7 Shocking Facts About Shaunie Henderson: The Woman Shaquille O'Neal Still Calls 'Wife'

The question "Who is the wife of Shaq?" has a complex and updated answer as of December 2025. While NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has been publicly married only once, the woman he still refers to as his "wife," Shaunie Henderson (formerly Shaunie O'Neal), is now happily remarried and has completely transformed her life from a basketball spouse to a successful reality TV mogul and a First Lady of the church. This article dives deep into the latest news and revelations surrounding Shaunie's new chapter, her candid relationship with Shaq, and the surprising details from her new memoir. The current reality is that Shaquille O'Neal does not have a current wife, having been divorced from Shaunie since 2009. However, Shaunie's life has been anything but quiet, with a successful career in television and a high-profile remarriage that has kept her in the spotlight.

Shaunie Henderson Complete Biography & Profile

The former Mrs. O'Neal, now known as Shaunie Henderson, has established herself as a powerful figure in entertainment and ministry. Her life story is a compelling blend of reality television glamour, entrepreneurial success, and a recent spiritual journey.

• Full Name: Va'Shaundya Nelson Henderson (formerly Va'Shaundya O'Neal)
• Date of Birth: November 27, 1974
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 51
• Place of Birth: Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.
• Known For: Creator and executive producer of the reality television franchise Basketball Wives.
• First Husband: Shaquille O'Neal (Married 2002; Divorced 2009)
• Current Husband: Pastor Keion Henderson (Married 2022)
• Children: She has one son, Myles, from a previous relationship, and four children with Shaquille O'Neal: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah. She is also a stepmother to Keion Henderson's daughter.
• Current Role: First Lady of The Lighthouse Church and Ministries in Houston, Texas.
• Recent Project: Author of a new memoir detailing her life and relationships.

The Transition from NBA Wife to First Lady of the Church

Shaunie Henderson's life trajectory is one of the most dynamic in celebrity circles, moving from the intense scrutiny of being married to an NBA superstar to a new, spiritually-focused life.

The New Marriage: Pastor Keion Henderson

In a highly publicized event, Shaunie married Pastor Keion Henderson in 2022, marking a definitive new chapter in her personal life. Pastor Henderson is the founder and senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church and Ministries in Houston. Their relationship is often highlighted by fans and media as a testament to finding love and peace after a high-profile divorce. Shaunie has embraced her new role as First Lady, actively participating in the church's ministry. She and her husband host major events, such as the annual "Cry Out Con," a spiritual conference held in Houston, which was scheduled for May 2025. This commitment shows a clear shift in focus from the drama of reality TV to the structure and purpose of religious life.

Shaq's Surprising Reaction to Keion Henderson

One of the most remarkable aspects of this new dynamic is the amicable relationship between Shaquille O'Neal and Pastor Keion Henderson. Shaq has publicly praised his ex-wife's new husband, stating there is "no drama" between them and expressing genuine happiness for Shaunie. This maturity in co-parenting and mutual respect is often cited as a model for blended families in the public eye. Shaq even made a point of saying he still considers Shaunie his "wife," not in a marital sense, but due to the deep, lifelong bond they share as parents.

Candid Revelations and Recent Personal Updates

Shaunie Henderson has recently made headlines for her unvarnished honesty about her past, particularly concerning her marriage to the NBA legend.

The Memoir's Shocking Quote

In a major news cycle, Shaunie released a new memoir that contained a particularly candid quote about her nine-year marriage to Shaquille O'Neal. The quote suggested she was unsure if she ever truly loved Shaq during their time together. This revelation sparked widespread discussion, prompting Shaunie to later address and clarify any misinterpretations of her words, emphasizing the complexity of their former relationship. Shaquille O'Neal publicly responded to the quote, simply saying, "I get it," showing a remarkable level of understanding and acceptance. This openness from both parties highlights the deep, if complicated, history they share.

The Tattoo Cover-Up

Further symbolizing her new beginning, Shaunie recently made a personal statement by covering up a family tattoo. The original tattoo featured a butterfly design with the names of her children. While the cover-up was not a rejection of her children, it was seen by many as a physical manifestation of her transition into a new life and identity as Shaunie Henderson, separate from her past as a basketball wife.

The Enduring Legacy of Basketball Wives

Despite her new role in the ministry, Shaunie's professional legacy as a reality television producer remains strong. She is the mastermind and executive producer behind the highly successful Basketball Wives franchise, a show that has cemented her status as a powerful entrepreneur. Her business acumen, developed through years of investment and production, continues to be a major part of her profile, even as she serves the church. This dual life—successful TV producer and devoted First Lady—is a key element of her unique public persona today.

The Current State of Co-Parenting with Shaquille O'Neal

The most stable and enduring aspect of the former couple's relationship is their dedication to co-parenting their six children. They have consistently maintained an amicable and respectful dynamic, prioritizing the well-being and success of their children, including their sons Shareef and Shaqir, who are pursuing basketball careers. This respectful co-parenting was evident when Shaunie extended a "courtesy" invitation to Shaquille O'Neal for her wedding to Pastor Keion Henderson. While he may not have attended, the gesture itself solidified the mature and drama-free relationship they have cultivated since their divorce. Their ability to navigate a high-profile divorce, remarriage, and blended family life with such grace is a defining feature of their current relationship. Ultimately, the "wife of Shaq" is a title from the past, but the woman who held it, Shaunie Henderson, is currently thriving in a new, multifaceted life as a successful producer, author, First Lady, and happily married woman.