Steph Curry's mom Sonya was once falsely rumored to be cheating on husband Dell Curry
The news of NBA star Steph Curry's parents Dell and Sonya Curry's divorce, after 33 years of marriage, has indeed come as a shock to many. Sonya, 55, reportedly filed the petition for divorce in North Carolina in June 2021. In a statement shared with PEOPLE, the couple stated, "After exploring a trial separation over the past year and much thoughtful consideration, we have decided to end our marriage. As this comes with a great deal of sadness, our focus and desire is for our family's continued happiness."
Dell Curry, a former NBA legend himself, is well-recognized as the father of NBA players Stephen Curry and Seth Curry. For years, the Currys have been hailed as one of America's favorite couples, with their marriage setting the epitome of relationship goals. The shocking news of their separation comes barely two months after Dell Curry's 57th birthday. As hundreds of fans poured in their support, a few wondered whether there was any secret extra-marital affair that caused the rift between the "perfect" couple.
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Sonya and Dell Curry met in the early 1980s, when they were both student-athletes at Virginia Tech. Dell excelled in basketball, playing in NBA for the Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors from 1986 to 2002. Meanwhile, Sonya Adams played volleyball, track and field, and even women's basketball.
The two got married in 1988 and settled in Charlotte, North Carolina, where they raised their three children - sons Stephen, Seth, and daughter Sydel. Besides being doting parents to three children, Sonya and Dell are also loving grandparents to four. While Dell pursued a career in professional basketball, Sonya managed a Christian Montessori School while looking after the household. For decades, they have been pictured together in marital bliss, while celebrating the achievements of their children. In early 2020, everyone's beloved 'NBA Parents' even started the podcast 'Starting Fame' together.
It is unclear when exactly there was trouble in paradise. Though there have never been any allegations of cheating on either side, in 2016, a video of Sonya Curry "booty bumping" a man at a game went viral on social media. The viral video clip also showed a "stone-faced" Dell Curry sitting two seats away. The internet went bonkers speculating an affair between Sonya and the mystery man, but the rumor mills were soon put to rest by daughter Sydel Curry.
The celebratory gesture, which might have looked salacious on camera, actually involved Jason Richards, a close friend of Steph Curry. Her impromptu celebration was found to be harmless as Dell Curry himself was smiling nearby.
Addressing their recent petition for divorce, Sonya and Dell Curry further noted, "We are so thankful for all the many blessings and successes! We stay committed to and supportive of our children and grandchildren and will remain on connected paths. We ask that our privacy be respected and prayer for our family as we move forward."