Meet J.D. Vance’s mother Beverly Aikins: a journey of addiction and redemption, from broken marriages and Hillbilly Elegy fame, to inspiring hearts at the Republican National Convention

It was day three of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and all eyes were on J.D. Vance as he officially accepted the Republican vice-presidential nomination, making him former US president Donald Trump’s running mate in the November elections.

But it was his mother, Beverly Aikins, who touched hearts as her son applauded her for being nearly 10 years sober. Wearing a simple black outfit with a silver chain and cross, Aikins, who became famous through her son’s 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy, blew kisses to Vance and got a standing ovation from the crowd.

The book, which Forbes describes as “the memoir that launched J.D. Vance’s political career” was later adapted into a film starring Amy Adams and Glenn Close.

Here is what you need to know about Beverly Aikins, thrust into the national spotlight again by her 40-year-old senator son.

Beverly Aikins was a young mum

According to People magazine, Aikins was just 19 years old when she give birth to her first child Lindsay in 1979. Half-brother J.D. was born five years later. The two children were raised in Middletown, Ohio. In an interview on NBC, Lindsay was described as being a “protective” sister by Vance. Lindsay, who was also interviewed, said she “would die for that kid” when describing their childhood.

J.D. Vance had multiple “father figures”

In his memoir, Vance wrote that he was six years old when his parents officially divorced, although his father, Donald, had left the family a few years before that.

Vance says that it was his mum who told him about the divorce, simply saying he would never see his father again. “Of all the things I hated about my childhood, nothing compared to the revolving door of father figures,” wrote Vance in Hillbilly Elegy.

Per People, Beverly married a third man, Bob Hamel, who adopted the young boy. Vance, whose second name was Donald after his biological father Donald Bowman, was renamed James David Hamel. “Any old D name would have done, so long as it wasn’t Donald.”

Lost loves

Per The New York Times, Vance has described how he used to hide away as his mother fought with her lovers. He described his upbringing as “aggressive” and said that when his mother used to “lay in bed sobbing” after another failed relationship he felt a similar rage that which consumed his mother.

The start of Beverly Aikins’ addiction

Beverly was a nurse and, in her work environment, had access to prescription medication. Per People magazine, her drug abuse and addiction escalated to include heroin. Lori Meibers, Aikins’ sister, was backstage at the Republican National Convention when her nephew was speaking. She said Aikins’ period of addiction were the “hardest years” of her life. “Addiction robs the whole family of something they can never replace,” she told Daytona Daily News.

J.D. Vance was taken away from his mum

Vance has relived how his mother was arrested after threatening to kill them both while driving a speeding car. He told NBC he jumped out of the moving vehicle and the police intervened. He said he was “relieved” when he saw her being taken away, saying he was “terrified” and wanted to “live another day”. Vance was placed in the care of his grandparents, James and Bonnie Vance, who he has credited for raising him.

Beverly Aikins has been sober for nearly 10 years

In his speech at the Republican National Convention in July, Vance said that his mother had been sober for 10 years. “It’ll be 10 years officially in January of 2025 and, if President Trump’s OK with it, let’s have the celebration in the White House.”

She’s giving back

Now, 10 years sober, Aikins is helping those in need. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, Beverly works in substance use recovery in Southwest Ohio. Her sister confirmed to Dayton Daily News that Aikins had regained her nursing licence.