Maye Musk said being awarded an honorary doctorate is the 'best thing that's ever happened to me'

• Elon Musk congratulated his mother after she was awarded an honorary doctorate.

• Maye Musk received the honor in dietetics from the University of the Free State in South Africa.

• "This is the best thing that has ever happened to me," said the 74-year-old dietitian.

Elon Musk congratulated his mother after she was honored by the University of the Free State in South Africa for her contribution to nutrition research.

"This was so unexpected," Maye Musk said after receiving an honorary doctorate in dietetics. "My children are very proud of me. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"This ceremony brought me to tears," the 74-year-old dietician said on Twitter, before concluding: "It was not my plan, but it is the peak of my achievements."

"Congrats Ma!," Elon Musk's brother, Kimbal, also said in response to their mother's tweet following the ceremony at the campus in Bloemfontein.

Prof Francis Petersen, vice-chancellor of the University of the Free State, said at the ceremony that Maye Musk had "made her mark" in the field of nutrition and dietetics and was a worthy recipient of the honor.

According to her website, Maye Musk is a registered dietitian nutritionist, holds two Master's degrees in dietetics and in nutritional sciences, and operates a nutrition business.

She has modeled since the age of 15 and is also an author and public speaker. She published a book titled "Feel Fantastic" in 1996 that is now out-of-print. "A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success" was published in December 2019.

Throughout Elon Musk's career, Maye has always appeared to be close by and one of his biggest supporters. She made headlines last year after saying she slept in the garage at his house when she visited him in Texas.

Maye Musk didn't immediately respond to a request for comment from Insider.

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