Singer-songwriter Jewel was just eight years old when her mother walked out, leaving her and her siblings with their father, Atz Kilcher. Life quickly turned dark — her father became abusive, and by 15, Jewel left home, living alone in an Alaskan cabin and stealing food to survive.At 19, she moved to San Diego chasing a music dream, but ended up homeless after rejecting her boss’s advances. Living in her car until it was stolen, Jewel endured trauma, anxiety, and health issues, even while navigating the male-dominated music industry.

Despite early success with Pieces of You in 1995, the emotional wounds lingered. Bulimia, public ridicule, and industry pressure followed her. But instead of breaking down, she turned inward — using mindfulness, writing, and self-reflection to heal.Eventually, she and her father reconciled after he got sober. Jewel also became a mother, divorced peacefully, and now uses her experiences to help at-risk youth through her Inspiring Children Foundation.Today, Jewel is not just a music icon but a survivor and healer — someone who turned trauma into purpose, and fame into a platform for empowerment.