Megan Thee Stallion's Dad: Meet the Rapper's Late 'Best Friend'

Megan Thee Stallion's late dad played a powerful role in her life. From heartfelt tributes to a nonprofit in his name, here's how she continues to honor the legacy of the man who was taken from her too soon.

Long before she became a Grammy-winning rapper and chart-topping force, Megan Thee Stallion was Megan Pete, a Texas native with big dreams and a deep bond with her family.

Known for hits like "Savage" and "Body," the rapper has built her brand on confidence, strength, and empowerment. But behind the big name is a woman who has endured great loss — and her journey is closely tied to one figure in particular — her father.

Megan Thee Stallion's Dad – A 'Full-Time Hustler' and Her 'Best Friend'

Megan Thee Stallion's dad, Joseph Pete Jr., played a formative role in her journey, even though their time together was cut short. Pete spent the first eight years of her life in prison, something the rapper has spoken about candidly in interviews.

"My dad was definitely my best friend, but for the first eight years of my life, he was in jail," she once shared. "When he got out, we were together every day."

In honor of her parents, Megan Thee Stallion launched the Pete and Thomas Foundation on her 27th birthday.

Despite his past, Pete left a lasting impact on his daughter, who described him as a "full-time hustler." Their bond was strong, and Megan Thee Stallion has said that his love continues to shape her, especially in how she approaches relationships. She explained:

"I saw how he treated my mom, and I saw how my dad treated me. I have so many strong positive influences. I'm not going to lower my standards."

Honoring His Legacy Through Philanthropy

The death of Megan Thee Stallion's dad when she was just a freshman in high school marked a turning point in her life. Yet rather than let grief define her, she used it as a source of motivation.

In honor of her parents, the rapper launched the Pete and Thomas Foundation on her 27th birthday — an organization named after both her mother, Molly Thomas, and her father. Describing the nonprofit as one of the "most significant endeavors" of her career, Megan Thee Stallion said:

"My family raised me to help others and give back, so I'm incredibly proud to be in a position to accomplish that goal. I have a responsibility to use my platform to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who may not have access to resources and support services."

The Pete and Thomas Foundation operates with a focus on education, housing, and health and wellness. It's a mission deeply rooted in the values her father instilled in her from an early age.

Even after his passing, Pete's presence is felt in his famous daughter's choices, values, and charitable work.

According to its website, it aims to "provide resources to effect meaningful and positive change in the lives of women and children, senior citizens, and underserved communities in Houston, TX and across the globe."

Megan Thee Stallion's Father's Day Tribute

Megan Thee Stallion has never been shy about celebrating her father's memory. On Father's Day in 2020, she shared a heartfelt Instagram post featuring a childhood photo with Pete. She wrote:

"[...] Happy Father's Day to the real OG The best dad in the world, my first bestfriend, my partner in crime when my mom would fuss at us He passed when I was 15 but I still apply every lesson he taught me at an early age in my life to this day! I miss you every day."

Two years later, in June 2022, the rapper honored her dad in another meaningful way. Through the Pete and Thomas Foundation, she partnered with VOA Texas to surprise ten fathers involved in the Community Reentry Network Program.

The initiative celebrated men who had worked hard to become positive influences in their children's lives — echoing the same redemptive arc seen in her own father's story.

"We are proud of how much these fathers have accomplished and their commitment to being a strong presence in their children's lives!" the foundation shared. "Happy Father's Day to them and to all father figures making a difference in the lives of their loved ones!"

The relationship between Megan Thee Stallion and her dad wasn't without its challenges, but it was deeply loving and transformative.

Even after his passing, Pete's presence is felt in his famous daughter's choices, values, and charitable work. From personal tributes to large-scale philanthropic efforts, she continues to honor his legacy with grace and purpose.