The Men Of J-Hud: Who Is Jennifer Hudson's 'Husband' And Her Current Life Partner In 2025?

As of late 2025, the EGOT-winning superstar Jennifer Hudson is not married and does not have a husband. The question of "Who is Jennifer Hudson's husband?" is one of the most frequently searched queries about the singer and talk show host, but the simple answer is that she is currently enjoying a highly publicized, yet unmarried, relationship with another major entertainment figure, rapper and actor Common. This current partnership comes years after the dramatic conclusion of her decade-long engagement to her former fiancé, David Otunga. The global curiosity surrounding Jennifer Hudson's love life stems from her incredible talent and the public nature of her past relationships. From a long, drawn-out engagement to a WWE star to a new, beautiful connection with a fellow Chicago native, her romantic journey has been anything but ordinary. This article dives deep into the men who have been—and currently are—the most significant partners in the life of J-Hud, providing the most current and updated information available in 2025.

The Ex-Fiancé: A Complete Biography of David Otunga

The man most people associate with Jennifer Hudson's long-term relationship is her ex-fiancé, David Otunga. Their relationship spanned nearly a decade and resulted in one child, making him a permanent part of her life.

David Otunga Profile and Career Highlights

David Daniel Otunga Sr. is a multi-talented American professional who has excelled in law, acting, and professional wrestling.

• Full Name: David Daniel Otunga Sr.
• Born: April 7, 1980, in Elgin, Illinois.
• Education: He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, a prestigious and highly competitive institution.
• Career: Otunga initially practiced law before transitioning into entertainment. He is best known for his tenure with WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) from 2009 to 2019, where he competed as a professional wrestler and later served as a commentator.
• Acting: He has also pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as *The Call* and *A Madea Christmas*.

The Nearly 10-Year Engagement to Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga's relationship began in 2008. After less than a year of dating, Otunga proposed to Hudson in September 2008 with a five-carat engagement ring. The couple's son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., was born in August 2009. Despite their long engagement and shared family life, the couple never married. Their engagement was one of the longest in celebrity history, lasting almost nine years. The relationship officially ended in November 2017 when Hudson filed a protective order against Otunga, leading to a highly publicized and contentious custody battle over their son. The former couple eventually settled their custody dispute privately in 2019, allowing both parents to move forward.

Jennifer Hudson's Current Relationship Status in 2025: Dating Common

After a period of being single and focusing on her career—which included becoming one of the few EGOT winners (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony)—Jennifer Hudson found love again with a fellow Chicago native and entertainment icon, Common.

The Divine Timing of J-Hud and Common

The relationship between Jennifer Hudson and Lonnie Rashid Lynn, better known as Common, has been a major headline throughout 2024 and 2025. The two initially sparked dating rumors in 2022 while working together on the action-thriller film *Breathe*. They officially confirmed their romance in early 2024, with Common even appearing as a guest on *The Jennifer Hudson Show*, where they spoke about their connection. Common has been very open about the depth of their bond, describing their connection as "divine timing" and a "life partnership." This term, "life partnership," is a strong indicator of the seriousness of their relationship, even without the formality of marriage.

Why the Relationship Works: Shared Chicago Roots and Values

A significant factor in the success of their relationship is their shared background. Both Jennifer Hudson and Common are proud of their roots in Chicago, Illinois. Hudson has stated that this shared upbringing and similar values create a strong foundation for their romance. The duo often expresses mutual respect for each other's careers and personal growth journeys. Common, a highly respected rapper, actor, and activist, is known for his thoughtful approach to life and relationships, which seems to align perfectly with Hudson's focus on family and career. As of 2025, they are happily together and frequently seen at public events, celebrating each other's achievements, such as the Daytime Emmy Awards. However, despite the strong connection and public displays of affection, Jennifer Hudson and Common are not married and are not currently engaged, maintaining their status as one of Hollywood's most powerful dating couples.

Jennifer Hudson's Full Relationship History and Key Entities

While David Otunga and Common are her most prominent public partners, Jennifer Hudson has had other significant relationships that have shaped her personal life and journey. Understanding her full history provides essential topical authority on the subject of her romantic life.

The Early Years: James Payton

Before her rise to global fame on *American Idol* and her Oscar-winning role in *Dreamgirls*, Hudson was in a long-term relationship with James Payton. The two dated from 1999 to 2007. This relationship was a foundational one, spanning nearly eight years before they parted ways just as her career began to explode.

The Importance of Privacy and Focus

Following the highly publicized and emotionally taxing split from David Otunga, Jennifer Hudson has prioritized privacy and her son, David Jr. Her decision to keep her relationship with Common relatively low-key initially, only going public after a period of private dating, reflects a desire to protect her personal life while still celebrating her love. This approach has allowed her to maintain a healthy balance between her demanding career as a talk show host and performer and her life as a mother and partner.

Key Entities in Jennifer Hudson's Personal Life

The following people and concepts are central to understanding the full context of Jennifer Hudson's love life and family:

• David Daniel Otunga Jr.: Her son, born in 2009, is the center of her world and the permanent link to her ex-fiancé.
• Lonnie Rashid Lynn (Common): Her current boyfriend and "life partner," a celebrated rapper and actor.
• WWE: The professional wrestling organization where David Otunga made his name.
• Harvard Law School: David Otunga's alma mater, highlighting his background as a lawyer.
• Chicago, Illinois: The shared hometown that serves as a powerful connection for both Hudson and Common.
• EGOT Winner: Jennifer Hudson's prestigious status as a winner of all four major American entertainment awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony).

In summary, while Jennifer Hudson does not have a husband in 2025, her life is filled with love, partnership, and a strong family foundation. Her relationship with Common is thriving, built on mutual respect and shared roots, marking a positive new chapter after her long, complicated engagement to David Otunga.