Who are Katy Perry’s pastor parents, who reportedly misused donations? Keith Hudson called her a ‘devil child’ while Mary Hudson dated Jimi Hendrix – and has political aspirations with the Republicans

Aug 1 , 2024

Did you know that Katy Perry’s parents are both pastors? Photo: @maryarises/Instagram

The singer has spoken about her religiously conservative upbringing with parents Keith and Mary Hudson; they support their daughter now, even if they don’t always agree on her career choices

Perry’s parents had a wild past before finding religion and starting a church, though they’ve supposedly misspent donated funds; now, one parent is eyeing a local elected position in Santa Barbara

Careers are always full of ups and downs but for musicians, reinvention is the key to staying relevant. Just take billionaire songstress Taylor Swift, who won fans over with the country sweetheart persona of her Fearless early years, faced critics head on with her bold Reputation moment, then rode a wave of popularity with her softer Lover and Folklore albums.

Then there’s Katy Perry. The colourful pop icon is currently facing scathing reviews of her latest single, “Woman’s World” – which The Guardian called “regressive, warmed-over hell” – and has given up her American Idol judge’s seat to country superstar Carrie Underwood. Before that, though, she was known for her bold, provocative style displayed in hits like “I Kissed a Girl” and “Roar”.

But most people forget – or don’t realise – that Perry actually launched her career with a Christian album in 2001, only ditching her strict religious upbringing, and finding stardom, with her 2008 pop album One of the Boys.

Katy Perry in a promotional shoot. Photo: @katyperry/Instagram

But even with all her fame and fortune, there seems to be one crowd that isn’t quite on board with Perry’s transformation – her own family. Perry’s parents are both devout preachers with conservative values. Still, despite their differing beliefs, her parents have always tried to be supportive.

Katy Perry’s parents Keith and Mary Hudson celebrate Christmas in 2023. photo: @maryarises/Instagram

Read on to learn more about Keith and Mary Hudson.

Katy Perry’s parents are Pentecostal pastors

Mary Hudson and Keith Hudson on a boat in Santa Barbara, in 2023. Photo: @maryarises/Instagram

Maurice “Keith” Hudson, and Mary Hudson – née Perry – have both been Pentecostal pastors and evangelical ministers for over four decades.

Per Hello!, Keith, originally from Las Vegas, met Mary while she was a radio news director and freelance journalist. The pair married in Vegas in 1979, then set up their own church in Santa Barbara. Since then, they’ve travelled the globe sharing their faith.