Who is Shikiri Hightower? The tragic story of divorce with Keyshawn Johnson and daughter Maia Johnson's death
Keyshawn Johnson's firstborn, Maia, has died at the age of 25. The cause of death is unclear at this point. The former NFL star announced on Twitter on March 15, Monday: "It is with incredible sadness that I have to share the news about the passing of my beautiful Daughter Maia." She "has been the joy" of his and ex-wife Shikiri Hightower's lives, he wrote.
"She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us. We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss," the retired sportsman shared and concluded: "Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. We also all appreciate your support and respect for our privacy as we move forward. Thank you all, God Bless. Keyshawn Johnson, Sr.”
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She came into our lives just as we were both coming of age as adults and has been a constant beloved presence for both of us. We are heartbroken and devastated by her loss. Shikiri, Maia’s siblings, our family and me appreciate your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
— Keyshawn Johnson (@keyshawn) March 15, 2021
Who is Shikiri Hightower?
Shikiri is a Graduate School of Journalism alum (UC Berkeley) and runs clothing line China Royal that borrows its roots from her Chinese and Black heritage. "Twelve years ago, I opened the doors of my first luxury boutique,” she said in an interview. Essence Magazine called it “a must-stop for Hollywood” and an “ultrachic shopping experience.” "A pair of jeans sold for over $300 and an outfit would cost at least $500. I dressed Hollywood stars who could pay astronomical prices," the brand's site reads.
The New Orleans native calls it "attainable luxury" that represents sacred elements. Before China Royal came into existence, Shikiri launched two high-profile boutiques in Los Angeles — Shikiri and Golden Butterfly.
Shikiri and Keyshawn: Marriage and divorce
Shikiri and Keyshawn welcomed Maia in 1995. Three years later, the couple tied the knot only to walk their separate ways in 2002. Since then, they have been married to different people and seem to be going strong. While Shikiri calls Belah Gaskin her husband, Keyshawn moved on with Jennifer Conrad. Shikiri and Belah have been married for over 12 years now and are parents to two daughters.
Like most entrepreneurs, she wears many hats. A doting mother, loving wife, and overall a life enthusiast who believes in celebrating every tiny moment. From whipping up desserts to sipping on a drink, Shikiri has every second documented on Instagram and Twitter. She enjoys traveling and cannot seem to get enough family time.
Are Shikiri and Keyshawn still in touch?
The couple seems to be co-parenting. After Maia, they had a son, Keyshawn Jr.
Photos from a few years ago suggest the former pair's kids have been pally with Shikiri's new family. In 2018, she wished her son on Twitter: "HAPPY 20TH BIRTHDAY @KEYSHAWNNNN!!! We love you forever son!!! #grateful #blessed." Even though Shikiri is fairly open about her personal life on social media and hardly ever shies away from sharing important updates, she is yet to comment on Maia's passing.
She is now happily married to Gaskin and often shares adorable photos of him and the family on social media.
See more photos of Shikiri from her Instagram handle @chinaroyal here: