The Untold Truth: 7 Shocking Facts About Shaquille O'Neal's Ex-Wife, Shaunie Henderson, And His Current Relationship Status

The question of "Who is Shaquille O'Neal's wife?" is a common search query, but the answer today, in late 2025, is that the NBA legend is currently unmarried. His only official marriage was to the powerhouse producer and entrepreneur, Shaunie Henderson, who has since moved on to a new chapter, including a new husband and a revealing memoir that has brought their past relationship back into the spotlight. The public's fascination with the personal life of the four-time NBA champion, known affectionately as "Shaq," continues, especially as his ex-wife's recent candid comments shed new light on their complex history, divorce, and successful co-parenting dynamic. Shaquille O'Neal’s romantic life remains a hot topic, especially given his high-profile career as an analyst, businessman, and cultural icon. While he is not married, his ex-wife's life and his rumored current relationship are essential parts of the story.

Shaunie Henderson: Biography and Relationship Timeline

Shaquille O'Neal's ex-wife, now known as Shaunie Henderson, has established an impressive career far beyond her identity as an NBA spouse. She is the founder and CEO of Amirah, Inc., and the creator and executive producer of the long-running reality TV franchise, *Basketball Wives* on VH1.

• Full Name: Va'Shaundya Karlette Nelson (now Shaunie Henderson)
• Date of Birth: November 27, 1974
• Place of Birth: Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.
• Occupation: Television Producer, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist, TV Personality
• First Marriage: Shaquille O'Neal (2002–2009; divorce finalized in 2011)
• Second Marriage: Pastor Keion Henderson (Married May 28, 2022)
• Children with Shaq: Shareef O'Neal, Amirah O'Neal, Shaqir O'Neal, Me'arah O'Neal. (Shaunie also has a son, Myles O'Neal, from a previous relationship, and Shaq has a daughter, Taahirah O'Neal, with a former girlfriend.)
• Notable Work: Creator and star of *Basketball Wives* and author of the memoir *Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms*.

The O’Neal Marriage: From 1998 to 2011

Shaquille and Shaunie began dating in 1998, a period when Shaq was dominating the league with the Los Angeles Lakers, building his legacy alongside the late Kobe Bryant. They married in a lavish ceremony in 2002. The marriage produced four children and lasted for seven years before they initiated divorce proceedings. The divorce was finalized in 2011, marking the end of one of the most visible marriages in the NBA world. The couple has consistently maintained a strong, united front for the sake of their children, successfully navigating the challenges of co-parenting in the public eye.

Shaunie's New Chapter: Pastor Keion Henderson and a Bombshell Memoir

The most significant recent development in the life of Shaquille O'Neal's ex-wife is her marriage to Pastor Keion Henderson in 2022. Pastor Henderson is a prominent figure, the founder and senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas. Their relationship and subsequent marriage signify a major shift in Shaunie's life, moving from the world of professional basketball to the church and ministry.

The *Undefeated* Memoir and Shaq's Response

In late 2024 and early 2025, Shaunie released her memoir, *Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms*. The book provides a candid look at her life, including her marriage to the basketball superstar. One of the most talked-about revelations was Shaunie's claim that she never felt truly "in love" with Shaq during their marriage, stating it was "beginning to crumble" long before the divorce was finalized due to distance, rumors, and emotional gaps. Shaq addressed these claims publicly, stating he understood her perspective and took responsibility for his part in the marriage's failure. He acknowledged that he was a "terrible husband" during that time, a statement that was widely praised for its maturity and honesty. This public exchange highlights the complex, yet respectful, relationship they maintain today as dedicated co-parents to their children, including their sons Shareef and Shaqir, who are pursuing their own basketball careers. A recent viral moment captured the dynamic perfectly: an awkward, yet civil, family photo where Shaq stood next to his daughter, his ex-wife Shaunie, and her new husband, Pastor Keion Henderson. This moment underscored the unusual but functional blended family they have created.

Shaquille O'Neal's Current Relationship Status: Who is His Girlfriend?

As of late 2025, Shaquille O'Neal is not married, but he is widely believed to be in a long-term relationship. His dating life has been a subject of speculation since his divorce, with the former Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers center linked to several women over the years.

The Annie Ilonzeh Connection

Shaq has been most recently and consistently linked to the Nigerian-American actress Annie Ilonzeh. The two were first seen together publicly in 2019, and sightings have continued, leading many to believe she is his current girlfriend. Annie Ilonzeh is known for her roles in TV shows like *Chicago Fire* and *General Hospital*. While neither Shaq nor Ilonzeh has officially confirmed the status of their relationship, their public appearances suggest a serious, ongoing connection.

Shaq's Dating History and LSI Connections

Shaq's post-divorce dating history includes a few notable relationships that often surface in searches for "Shaquille O'Neal wife" or "Shaq girlfriend." These relationships include:

• Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander: An entanglement that lasted from 2010 to 2013, following her appearance on reality TV.
• Arnetta Yardbourgh: The mother of his oldest daughter, Taahirah O'Neal.
• Dominica Westling and Laura Govan: Other women with whom Shaq has been romantically linked during the post-divorce era.

The fact that Shaq has never remarried since his divorce from Shaunie O'Neal is a key detail that keeps the focus on his ex-wife and his current rumored girlfriend, Annie Ilonzeh. His personal life is a testament to the challenges of maintaining privacy and normalcy after a high-profile marriage and divorce in the world of professional sports and entertainment. The current narrative is one of two successful individuals—Shaq the global entrepreneur and Shaunie Henderson the successful producer—who have managed to transition from a failed marriage to a model of effective co-parenting and finding new happiness.

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