While Mayte experienced jealousy and insecurity, she also recognized the shared humanity and vulnerability of other women, ultimately choosing compassion and understanding over bitterness and resentment.

5. Grief, Loss, and the Search for Meaning

Prince passed away so suddenly. I wasn’t ready.

Unresolved Grief. The sudden death of Prince serves as a catalyst for Mayte's journey of reflection and healing. The book explores the complexities of grief, particularly when it is compounded by unresolved emotions and unanswered questions. Mayte's struggle to make sense of Prince's death highlights the importance of allowing oneself to grieve fully and to find healthy ways to cope with loss.

The Pain of Child Loss. The loss of Amiir is a central theme in the book, shaping Mayte's identity and influencing her relationships. The narrative explores the profound grief and trauma associated with losing a child, the challenges of navigating such a loss within a high-profile relationship, and the long-lasting impact it can have on one's sense of self and purpose.

Finding Meaning in Tragedy. Despite the pain and loss she has experienced, Mayte's narrative ultimately offers a message of hope and resilience. She finds meaning in her relationships, her art, and her commitment to helping others, demonstrating the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity and to create a life filled with purpose and joy.

6. Reinvention as a Means of Survival

When my heart was broken, I tried to make it the story of how I found myself.

Transformative Power of Change. Mayte's life is marked by constant reinvention, as she navigates new roles, relationships, and challenges. From her early career as a belly dancer to her marriage to Prince to her journey as a single mother, she demonstrates the ability to adapt and evolve in the face of adversity. This highlights the importance of embracing change and viewing it as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Finding New Paths. The book explores the process of finding new paths after loss and heartbreak. Mayte's decision to pursue acting, animal rescue, and motherhood demonstrates her resilience and her determination to create a fulfilling life despite the challenges she has faced. This underscores the idea that reinvention is not about erasing the past but about building a future that is aligned with one's values and aspirations.

Embracing Authenticity. Mayte's journey of reinvention is ultimately about finding her authentic self. She sheds the roles and expectations imposed upon her by others, embracing her unique talents, passions, and values. This highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the power of living a life that is true to oneself.

7. The Complexities of Love and Relationships

I never pretended I was the only woman he ever loved, but for better or worse, the experience we shared as husband and wife and as parents took us both to a place neither of us was ever able to share with anyone else.

Beyond Fairy Tales. Mayte's relationship with Prince defies traditional notions of romance and marriage. The book explores the complexities of love, highlighting the challenges of navigating power dynamics, infidelity, and differing expectations within a high-profile relationship. This underscores the idea that love is not always easy or perfect, but it can be transformative and deeply meaningful.

The Many Forms of Love. The narrative suggests that love can take many forms, extending beyond romantic relationships to encompass family, friends, and artistic collaborations. Mayte's deep connection with her parents, her sister, and her fellow artists demonstrates the importance of cultivating diverse relationships and finding love in unexpected places.

Acceptance and Forgiveness. The book explores the themes of acceptance and forgiveness, both in relation to oneself and to others. Mayte's ability to forgive Prince for his flaws and to accept the complexities of their relationship demonstrates the power of compassion and the importance of letting go of resentment.

8. Finding Strength in Vulnerability

I will never fully close this chapter of my life.

Embracing Imperfection. Mayte's willingness to share her story, including her vulnerabilities and insecurities, is a testament to her strength and authenticity. The book challenges the notion that one must be perfect or invulnerable to be worthy of love and respect. It suggests that true strength lies in embracing one's imperfections and sharing them with others.

The Power of Honesty. The narrative underscores the importance of honesty in relationships, both with oneself and with others. Mayte's decision to speak openly about her experiences, even when they are painful or difficult, demonstrates the power of truth to heal and to connect people on a deeper level.

Vulnerability as Connection. The book suggests that vulnerability is not a weakness but a strength, as it allows for genuine connection and empathy. By sharing her story, Mayte invites readers to connect with her on a human level, fostering a sense of understanding and compassion.

9. The Artist's Journey: Creation, Destruction, and Legacy

Everyone who knew this extraordinary man—friends, family, and fans—has their own stories to tell, and I hope they tell them, though some will be painful for me to hear.

The Price of Genius. The book offers a glimpse into the mind of a creative genius, highlighting the passion, dedication, and often tumultuous nature of the artistic process. Mayte's narrative suggests that genius often comes at a price, requiring sacrifices and demanding a level of intensity that can be both exhilarating and destructive.

Creation and Destruction. The narrative explores the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, both in art and in life. Prince's tendency to reinvent himself, to tear down old structures and build new ones, reflects a constant drive for innovation and a willingness to challenge the status quo. This underscores the idea that destruction is often necessary for creation to occur.

Leaving a Mark. The book emphasizes the importance of leaving a lasting legacy, both through one's art and through one's relationships. Mayte's desire to honor Prince's memory and to share her story with others demonstrates the power of legacy to transcend time and to inspire future generations.

10. The Importance of Honoring One's Truth

This is my story—a private love story that belongs to me alone—and I need to share it my own way, just as he shared it in his.

Authenticity as Liberation. Mayte's decision to tell her story in her own way, on her own terms, is a powerful act of self-assertion. The book challenges the notion that women must conform to societal expectations or suppress their own voices in order to be heard. It suggests that true liberation comes from embracing one's truth and sharing it with the world.

Reclaiming the Narrative. The narrative underscores the importance of reclaiming one's narrative, particularly in the face of media scrutiny and public opinion. Mayte's decision to write her own story is an act of empowerment, allowing her to control the narrative and to share her perspective on her relationship with Prince.

Finding Peace in Self-Expression. The book suggests that self-expression is a vital component of healing and self-discovery. By sharing her story, Mayte finds a sense of closure and peace, demonstrating the power of art to transform pain into beauty and to connect people on a deeper level.

Last updated: March 17, 2025