Michael Jordan has two sisters: Deloris E. Jordan (often referred to as Deloris Jr.) and Roslyn Jordan. Deloris, the older sister, is an author known for her 2001 memoir In My Family’s Shadow, while Roslyn, the younger sister, is a successful children’s book author who collaborated extensively with their mother, Deloris Jordan Sr.
The global phenomenon of Michael Jordan often eclipses the lives of his family members. While his brothers, Larry and James "Ronnie" Jr., have occasionally appeared in the spotlight—most notably in documentaries like The Last Dance—his sisters have maintained distinct, often private, but highly impactful lives. As of 2026, the legacy of the Jordan siblings continues to be a subject of interest for those looking to understand the foundation of the greatest basketball player of all time.
Deloris E. Jordan: Finding a Voice in the Shadow
Deloris E. Jordan is the second eldest of the five Jordan children. Growing up in a household defined by high expectations and the disciplined guidance of James and Deloris Jordan Sr., Deloris carved out a path that was significantly different from her world-famous brother.
The Impact of In My Family's Shadow
In 2001, Deloris E. Jordan published a memoir titled In My Family's Shadow. This book remains one of the most controversial and poignant pieces of literature connected to the Jordan family. In the memoir, Deloris detailed her personal struggles and made serious allegations regarding her upbringing, specifically involving her father, James Jordan.
The publication of the book created a visible rift within the family. Unlike the unified front often presented by the Jordan family in public and during Michael’s Hall of Fame induction or various documentary appearances, Deloris’s account provided a much more complex and troubled view of their private life. As we look back from the perspective of 2026, the book is often analyzed as a precursor to the modern movement of family transparency in celebrity circles.
Life Beyond the Controversy
Despite the friction caused by her memoir, Deloris E. Jordan has spent much of her life working on personal healing and advocacy. She has often spoken about the challenges of being the sibling of a global icon, where one's individual identity is frequently subsumed by the "Jordan" brand. Her work has focused on the importance of mental health and the courage required to speak one's truth, even when that truth conflicts with a popular public narrative.
Roslyn Jordan: The Literary Guardian of the Jordan Legacy
Roslyn Jordan is the youngest of the five siblings. Unlike Deloris E., Roslyn has maintained a very close and public working relationship with her mother and the core Jordan family unit. Her contributions to the family legacy are primarily found in the world of children's literature.
Collaborative Works with Deloris Jordan Sr.
Roslyn Jordan is perhaps best known for co-authoring several highly successful children’s books with her mother. These books focus on themes of perseverance, family values, and the importance of self-belief—traits that were clearly central to the Jordan household in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Some of her most notable works include:
- Salt in His Shoes: A story about a young Michael Jordan who fears he will never be tall enough to play the game he loves. It focuses on the power of patience and prayer.
- Did I Tell You I Love You Today?: A book designed to foster emotional bonds between parents and children.
- Michael's Golden Rules: A book that uses sports as a metaphor to teach children about sportsmanship and life lessons.
These publications have become staples in elementary education and libraries across the United States. Through these stories, Roslyn has helped shape the public's perception of the Jordan family as one rooted in faith and hard work.
Career in Public Service and Administration
Beyond her writing, Roslyn has spent a significant portion of her career in the public sector. She worked for many years in the Chicago area, contributing to various administrative and community-focused roles. Her professional life has been characterized by a desire to contribute to the community without relying solely on her surname for advancement.
Comparing the Jordan Sisters
While both women share the same parents and upbringing, their public personas and interactions with the "Michael Jordan" legacy have been markedly different.
| Feature | Deloris E. Jordan | Roslyn Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Birth Order | Second Child (Older Sister) | Fifth Child (Youngest Sister) |
| Primary Work | Author (Memoirist) | Author (Children's Literature) |
| Notable Book | In My Family's Shadow | Salt in His Shoes |
| Public Relationship with MJ | Private / Strained | Public / Supportive |
| Key Themes | Trauma, Healing, Individuality | Perseverance, Family, Education |
| Professional Focus | Advocacy and Mental Health | Literature and Public Service |
The Jordan Family Dynamic: Growing Up in Wilmington
To understand the sisters, one must understand the environment created by James and Deloris Jordan Sr. in North Carolina. The family moved from Brooklyn to Wilmington when the children were young, seeking a safer environment and better opportunities.
The Influence of James Jordan Sr.
James Jordan was a hardworking man who spent years at General Electric. He was known for his "hands-on" approach to parenting, teaching his sons how to fix cars and his daughters the value of discipline. While Michael’s competitiveness is often attributed to his father’s "tough love" and the rivalry with his brother Larry, the sisters had to navigate this high-pressure environment in their own ways.
The Matriarch: Deloris Jordan Sr.
