Shaquille O'Neal's Only Wife: Inside The Marriage, Divorce, And Current Life Of Shaunie Henderson

Shaquille O'Neal, the legendary NBA center and current sports analyst, has only been married once in his life. As of December 2025, the "Big Diesel" is not currently married, making his ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, the sole person to officially hold the title. Their high-profile marriage and subsequent divorce in 2011 captivated the public, largely due to Shaunie's role as the creator and star of the hit reality show *Basketball Wives*. The public's enduring curiosity about Shaquille O'Neal's personal life often revolves around the woman who was his wife for nearly a decade. The story of Shaunie—now a successful producer, entrepreneur, and author—is a fascinating tale of navigating fame, co-parenting six children, and ultimately finding new love after divorcing one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.

The Only Mrs. O'Neal: A Full Profile of Shaunie Henderson

Shaunie Henderson, born Va'Shaundya Karlette Nelson, is much more than just the former wife of the Hall of Famer. She has carved out a significant career in television and media, most notably as the executive producer of the reality TV franchise *Basketball Wives*. Her journey from a film marketer to a reality TV mogul and now a published author highlights her resilience and business acumen. Here is a quick look at her biographical profile:

• Full Name: Va'Shaundya Karlette Nelson (currently Shaunie Henderson)
• Date of Birth: November 27, 1974
• Birthplace: Wichita Falls, Texas, U.S.
• Current Spouse: Pastor Keion Henderson (married 2022)
• Ex-Spouse: Shaquille O'Neal (married 2002–2011)
• Children: She has five children with Shaquille O'Neal (Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, Me'arah, and Myles, who is from a previous relationship but was raised with Shaq)
• Profession: Television Producer, Entrepreneur, Author, Philanthropist
• Notable Work: Creator and Executive Producer of VH1's *Basketball Wives*

Shaunie and Shaquille began dating in the late 1990s after the NBA star moved to Los Angeles to join the Lakers. They were married in a private ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2002.

The Timeline of Shaq and Shaunie's High-Profile Marriage and Divorce

The relationship between the NBA superstar and the film marketer was a staple of celebrity news throughout the 2000s, producing a large family and facing intense public scrutiny.

From Courtship to Crumbling: The O'Neal Marriage

Shaquille O'Neal and Shaunie's relationship began around 1997, and they were married in 2002. They had four children together: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah. Shaunie also had a son, Myles, from a previous relationship, whom Shaq helped raise, making them a family of six children. The marriage, however, was not without its challenges. In her 2024 memoir, Shaunie Henderson revealed that their marriage began to crumble long before the official divorce proceedings due to distance, rumors of infidelity, and emotional gaps. The pressures of Shaq's career with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat, combined with high-profile celebrity life, took a toll on the couple. Shaq initially filed for divorce in 2007, but the couple reconciled. The reconciliation was short-lived, as Shaunie filed for legal separation in 2009, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized in 2011, marking the end of the only marriage for the legendary center.

The Evolution to Co-Parenting and Friendship

Despite the tumultuous end to their marriage, both Shaquille O'Neal and Shaunie Henderson have demonstrated a successful and respectful co-parenting relationship for their children. They frequently appear together at their children's sporting events and graduations, showcasing a united front. Shaq has often spoken publicly about his respect for Shaunie and his regret over the mistakes he made during their marriage, which he attributes to its failure. This maturity in their post-divorce relationship is a key entity in their ongoing public narrative, providing a positive example of family dynamics after separation.

Shaquille O'Neal's Current Relationship Status and Dating History in 2025

While Shaquille O'Neal is not married, his dating life has remained a topic of intense interest for fans and the media. The NBA legend has been linked to several high-profile women since his divorce from Shaunie.

His Only Marriage vs. His Dating History

The distinction between his one marriage and his subsequent relationships is important for topical authority. Shaq has had several significant girlfriends, but none have resulted in marriage. * Arnetta Yarborough (1992–1996): Arnetta was O'Neal's first well-known girlfriend, and they share a daughter, Taahirah O’Neal. This relationship predates his marriage to Shaunie. * Laticia Rolle (2014–2018): A model and entrepreneur, Rolle was one of Shaq's most serious post-divorce relationships, often appearing with him at public events. * Annie Ngozi Ilonzeh (2019–Present): As of late 2025, actress Annie Ngozi Ilonzeh is widely reported to be Shaquille O'Neal's current girlfriend. While neither party has publicly confirmed their exact status recently, they have been sighted together multiple times over the past few years, suggesting an ongoing relationship. Ilonzeh is known for her roles in TV shows like *Chicago Fire* and *Arrow*.

Shaunie's New Chapter: Marriage to Keion Henderson

In a major development that underscores the separation of their lives, Shaunie officially became Shaunie Henderson in 2022 when she married Pastor Keion Henderson, the senior pastor of The Lighthouse Church in Houston, Texas. Their wedding was a lavish affair in Anguilla, surrounded by family and friends. This marriage marks a new, faith-based chapter for the former Mrs. O'Neal, further solidifying her identity as an independent media personality and businesswoman. Shaquille O'Neal has publicly expressed his happiness for his ex-wife and her new husband, demonstrating the healthy boundary and mutual respect that defines their current relationship. This cordial dynamic is a testament to their focus on their children's well-being and their shared commitment to a positive family environment. In conclusion, while Shaquille O'Neal's only wife was Shaunie Henderson, both individuals have successfully moved on to new phases of their lives. Shaq continues his successful career on *Inside the NBA* and his various business ventures, while Shaunie thrives as a married entrepreneur and media producer, proving that the end of a celebrity marriage can indeed lead to two successful, separate, and happy endings.