Keke Palmer Talks Her Legacy And Thinks 'The Timer Has Started' On Retiring

Keke Palmer knows what she wants her legacy to be.

The Hollywood gem, who introduced her digital network, KeyTV, in 2022, has shared insights about her legacy and how her evolving definition of success aligns with her changing world, offering a glimpse into her future and retirement.

Despite the option to retire at 30, focus on raising her son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, and withdraw from the public eye, Palmer has chosen to stay busy. So far, she has accomplished remarkable feats, including becoming the CEO of KeyTV and Big Bosses Entertainment, embracing motherhood, and releasing her visual album "Big Boss." 

Notably, she became an Emmy winner for her role in NBC's "Password" revival, making history as the first woman in 15 years to win a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show and the first Black woman to win or be nominated in this category.

Reflecting on her success in an interview with Teen Vogue, Palmer opened up about initially feeling content, thinking, "I'm successful. What more do I need?"

Yet, as she continues to smash her goals, her understanding of success has broadened, and she now perceives each milestone as a progression toward empowering the next generation of artists of color. 

Palmer's legacy, as far as she is concerned, involves sharing her skills and teaching individuals how to brand themselves, become entrepreneurs, and navigate systems while fostering uniqueness.

The television personality then acknowledged that even though she can retire at her discretion, she has yet to reach a point where she plans to disappear from public view permanently. In the words of the Daytime Emmy Awards nominee:

"I don't know. I think the timer has started. I think it's because I just haven't felt it yet. But the timer, I know that it's around the corner. I don't know when exactly, but it's around the corner."

Refusing to let the conversation go unnoticed, Palmer featured the article's cover page on her Instagram page, promoting the content to her 14 million followers. Part of the lengthy caption accompanying the post read:

"We all know there are so many opportunities out there with brands, but not always is it possible to reach them. Even when your content is amazing! This network, my team, the business of KeyTv is built on the back of us leveraging our voices. Leveraging our own culture and creating a space that makes it easier for us to collaborate with one another. Thank you @teenvogue for the acknowledgement!"

Amid her successful run since 2022, Palmer was faced with the biggest challenge of her life when news about her alleged abusive ex — and baby daddy — surfaced online. At the time, she accused her ex-boyfriend, Darius Jackson, of physical assault, detailing the incidents in a legal filing. 

The singer claimed in the documents that the fitness instructor trespassed into her home, threatened, and physically attacked her. Some of the attacks included lunging for her neck, striking her, and throwing her over a couch. 

She also alleged that he jeopardized the safety of their then-eight-month-old son during a September altercation, expressing concern for the child's well-being. 

"Darius was angry and it almost became a tug of war with Leo. Darius finally let go and Leo was not harmed, but as I was holding Leo trying to comfort him and finish changing his diaper, Darius hit me in the head before storming out of the room," the "Hustlers" star disclosed.

Following the allegations, Palmer swiftly obtained a Temporary Restraining Order against her ex-partner and temporary sole custody of their son. On December 1, the estranged lovebirds agreed to postpone court proceedings for the domestic violence charges and attempt mediation. 

However, Jackson later reversed his stance, alleging that Palmer was the one engaging in abusive behavior. His claims, unfortunately, did not stop the court from extending the restraining order that his ex had on him by six months.

The extension was part of Palmer and Jackson's agreement to reschedule the hearing on the domestic violence allegations. Instead of the initially set date of January 9, they aim to conduct the hearing later this year, as per court documents obtained by The Blast earlier this month.