Connie Hoying, the mother of Grammy winner Scott Hoying of Pentatonix, chatted about her new book “The Untold Story of Scott Hoying, Pentatonix Star.”
“I wrote this book about the early childhood and career of my son, Scott Hoying, Grammy award-winning co-founder of Pentatonix,” she said.
“I talk about his life from childhood in Texas, coming out, his rise to fame with Pentatonix, and his married life. I share insights into his early successes and failures and how I tried to nurture a creative environment for my children,” she elaborated.
“I also talk about my journey to becoming an ally,” she added.
What inspired you to write this book?
Over the years, people often asked me questions about Scott. Folks urged me to share our story, and I’d brush it off, thinking I wasn’t cut out for that sort of thing.
When Scott got married, something shifted. It felt like a bittersweet milestone. Our “baby,” the youngest of the trio, had tied the knot—it made everything so vivid, final. So I thought, why not? At the very least, it’ll be a keepsake for our wild, wonderful family.
Was writing this book a cathartic process?
I don’t know that writing this book was a cathartic experience, but it definitely was a deeply emotional and nostalgic one.
It brought back all the memories of the highs and lows and the messy, beautiful moments of family life. It was bittersweet in that I missed those years of having little ones.
This even made me sad at times, but reliving the past 40 years and the memories also brought me so much joy and pride.
Writing about the day Scott came out to me at 17 years old brought back raw emotions that still tugs at my heartstrings.
Putting these stories on paper let me process it all—the joy, the challenges, and the immense love our family has for one another.
What did this book teach you about yourselves?
I never thought I could write a book—it felt too overwhelming. Yet, throughout our lives, I always told my kids they could achieve anything they dreamed of.
What’s remarkable is that Scott and his sisters have inspired me to pursue a dream of my own, proving that their encouragement and belief in possibility have come full circle.
Has writing this book brought the two of you closer in any ways?
Scott, his sisters, and I have always shared a close bond, but writing this book deepened my connection with all three of my children as adults.
The process consisted of countless discussions, questions, critiques, and fact-checking sessions.
In a way, it allowed them to relive significant moments of their lives, and we experienced that journey as a family, creating new memories while revisiting the past.
In what ways has fame affected your relationship with Scott?
When Scott comes home for visits, we don’t even think of him as famous. It only dawns on us when we’re out in public and people recognize him.
Scott’s true passion lies in creating, not fame. I feel this is why he — and our relationship— hasn’t changed.
How does it feel to be authors in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology, and social media being so prevalent)
Being an author in the digital age feels like it has endless opportunities. The ability to put a QR code into my book makes it more interactive.
The code allows readers to go to a website and instantly access a song Scott wrote “Pray” that is related to chapter seven, “Mom, I’m Gay.”
The website has videos, and extra pictures, that we couldn’t fit in the book and it shows more of Scott’s life. I really hope the readers enjoy what we put together.
What would you like to say to your fans? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
I wouldn’t say I have fans—that’s more Scott’s realm. But I hope readers of my book come away understanding that love, support, acceptance, and positivity can be truly life-changing.
You don’t need to be a perfect parent, but you must keep showing up. Above all, I want them to see that our story is about leaning into life with love.
Also, for all the people who have asked me to write a book over the years. Here it is.
Her book “The Untold Story of Scott Hoying, Pentatonix Star” is available on Amazon by clicking here.
To learn more about Connie Hoying, visit her official homepage.
