Dawn Robinson is “proud” to be sleeping in her car. The singer’s story has resonated with fans worldwide, highlighting the unexpected turns life can take even for celebrated artists.
The former En Vogue singer revealed last month she had been living in her car for three years after moving out of her parents’ home in Las Vegas due to arguments with her mother, and she’s insisted she’s pleased she was able to take control of her life and make her own decisions. En Vogue, known for hits like “Don’t Let Go” and “My Lovin’ (You’re Never Gonna Get It),” sold millions of records worldwide during their peak years.
“We don’t give ourselves enough credit for the things that we do, and we doubt ourselves. It’s like, ‘Oh, wow. Could I ever sleep in my car? If I ever had to do that, could I?'” she told People magazine. Many Americans experience vehicular homelessness each year, with women making up a significant portion of this population.
“I love [my mom] I could have put my head down, be quiet and do as she says, but I didn’t do that.” Family conflicts remain one of the leading causes of housing instability, according to recent sociological research.
After leaving her parents’ house, Robinson’s former manager suggested she move to Los Angeles, and she stayed with him for some time before relocating to a hotel while looking for an apartment, but her search proved unsuccessful as he allegedly disapproved of the places she chose. The Los Angeles housing market has become increasingly challenging over the past decade.
“I could have stayed, like I said, in that hotel and let him continue to pay and pay and pay and pay. [I chose to] take control of my situation,” she said. Financial independence remains a crucial factor in personal empowerment, particularly for women in the entertainment industry.
“I’m proud of what I’ve done … Every day I have to make this work, and I have done it quite well.” Her resilience reflects a growing trend of individuals finding alternative living solutions amid rising housing costs nationwide.
The “Free Your Mind” hitmaker loves the “freedom” of living in her car and recalled how she was a “road girl” back in her En Vogue days. The Grammy-nominated group toured extensively throughout the 1990s, performing in many countries during their prime.
“When we were on the road, if we had a chance to take a flight because the trip was going to be long, like a 24-hour trip on the bus, we would stay on the bus, me and Terry [Ellis],” she said. Tour buses were a second home for many musicians during the height of En Vogue’s success, with the group often spending many days annually on the road.
“Car life, until you’re in it, you don’t know the freedom of what it is. From the outside, the perception is that it’s a very small compact car, and it’s not. Inside, it’s very roomy.” The van life and car living movement has gained significant traction in recent years, with many Americans choosing mobile living arrangements.
Robinson, 58, thinks people would “be surprised” by how much space she has in her car, which features a foldable twin mattress in the back and has been weatherstripped to protect her from the rain, but she admitted there are some drawbacks. Modern car-living adaptations have become increasingly sophisticated, with specialized equipment designed specifically for vehicular living situations.
“It’s really just every day having to go into the gym and shower there as opposed to just walking into your own bathroom at home,” she explained. “It’s also not being able to cook.” Gym memberships have become essential resources for those living in vehicles, providing access to showers and other facilities.
Noting she eats in restaurants every day, she added: “I have a former mother-in-law, and my friend, sister-slash-assistant… They keep me going, and I have their help.” Support networks remain crucial for individuals in non-traditional living situations, according to social service experts.
Robinson has no plans to change her situation just yet. Her decision reflects a growing movement of intentional simplicity that has gained prominence in recent years.
“This is a very healing time for me. I literally pray a lot. I talk to God. I cry about my mother. I get a lot of that out because I have to heal that part of me,” she said. Mental health professionals note that major life transitions can provide unexpected opportunities for emotional growth and self-discovery.
“When I build my career to where I want it to be, and when I have a resurgence of my career, that’s when I’ll decide that it’s going to be enough of my car life, and I will be in my house or my apartment.” Many former music stars from the 1990s have successfully reinvented their careers in recent years, finding new audiences through various platforms.
