Candace Parker's Family Life: Everything To Know About Her Wife, Anna Petrakova, And Three Children

WNBA legend Candace Parker, who retired in 2023 as one of the most decorated basketball players of all time, has successfully kept aspects of her private life out of the public eye for years, a strategy that fueled intense curiosity among fans. As of December 2025, Parker is happily married to her wife, Anna Petrakova, a former professional Russian basketball player and Olympic athlete, and together they are raising three children.

The story of Candace Parker’s spouse is a fresh chapter in her life, one she chose to share with the world on her own terms, marking a significant and inspiring personal milestone. This deep dive explores the timeline of her relationship with Petrakova, the details of her first marriage, and a complete look at her growing family, including the newest additions.

Candace Parker: Complete Biography and Profile

Candace Nicole Parker, affectionately nicknamed "Ace," is universally regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile players in women's basketball history. Her career spanned 15 seasons, culminating in a well-earned retirement in 2023.

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• Full Name: Candace Nicole Parker
• Nickname: Ace
• Date of Birth: April 19, 1986
• Age: 39 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri
• Hometown/Raised In: Naperville, Illinois
• Height: 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters)
• WNBA Career: 2008–2023 (Los Angeles Sparks, Chicago Sky, Las Vegas Aces)
• Professional Highlights: 3x WNBA Champion (2016, 2021, 2023), 2x WNBA MVP (2008, 2013), WNBA Finals MVP (2016), 7x WNBA All-Star, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012).
• Current Role: Basketball Analyst for TNT and NBA on TNT.

The Current Spouse: Who Is Anna Petrakova?

The person Candace Parker calls her wife is Anna Petrakova, a retired professional basketball player from Russia. The revelation of their marriage in December 2021 came as a surprise to many fans, but the couple had actually tied the knot two years earlier in 2019.

A Shared Path on the Court

Anna Petrakova is a highly accomplished athlete in her own right. She played in the Russian Premier League and was a member of the Russian national team.

Parker and Petrakova first met in 2012 while playing overseas for the Russian team UMMC Ekaterinburg. Playing in the EuroLeague Women, they developed a strong bond and friendship that eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship.

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Petrakova’s professional career highlights include winning the EuroLeague Women championship and representing Russia in the 2012 London Olympics.

A Secret Wedding and Public Announcement

The couple married in a private ceremony in December 2019. They kept their relationship and marriage private for two years, only announcing the news on their second wedding anniversary in December 2021, when they also revealed they were expecting their first child together.

Parker explained that her daughter, Lailaa, was the one who encouraged her to share their love publicly. The decision to go public was a powerful moment that allowed Parker to live authentically and openly.

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A Look at Candace Parker’s Growing Family and Children

Candace Parker is a devoted mother to three children, each of whom plays a central role in her life and her decision to retire from professional basketball. Her family structure is a beautiful example of a modern, blended family.

Lailaa Nicole Williams (Daughter)

Parker’s eldest child is her daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, born in May 2009. Lailaa is from Parker’s first marriage to former NBA player Shelden Williams.

Lailaa has been a constant presence throughout her mother's WNBA career, often seen cheering from the sidelines. She is credited by Parker as being an instrumental part of her journey and a huge supporter of her mother's relationship with Anna Petrakova.

Airr Larry Petrakova Parker (Son)

In February 2022, Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova welcomed their first child together, a son named Airr Larry Petrakova Parker.

His middle name, "Larry," is a tribute to Candace Parker's father, Larry Parker, reflecting the importance of family heritage in their lives.

Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker (Second Son)

The Parker-Petrakova family expanded again in May 2024 with the birth of their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker.

The middle name "Summitt" is a profound and emotional tribute. It honors the late legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt, who was Candace Parker’s mentor and a towering figure in her life and career.

Candace Parker’s First Marriage to Shelden Williams

Before her marriage to Anna Petrakova, Candace Parker was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams. Williams was the second overall pick in the 2006 NBA Draft, and the couple were both prominent college basketball stars.

Parker and Williams married in 2008 and welcomed their daughter, Lailaa, in 2009. After eight years of marriage, the couple separated in 2016, and their divorce was finalized in 2018. They share joint custody of Lailaa and have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship.

The transition from her first marriage to her current relationship highlights Parker's journey toward embracing her true self. Her focus has always remained on ensuring a stable and loving environment for her children, whether with her ex-husband Shelden Williams or her wife Anna Petrakova.

The Impact of Candace Parker’s Openness and Legacy

Candace Parker’s decision to share her marriage with Anna Petrakova publicly has had a significant impact beyond the world of sports. Her story has been a source of inspiration for many fans, particularly those in the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating the power of living authentically.

Her retirement from the WNBA in 2023 was heavily influenced by her desire to prioritize her family and spend more time with Anna, Lailaa, Airr, and Hartt. This choice underscores her commitment to her role as a mother and wife, balancing a historic career with a rich and fulfilling personal life. As a respected analyst and basketball icon, Candace Parker continues to shape the conversation around sports, family, and identity, setting a powerful example for athletes everywhere.