On August 22, 2025, at 11:21 AM +07, Elon Musk, the billionaire visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX, broke down in an unexpected emotional interview on CBS Mornings, revealing that his mother, Maye Musk, was his sole pillar of strength through a lifetime of failures. For a man often portrayed as unstoppable, his tears painted a starkly human picture, admitting, “Through every collapse, every setback, it was her who kept me standing.” This rare glimpse into Musk’s vulnerability, aired live from Austin, Texas, has left the world questioning the softer side of the tech titan rarely seen beyond his public persona.

Musk, 54, spoke candidly about his early struggles—rejection from Stanford in 1995, the near-bankruptcy of Tesla in 2008, and SpaceX’s initial rocket failures. “I’d call her crying, and she’d say, ‘You’ll figure it out,’” he recounted, his voice cracking. Maye, a 77-year-old model and dietitian, raised Musk and his siblings alone after divorcing Errol Musk in 1979, a period marked by financial hardship in South Africa. Her memoir, A Woman Makes a Plan (2019), details supporting Elon’s coding ventures, like selling Blastar at 12, instilling resilience. Musk credited her unwavering belief, saying, “She never doubted me, even when I did.”

This revelation contrasts Musk’s public image as a risk-taking innovator, often criticized for brash moves like Twitter’s 2022 acquisition. The interview, prompted by a question about his childhood, shifted to tears as he recalled Maye’s sacrifices—working multiple jobs to keep the family afloat. Fans on X were moved, with @ElonFan2025 posting, “Seeing Elon cry for Maye—humanizes him completely.” Others, like @TechSkeptic, noted, “This explains his drive—her strength fueled him.”

The emotional weight reveals a side Musk shields: vulnerability. His strained ties with his father, Errol, and estrangement from daughter Vivian contrast with Maye’s constant presence, evident at Tesla events and SpaceX launches. Recent photos from July 2025 show her at his Austin compound, reinforcing their bond. This confession also ties to his 2025 focus on family, including his $35 million Texas estate for his 11 children, a project Maye has supported publicly.

As of today, August 22, 2025, at 11:21 AM +07, the interview has amassed 4.2 million YouTube views in hours, sparking debate. Does this humanize Musk, or highlight a reliance on Maye’s stability amid his chaos? Her role—celebrated in a 2023 honorary doctorate from the University of the Free State—underscores a foundation few knew shaped his empire. This tearful reveal invites the world to see the man behind the myth, raising questions about what other constants have guided his journey.