Deloris Sr. has always been the glue of the family. As of 2026, she remains an active figure in philanthropy through the James R. Jordan Foundation. Her influence on Roslyn is particularly evident, as the two have worked side-by-side on numerous literary and charitable projects. Deloris Sr. instilled in her daughters the importance of education and etiquette, ensuring that they were prepared for life beyond their brother’s basketball court.
The Challenges of Being a "Jordan"
Being related to the most famous athlete in history carries unique burdens. For Deloris E. and Roslyn, this meant their achievements were often measured against Michael's six NBA championships and global brand.
- Privacy Concerns: The Jordan family has lived under a microscope since the mid-1980s. Maintaining a private life while the media constantly hunts for "untold stories" has been a lifelong task for the sisters.
- Identity Formation: Growing up in the shadow of a "living legend" can lead to identity crises. Deloris E. Jordan’s memoir was a direct attempt to reclaim her own narrative, separate from the curated image of the family.
- Security and Safety: Following the tragic murder of their father in 1993, the entire family had to rethink their relationship with the public and their personal security. This event profoundly affected both sisters and solidified their respective approaches to public life.
The Sisters' Absence in "The Last Dance"
When the documentary The Last Dance aired in 2020, many viewers noticed that while Michael’s mother and brothers were featured, his sisters were largely absent from the primary interviews.
- Deloris E. Jordan's Absence: Given the content of her memoir and her past allegations, her exclusion was seen by many as a way to maintain the documentary's focus on Michael's competitive journey rather than complex family internalities.
- Roslyn Jordan's Absence: Roslyn has generally preferred to stay out of the sports media spotlight, focusing instead on her work in education and literature.
This absence highlighted the different tiers of "publicness" within the Jordan family. While Michael and his mother are the faces of the brand, the sisters have found ways to exist outside that specific media framework.
The Literary Legacy of the Jordan Women
One of the most interesting aspects of the Jordan family is the dominance of women in the literary space. While the men conquered the world of sports and business, the women—Deloris Sr., Deloris E., and Roslyn—have all used the written word to express themselves.
Roslyn’s children’s books serve as a bridge between the Jordan family’s private values and the public’s desire for inspiration. By writing Salt in His Shoes, she provided a "human" look at Michael that made him relatable to children who felt small or inadequate. In contrast, Deloris E.’s memoir provided a "human" look at the family that was much more raw and adult, addressing the complexities of family dynamics that are often polished over by PR teams.
Current Status in 2026
As of 2026, both sisters continue to lead lives that reflect their individual choices.
- Roslyn Jordan remains active in the literary community, occasionally appearing at book signings and educational conferences. Her books continue to sell well, providing a steady stream of "Jordan" inspiration to a new generation of readers who never saw Michael play live.
- Deloris E. Jordan lives a more quiet life, focused on her personal projects and advocacy. While she has not released a new book in recent years, her 2001 memoir remains a point of study for those interested in the sociology of famous families.
FAQs About Michael Jordan’s Sisters
How many siblings does Michael Jordan have?
Michael Jordan has four siblings. He is the fourth of five children. His siblings are James "Ronnie" Jr., Deloris, Larry, and Roslyn. He has two brothers and two sisters.
Is Michael Jordan's sister Deloris Jordan the same as his mother?
No. Michael’s mother is Deloris Jordan (Sr.). His older sister is also named Deloris Jordan, often referred to as Deloris Jr. or Deloris E. Jordan to avoid confusion.
What is the name of Michael Jordan's youngest sister?
His youngest sister is Roslyn Jordan. She is the youngest of all five siblings and was born in 1964, roughly a year after Michael.
Did Michael Jordan's sisters play basketball?
While the Jordan household was incredibly athletic, the sisters did not pursue professional basketball careers. Roslyn and Deloris both focused on academics and writing, although the entire family was raised with an appreciation for sports and competition.
Are Michael Jordan and his sister Deloris on good terms?
The relationship between Michael and his sister Deloris E. Jordan has been described as strained for many years, particularly following the publication of her memoir in 2001. The family has generally kept these matters private since then.
What books did Michael Jordan's sister Roslyn write?
Roslyn Jordan co-authored several books including Salt in His Shoes, Michael's Golden Rules, and Did I Tell You I Love You Today?. She frequently collaborates with her mother on these projects.
Conclusion and Final Recommendations
The lives of Deloris E. and Roslyn Jordan offer a fascinating look at the "other side" of greatness. While Michael Jordan became a global icon of success and competition, his sisters represent the complexities of family, the power of the written word, and the pursuit of individual identity.
For those interested in the Jordan family history, it is highly recommended to read both perspectives. Roslyn’s children’s books offer the "official" inspirational narrative that helped build the Jordan brand, while Deloris E.’s memoir provides a necessary, if difficult, look at the challenges that can exist within any high-achieving family. Understanding both sisters provides a much more holistic and human view of the man known as "Air Jordan."
