Mills was born in 1934 on Naghir Island in Torres Strait.
[1] She lived on Thursday Island, and during World War II was temporarily evacuated to the mainland.
[3] All three sisters sang, and Rita played guitar in their band.
[4] After the twins retired in 1996, Rita continued her solo career.
[5] After she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2000 she moved to Cairns,[2] retiring in 2001[6] and she died on 8 December 2004.