Jimalita Tillman became an overnight internet sensation after a magical moment with Usher at his London concert went viral. The Chicago native, now affectionately called “Aunty Cherry” by fans, found herself in the spotlight when TikTok footage showed the R&B star playfully dangling cherries above her mouth during his show – one of his signature concert moves.
Get this the innocent interaction took an unexpected turn when false rumors spread online suggesting Tillman’s husband had filed for divorce after seeing the clip. Setting the record straight during an interview with Chicago’s WGN9, the retired homeschool mom confirmed: “I am single.”
Recounting her unforgettable experience, Tillman shared: “When he came around with those cherries, I said, ‘Well, life is a bowl of cherries, I’ll take one, maybe two.'” She described the chance encounter as electric, saying “He wasn’t even supposed to stop where we were! It was like magnetic. And he smells like vacation.”
Tillman explained how concertgoers helped create the special moment: “One of the young ladies was telling him I’m a retired homeschool mom and that this should be her moment… So he brought me closer and I locked in. I brought out all the Broadway magic that I had, but it was easy! He has a magnetic personality.”
What’s more, rather than focusing on the false rumors, Tillman is embracing her viral fame to highlight positive developments, noting: “I’m really excited about this opportunity because now Harold Washington is getting a lot of play and people are following things my daughter is doing!”