You might know Ross Mathews as an Emmy-winning media personality and producer, with stints as a judge and producer on RuPaul’s Drag Race, as a correspondent on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and most recently, co-host of The Drew Barrymore Show. In his personal life, Ross is married to long-time educator Dr. Wellinthon Garcia-Mathews, and that wedding inspired his new children’s book.
Tio and Tio: The Ring Bearers is a story about two boys (the couple’s real-life nephews) who are ring bearers in their uncles’ wedding. Just in time for Pride Month, this new book is a heartwarming tale of family, love and responsibility.
We asked Ross to share more about his foray into children’s books, reflecting on marriage (and three-year wedding anniversary), and more.
Congrats on the new book! What can fans expect?
The book is a true story about our nephews Evan and Andy, who were also the ring bearers at our wedding. On our wedding day, we witnessed them rehearsing for their big moment – walking in unison, holding the rings, and practicing what to say.
We were so touched by how seriously they took their job, and it occurred to us – Ross, as storyteller, and Wellinthon, an educational leader and curriculum developer—that there was a larger lesson in this simple story that could resonate with young readers.
It’s the message of how vital each of us is to our families and how important simply showing up is, no matter who you are.
Love that! What did your nephews think of you writing this book?
They loved the idea of writing the book and agreed only if they could put their fingerprints all over the book. The process was so enjoyable, and our nephews’ extensive notes brought the book to life. We can’t write a book about autonomy, mattering, and not have their input.
So lovely. What’s your favorite moment in the book, and why?
We love the moment the boys rise above their fears and anxieties to meet the moment. In real life, their prideful smiles were enormous. I hope we capture that feeling in the book, too.
You’ve had such a dynamic career—from The Tonight Show to The Drew Barrymore Show. What are some highlights for you?
I’ve been so lucky over the past 24 years to work alongside so many greats—Jay Leno, RuPaul, Chelsea Handler, Drew Barrymore, and the list goes on. I’ve learned from each of them, and I feel like I’m just getting started!
What kind of uncles are you (we’re guessing… fun)?
We are definitely the fun uncles! But I hope we’re also the people in our nephews’ lives who will never judge them, will always help guide them, and will always listen to them. As we continue our series of TIO and TIO books, we will follow their journeys, our unique and hilarious relationship with them, and our role in each other’s lives.
Congrats on your wedding! With Pride Month upon us, what does being married mean to you?
Thank you! We can’t believe it’s been three years since we said, “I do!” Marriage is the absolute best when you’re with the right person. We know we have a support system every single day. And if one of us stumbles, the other will pick them up. Plus, we laugh all day, every day. Ross cooks. Wellinthon does the dishes. And we both say, “Thank you.” That’s so important.
Do you have plans to write another book?
Yes! Our publisher (Penguin Random House) had Gayle King surprise us at CBS MORNINGS with the news that “Tio and Tio” is getting a sequel! We can’t wait for you all to read what the boys and us get into next time!
Source: https://thelocalmomsnetwork.com/ross-mathews-tonight-jay-leno-drew-barrymore/
