Doreen Adkins (nee Brooks) (also called "Nana" by her granddaughter) is the grandmother of Adele, mother of Penny Adkins and Anita Adkins, and spouse of John Adkins. Adkins was mentioned in Adele's thank-yous on her debut album, 19. Doreen has lived in a small home in Tottenham, North London, for 30 years. Doreen has 14 grandkids. She has recently stated:
| “ | We threw Adele's mum out when she was 18. That's what we did with all the kids. They had to make their own way in life. My kids, they all work. The whole family have got jobs. You have got to get on and it hasn't done any of them any harm. | ” |
She has further stated that she is proud of Adele and Penny both, and continues to have a close relationship with both of them to this day.