Get to Know D’nette Bassett: Angela Bassett’s Inspiring Sister

When people hear the name Angela Bassett, they think of Hollywood greatness. She’s been in amazing movies like Black Panther and What’s Love Got to Do with It? But not many people know about her younger sister, D’nette Bassett.

D’nette didn’t choose the spotlight. Instead, she built a quiet, simple, and meaningful life. She may not walk the red carpet, but she plays an important role behind the scenes. She’s more than just Angela’s sister — she’s someone strong, wise, and truly inspiring in her own way.

Let’s take a closer look at who D’nette is, where she comes from, and why her story is just as special as her sister’s.

D’nette Bassett Quick Bio

Where D’nette Bassett Was Born and Raised

D’nette Bassett was born in 1960 in New York City, just two years after Angela. The Bassett family lived in the city for a few years, but things changed when her parents, Daniel Benjamin Bassett and Betty Jane Bassett, separated.

After the divorce, D’nette and Angela moved with their mom to St. Petersburg, Florida. That’s where they spent most of their childhood. Their father stayed in New York, and the sisters didn’t see him much growing up. It was just the three of them — D’nette, Angela, and their hardworking mom.

Their early life wasn’t fancy, but it was full of love, learning, and support.

What Her Childhood Was Like

Growing up, D’nette and Angela were very close. Since they were only two years apart, many people thought they were twins. They looked alike and did everything together. They loved music, dancing, and performing for family members.

Their mother, Betty Jane, worked day and night to take care of them. She even went to night school to get a better job. The girls helped her study by making flashcards and asking her questions.

Their home was small, and life was tough, but there was always a strong feeling of teamwork. D’nette learned early on what it means to support and be supported — something that stayed with her all her life.

Did Angela and D’nette Bassett Grow Up Close?

Yes, very much. Angela Bassett once said that having D’nette by her side helped her face many hard moments growing up. They shared music, laughs, and even tears. Whether it was doing homework or dealing with big family changes, they did it together.

People often ask, “Are Angela and D’nette Bassett twins?” The answer is no. Angela was born in 1958, and D’nette came along in 1960. But because they were so close in age — and looked so similar — that confusion still happens even today in 2025.

Later in life, they even reunited with their father, Daniel, at their grandmother’s funeral. It was the first time in many years that all sides of the family came together.

Why Education Was So Important to Her

D’nette’s mom always said, “If you want a better life, go to school.” She believed in the power of education, and she passed that belief on to both her daughters.

So D’nette worked hard and followed that advice. She went to William Penn College and finished her degree in 1982. Her major was Human Relations and History, which showed her love for understanding people and learning about the past.

Unlike her sister Angela, who went into acting, D’nette knew she wanted something different — something calmer. And college helped her take that path.

What Job Did D’nette Bassett Choose?

Right after finishing college, D’nette became a history teacher at Walter Williams High School. She taught there from 1982 to 1983. After that, she worked at Winston-Salem State University as a tutorial coordinator, helping students succeed.

But her biggest career move came in 1984, when she joined U.S. Airways. She’s been there ever since, working as a Customer Manager in Charlotte, North Carolina. That’s more than 40 years in the same company — a rare thing these days.

While many chase fame or change jobs often, D’nette built a quiet, steady career helping people. That’s just who she is.

Why She Stayed Away from Hollywood Fame

D’nette Bassett made a clear choice early in life — fame was not for her. Even though her sister became a Hollywood star, D’nette didn’t want that lifestyle.

She didn’t want the cameras, the busy red carpets, or the constant pressure. She liked having her own space, her own job, and her own peace. Instead of being in the spotlight, she found joy in doing meaningful work, spending time with family, and living on her own terms.

Her story reminds us that there’s more than one way to shine. You don’t have to be famous to make a big impact — and D’nette proves that.

D’nette Bassett Bond with Angela Bassett

Even though D’nette Bassett lives a quiet life, she shares a deep and loving bond with her sister, Angela. The two have always been close, even as their paths took different turns.

Angela once shared that when she married actor Courtney B. Vance, D’nette gave her a simple but powerful piece of advice — “Put your husband first.” That short sentence helped shape Angela’s marriage in a big way. Courtney said he also took that advice seriously. It helped both of them keep their love strong through the ups and downs of life.

That kind of wisdom shows who D’nette really is. She may not be famous, but her words and love have helped hold the family together.

