Karl-Anthony Towns’ – Karl-Anthony Towns credits his late mother, Jackie (Jacqueline Cruz-Towns), with shaping his values and his respect for women. Jackie died on April 13, 2020, at 59, after more than a month battling COVID-19, following hospitalization, a ventilator, and a medic
The Knicks’ first NBA title in several decades was the kind of moment that makes a spotlight feel even brighter—but in Karl-Anthony Towns’ world, it still leads back to the woman who raised him.
Towns has spoken often about Jackie, his late mother—Jacqueline Cruz-Towns—remembering her not just as a parent, but as the steady force behind his upbringing. During a post-game interview on Good Morning America, he credited her with exemplifying strength and teaching him “how to respect women.”
“To be raised by a strong woman is such an honor. And to understand the value of women in my life and in the world — comes from her,” Towns said. “Her impact in my life — can’t be outmatched, and her ability to show me the word love at its purest sense is the most important thing I’ve ever seen.”
Jackie was a constant presence in Towns’ basketball journey. A native of the Dominican Republic. she became a familiar face to NBA fans during his years with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns and his family were based in New Jersey. where Jackie and her husband. Karl Towns Sr. raised their children while supporting Karl-Anthony’s athletic ambitions from childhood.
As his talent grew—turning him into one of the nation’s top prospects before he attended the University of Kentucky and became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft—Jackie remained one of his most vocal supporters.
When the conversation turns to Jackie’s death, it’s clear how deeply the timing still lands. Jackie died on April 13, 2020, at age 59, due to complications from COVID-19. Before her death. Towns said publicly that she had been hospitalized. placed on a ventilator. and put into a medically induced coma while doctors treated her. The news came during the early months of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minnesota Timberwolves later announced the death in a statement released on behalf of the Towns family.
In the years since Jackie’s passing. Towns has stayed candid about what grief has meant for him—what family support has helped him carry. and how he’s tried to honor her by pushing through accomplishments. And when the Knicks finally brought that long-awaited championship to New York in 2026. he made sure Jackie was part of the moment.
“Thank you, mama. I appreciate you getting me one,” Towns said, tying the victory back to the love and strength he says he learned from her.
Karl-Anthony Towns Jackie Cruz-Towns Jacqueline Cruz-Towns Jackie Towns death April 13 2020 COVID-19 complications medically induced coma ventilator Minnesota Timberwolves New York Knicks NBA championship 2026 Good Morning America interview Jordyn Woods