The NFL world’s taking a breather to honor a voice that shaped cinematic history, and it’s hitting close to home for Chiefs’ star quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ mom, Randi Mahomes. 

GMA co-anchor Gio Benitez tweeted, “We’ll be looking for you in the stars, James Earl Jones.” Randi Mahomes kept it simple with a four-word retweet: “One of our favs.” She’s keeping it real while remembering James Earl Jones, who passed away at 93.

Jones’ voice was pure magic—whether he was chilling you as Darth Vader or bringing warmth as Mufasa in The Lion King. This guy wasn’t just any actor; he was the guy who gave depth and gravity to some of the most iconic characters ever. He only got $7k for Star Wars, but his Vader was legendary. That iconic line, “No, I am your father,” from The Empire Strikes Back still sparks conversations.

Jones’s career was a trophy haul—three Tonys, two Emmys, a Grammy, and a Golden Globe. He was a powerhouse in every sense. He had this insane talent for making words come alive, something he cherished deeply. “It was the idea that you can do a play and say things you could never imagine thinking in your own life,” he once said.

As we remember James Earl Jones, Randi Mahomes is also dealing with her own loss. While she honors Jones, she’s grieving her mother, Debbie Bates. Her heartfelt tribute shows that even in celebration, personal moments hit hard.

Randi Mahomes remembers her late mother, Debbie Bates

Life’s tough, and Randi Mahomes knows that all too well. Last year, she felt a huge loss when her mom, Debbie Bates, passed away on April 11 at 72. Patrick Mahomes’ mom took to Instagram to pay tribute, sharing a heartfelt snapshot of her mom, daughter Mia, and herself in Chiefs gear at Arrowhead Stadium.

In her post, Randi reminisced, “Last year around (this) time, I was with my momma in KC. She loved it there and was the proudest. She was determined to get the Marriott tree in Chiefs colors. Memories are what I treasure.” It’s clear that those moments meant a lot to her, who’s been navigating this tough time with the support of her family and her own personal coping mechanisms.

Debbie Bates wasn’t just a loving mother; she was a cornerstone of a successful family. She had four children with Randy Martin: Jill, Lori, Joey, and Randi. Patrick Mahomes is her oldest grandchild, with Randi also being a mom to Jackson Mahomes and Mia Randall. 

The family felt Debbie’s loss deeply, but Randi’s found some comfort in her love for music. Her Instagram posts show her journey—one expired Story from a music festival read, “This is where I fight my battles.” Despite the ongoing pain, music has become a vital source of strength for her. 012

As the Mahomes family keeps Debbie’s memory alive, Randi’s resilience shines, proving that even in dark times, family and passions can light the way.