D’nette Bassett’s Rare Public Appearances

D’nette doesn’t go to many public events, but when she does, it’s usually to support her sister. One of her rare appearances was in 2019 at The Broad Museum in Los Angeles. She joined Angela and Courtney at the opening of an art show called Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power.

People were surprised to see her, and even more surprised by how much she looked like Angela. It was a proud moment that showed how much D’nette supports her sister, even if she prefers to stay out of the spotlight.

She also spent New Year’s Eve 2022 with Angela, Courtney, and their twins, Slater and Bronwyn. Moments like these show that family comes first for D’nette — always.

Does D’nette Have a Husband or Kids?

D’nette Bassett keeps her personal life very private. Unlike many public figures, she doesn’t post online or talk to the press. Because of that, not much is known about her relationships.

In her mother’s obituary from 2014, only Angela’s children were listed as Betty Jane’s grandchildren. That means D’nette may not have kids, or simply prefers to keep that part of her life quiet.

Whether married or not, with or without children, D’nette’s life is clearly full of love, meaning, and strong family ties. She lives the kind of calm and steady life that many people admire.

Remembering Their Mother, Betty Jane Bassett

D’nette and Angela’s mother, Betty Jane Bassett, played a big role in their lives. She raised both girls on her own and always put their needs first. She worked long hours and even went to school at night, all to give her daughters a better future.

She taught them to value education, kindness, and independence. D’nette followed those lessons closely and built a life that honored her mom’s dreams.

Betty passed away in June 2014, but her spirit still lives on in both of her daughters. Instead of flowers, people were asked to give to the American Heart or Lung Association in her name. It was a sweet and simple way to honor a woman who gave so much.

Are Angela and D’nette Bassett Twins?

Many people ask this question: Are Angela and D’nette Bassett twins? The answer is no, but it’s easy to see why people wonder.

Angela was born in 1958, and D’nette came along in 1960. They are just two years apart, look alike, and act like best friends. They even grew up doing everything together. So it’s no surprise people think they’re twins.

Still, even without sharing a birthday, their bond is as strong as any twin’s. They support each other, celebrate each other’s wins, and are always there in hard times, too.

Where Is D’nette Bassett Today?

As of 2025, D’nette Bassett is living a peaceful life in Charlotte, North Carolina. She’s still working at U.S. Airways, where she’s been for over 40 years. In a world where people change jobs often, her steady career is something special.

She still stays close to her sister Angela and her family. Whether it’s a holiday, birthday, or just a regular visit, D’nette is always part of the picture — even if it’s behind the scenes.

She may not post on Instagram or walk the red carpet, but she plays a huge part in the lives of those who love her.

Final Thoughts

D’nette Bassett may not be a Hollywood name, but her story is full of strength, love, and quiet power. She shows us that you don’t need fame or awards to live a meaningful life.

She helped her mother study, gave wise advice to her sister, and built a long-lasting career — all while staying true to herself. In many ways, she is the kind of role model we don’t hear about enough.

Angela Bassett often says that family keeps her grounded. And D’nette, without a doubt, is a big part of that. Her story reminds us that behind every star is someone strong like D’nette Bassett — someone who chooses love, wisdom, and peace.

(FAQs)

How many siblings does Angela Bassett have, and is D’nette her twin?

Angela Bassett has two siblings — one half-sister named Jean and her full sister D’nette. But no, D’nette is not her twin, even though they look alike and are super close in age!

What is D’nette Bassett’s age and birthday?

D’nette Bassett was born in 1960, making her around 65 years old in 2025 — but her exact birthday has never been made public, which adds to her mysterious private life.

Is D’nette Bassett married or does she have kids?

Shockingly, there’s no public record of D’nette ever having a husband or children, not even in her mother’s obituary, where only Angela’s kids were listed.

What does D’nette Bassett do for a living, and what’s her net worth?

She’s worked at U.S. Airways for over 40 years as a Customer Manager and was once a teacher and tutor — yet her net worth is estimated to be less than $500,000, despite being the sister of a Hollywood star.

Where is D’nette Bassett now, and what is she doing in 2025?

D’nette still lives a quiet life in Charlotte, North Carolina, working at U.S. Airways and staying away from fame — a peaceful routine that hasn’t changed for decades!

You Might Also Like:

• Aretha Franklin’s Sister – Carl Ellan Kelley
• River Phoenix’s Sister – Jodean Bottom
• Jim Parsons’s Sister – Julie Ann Parsons