What was the name of J.K. Rowling’s mother, who died in 1990?

J.K. Rowling’s mother, who died in 1990, was named Anne Rowling.

Anne Rowling was born Anne Volant and married Peter Rowling. She died on 30 December 1990 at the age of 45 after suffering from multiple sclerosis. Rowling was 25 at the time, and the loss had a profound effect on her life and later writing.

Rowling began writing Harry Potter before her mother’s death, but Anne never knew about the project’s eventual success. Rowling has discussed the emotional influence of bereavement on the first novel, particularly the importance of Harry’s orphaned status and his longing for family.

Anne’s name is also reflected in Rowling’s publishing name. The “K” in J.K. Rowling is commonly explained as an initial chosen in honour of her paternal grandmother, Kathleen, while Anne remains central to accounts of Rowling’s personal history.