How did NeNe Leakes and Gregg Leakes meet? 'Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes' star found soulmate in unlikely venue
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: NeNe Leakes, a prominent figure on the hit reality show 'Real Housewives of Atlanta', shares a deeply intertwined and complex history with her husband, Gregg Leakes.
Their relationship has traversed through various stages, from marriage to divorce and back again. The pair originally tied the knot in 1997 and went on to welcome their son, Brentt, two years later. Their journey since then has been filled with ups and downs, ultimately solidifying their unbreakable bond.
When the pair met, NeNe was working as an exotic dancer and Gregg was trying to convince her to quit that line of work. However, it was during an episode of 'RHOA' that NeNe decided to open up more about the beginnings of their relationship.
"You and me exchanged number, and he left me a voicemail and he was like, 'Give Big Daddy a call.' And I was like, 'Oh, hell, no! He said, 'I'ma marry you one day.' I said, 'Uh uh uh!' He did not ask me to sleep with him. Actually, I was thinking to myself, like, 'Now, what's going on?' And from that point on, I was just in the bed with no clothes on," she said.
In 1997, the couple got married and had a son named Brentt two years later. When NeNe joined the cast of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' in 2008, their marriage became a central focus of the show.
By 2010, they had split up, with Gregg attributing the breakup to NeNe's newfound fame. Their divorce was finalized in September 2011, a year after NeNe filed for it.
However, they got engaged again less than two years later and tied the knot for the second time in Atlanta just five months after that. Their wedding was featured on Bravo in a seven-episode special called 'I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding'.
From there on, NeNe remained a pillar of strength and unwavering support for her husband as he bravely fought against cancer, standing by his side every step of the way until he tragically lost his battle in 2021.
How long was NeNe Leakes married to Gregg Leakes?
NeNe and Gregg Leakes were married for more than two decades until his passing in 2021. Their marriage began in 1997 but faced a period of separation and divorce in 2011, only to reunite and renew their vows two years later. Their relationship endured various challenges and triumphs throughout the years, ultimately solidifying their bond and commitment to each other until the end.
In an episode of her YouTube series #LifeofNeNe, NeNe Leakes opened up about her thoughts on potentially getting remarried with a unique arrangement in place. She revealed that she has considered entering into a marriage solely for support during difficult or medical times, without any strings attached.
“Maybe I should marry just so that I have a partner for life…who will help you when you’re sick and take care of you,” she said.
NeNe further added, "I was thinking about having a partner for life, even though I know the person wasn’t right for me.”
What happened to NeNe Leakes' husband Gregg Leakes?
In 2018, Gregg received the devastating news that he had Stage III colon cancer. After undergoing treatments, he experienced a period of remission that lasted for two years.
However, the cancer returned, leading to Gregg being hospitalized for an extended six-week period. Unfortunately, Gregg passed away in September of 2021, leaving behind a legacy of strength and courage in the face of adversity. At the time of his death, he was 66 years old.
Since his passing, NeNe has made a concerted effort to honor Gregg's memory by regularly sharing heartfelt posts on social media, commemorating special occasions such as his birthday and the anniversary of his death. Through these acts of remembrance, she has ensured that his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.
How many kids do NeNe Leakes and Gregg Leakes have?
Gregg Leakes had five children before blending his family with NeNe Leakes. When they first wed in 1997, Gregg already had five children — sons Daryl, Damian, Dexter, and Denton, and daughter Katrina — and NeNe had a son, Bryson Bryant, from a previous relationship. Together, the Leakes also share Brentt Leakes, who was born in 1999.
'Outrageous Love with NeNe Leakes' releases on July 1, 2024, at 10 pm ET on Lifetime