Gregg Leakes' Enduring Legacy: 7 Untold Facts About His Life, Cancer Battle, And NeNe's 'New Normal'

The enduring legacy of Gregg Leakes remains a powerful touchstone for fans of reality television and beyond, even in late 2025. The beloved businessman, best known for his supportive and grounded presence alongside his wife, NeNe Leakes, on *The Real Housewives of Atlanta* (RHOA), passed away in September 2021 after a fierce battle with colon cancer. His story is one of profound love, business acumen, and a public health fight that resonated deeply with millions. Since his passing, the Leakes family has continued to honor his memory, with NeNe Leakes openly sharing her journey of grief and adjustment to a "new normal." The latest updates from the family, including recent milestones for his children, ensure that Gregg's influence as a patriarch, mentor, and successful real estate investor remains a relevant and inspiring topic for those curious about the man behind the reality TV icon.

Gregg Leakes: Complete Biography and Profile

Gregg Leakes was a successful entrepreneur and a central figure in one of reality television's most iconic marriages. His calm demeanor and sage advice often provided a necessary counterpoint to the high-drama world of RHOA.

• Full Name: Gregory "Gregg" Leakes
• Date of Birth: August 18, 1954
• Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York City, USA
• Date of Death: September 1, 2021
• Age at Death: 66
• Cause of Death: Stage III Colon Cancer
• Spouse: Linnethia "NeNe" Leakes (Married 1997–2011; Remarried 2013–2021)
• Children: Damien Leakes, Daryl Leakes, Dexter Leakes, Katrina Leakes, and Brentt Leakes (with NeNe Leakes)
• Profession: Real Estate Investor, Business Consultant, Reality Television Personality
• Estimated Net Worth at Death: $4 Million
• Residence: Atlanta, Georgia (specifically the upscale Sugarloaf area)

The Battle with Colon Cancer: A Public Health Fight

Gregg Leakes’ most public and challenging chapter was his long-running battle with colon cancer, which he faced with remarkable transparency. His journey from diagnosis to remission and eventual recurrence became a major storyline on RHOA, transforming his personal struggle into a public health discussion.

Initial Diagnosis and Public Awareness

Gregg was first diagnosed with Stage III colon cancer in 2018. This announcement sent shockwaves through the RHOA community and among fans. He and NeNe Leakes used their platform to document the rigorous treatment process, including chemotherapy and surgery, which brought an unprecedented level of awareness to the disease and the importance of early screening, such as colonoscopies. Their openness helped destigmatize the illness and provided a raw look at the emotional and physical toll it takes on a patient and their caregiver.

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The Recurrence and Final Months

After achieving remission, the cancer tragically returned in June 2021. NeNe Leakes provided frequent updates on his worsening health, sharing the difficult reality of his final weeks. She revealed that Gregg was "transitioning to the other side" and was surrounded by all his children and loved ones when he passed away peacefully at their home on September 1, 2021. His death was a profound loss, but his dignified fight left a lasting mark on the conversation surrounding cancer advocacy.

Gregg’s Enduring $4 Million Real Estate and Business Legacy

Before his reality television fame, Gregg Leakes was a highly successful entrepreneur whose wealth was built on a solid foundation of real estate investment and business consulting. His professional success provided a secure life for his family and was the source of his estimated $4 million net worth at the time of his passing.

A Career Built on Atlanta Real Estate

Gregg was not merely a passive investor; he was an active and experienced real estate professional with over two decades of experience in the Atlanta, Georgia, market. He was known for his strategic investments, particularly in the upscale Sugarloaf area, where he and NeNe Leakes shared their lavish Mediterranean-style mansion. His business acumen was often cited as the backbone of the family's financial stability, allowing NeNe to pursue her career in entertainment.

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The Posthumous Property Updates

In the wake of his death, one of the most significant updates related to his financial legacy was the sale of the family’s Sugarloaf mansion. NeNe Leakes listed the massive 10,000+ square-foot property for $4 million, reflecting the value Gregg had built into their real estate holdings. The sale marked a physical transition for NeNe as she adjusted to life without her husband, liquidating one of their most significant shared assets to begin her "new normal."

NeNe Leakes’ Life and Family Milestones in 2025

For fans, the most recent and compelling updates revolve around how the Leakes family is carrying on Gregg’s memory. NeNe Leakes has been remarkably candid about her grief, which continues to be a central part of her life into 2025.

The Ongoing Journey of Grief and Healing

Three years after his passing, NeNe Leakes has consistently shared her "good days and bad days," emphasizing that the pain of losing Gregg is a permanent part of her life. She frequently posts heartfelt tributes on what would be his birthday and their wedding anniversaries, reflecting on their 25-year relationship and finding comfort in the final, intimate conversations they shared. Her public narrative of grief has provided a powerful, relatable perspective on widowhood.

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A New Generation Honors the Patriarch

In a significant and heartwarming family update, Gregg’s son, Brentt Leakes (whom he shared with NeNe), recently welcomed his first child. This milestone, which occurred in the later part of 2024, brought a new wave of joy to the Leakes family. While Gregg Leakes was not physically present to meet his new grandchild, this new addition ensures that his lineage and legacy continue to grow, a poignant reminder of the life he built.

The Enduring Family Unit

Gregg was a father to five children from previous relationships and his son with NeNe, Brentt. Despite the complexity of their blended family, his passing brought them all together. The Leakes family, including all his children, gathered to support NeNe and honor Gregg at the time of his death. This display of unity underscores the foundational role Gregg played as the family's patriarch, a role that continues to shape their lives today.