How Old Is Kym Whitley's Son Now? The Unexpected Adoption Story Of Joshua Whitley And His Current Age In 2025

Comedian and actress Kym Whitley has always been an open book, but no chapter of her life has captivated fans more than her unexpected journey into motherhood. As of today, December 12, 2025, the central figure in that story—her beloved son—is a teenager navigating the spotlight and his own identity. Fans are constantly searching for updates on Kym Whitley's son, Joshua Whitley, particularly his current age and how the adoption has shaped their lives since the hit OWN reality show, Raising Whitley, ended.

The story of Joshua Whitley's adoption in 2011 is a powerful narrative of fate and unconditional love, beginning with a life-changing phone call that gave Kym Whitley just one hour to decide if she would become a mother. More than a decade later, Joshua is a vibrant young man, and his mother continues to share the joys and challenges of single parenting a Black son in America, making their family life a constant topic of interest for her devoted audience.

Kym Whitley: Biography, Career Highlights, and Family Profile

Kym Elizabeth Whitley is a celebrated American comedian, actress, producer, podcaster, and writer whose career spans over three decades in television and film. She is known for her distinctive voice, sharp comedic timing, and versatile roles across multiple genres. Her personal life, particularly her path to motherhood, has become as famous as her professional work.

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• Full Name: Kym Elizabeth Whitley
• Date of Birth: June 7, 1961
• Birthplace: Shaker Heights, Ohio, United States
• Current Age (2025): 64 years old
• Alma Mater: Fisk University (Nashville, Tennessee)
• Occupation: Comedian, Actress, Podcaster, Producer, Writer
• Notable TV/Film Roles: Next Friday, The Boondocks (voice of Auntie Momma), The Cleveland Show, Sparks, My Brother and Me, Animal Practice, Fist Fight, Outlaw Johnny Black (2023).
• Reality Show: Raising Whitley (2013–2015) on OWN.
• Son: Joshua Whitley (Adopted)
• Net Worth: Estimated to be between $3.5 million and $10 million (2025 estimates).

Joshua Whitley's Current Age and Adoption Story Timeline

The central question for many fans of Kym Whitley is the age of her son, Joshua, and the details surrounding his unexpected arrival. The timeline of his life and his mother's journey is a testament to the fact that family can be found in the most surprising ways.

Joshua Whitley is Currently 14 Years Old

Joshua Whitley was adopted by Kym Whitley in 2011. His birthday is on January 9. As of December 2025, Joshua Whitley is 14 years old. He will celebrate his 15th birthday in January 2026.

His mother, Kym Whitley, was 50 years old when she adopted Joshua. She often refers to him as her "gift," a sentiment that stems directly from the miraculous circumstances of his adoption.

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The Life-Changing Phone Call

Kym Whitley's adoption story is far from traditional. She had been mentoring a young woman in the Los Angeles area who, upon giving birth, found herself unable to care for the baby. While Kym was on a movie set, she received a call from the hospital with an urgent request: she had one hour to decide if she would take the infant.

This dramatic moment became the foundation for her reality show, Raising Whitley, which premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2013. The show documented Kym's transition from a carefree, single comedian to a devoted single mother, often featuring her close-knit circle of friends, known as "The Village," who helped her raise Joshua.

Life After 'Raising Whitley': Parenting, Identity, and The Village

While the OWN docu-series Raising Whitley concluded its run, the family's journey continues to be shared through Kym's various platforms, including her podcast, Two Funny Mamas, which she co-hosts with Sherri Shepherd. Her discussions focus on the real-life challenges of raising a Black son in the current climate and the importance of her support system.

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The Importance of 'The Village'

Kym Whitley has been vocal about the fact that she does not raise Joshua alone. Her show famously featured her close friends and co-stars who stepped in to help, forming a modern, non-traditional family structure. Key figures in this "village" who appeared on the show include:

• Wendell James: Kym's longtime friend and co-star, often providing advice and support.
• Mike Jeffers (Mike From Detroit): Another close friend and member of the support system.
• Jeanette Yoffe: An adoption expert who provided guidance on the complexities of the adoption process.
• Jackie Fabulous: A comedian and friend who occasionally appeared as the "Jamaican Nanny."

This network of friends and family, many of whom are fellow Ohio natives, has provided Joshua with a strong foundation and multiple positive role models.

Navigating Adoption and Identity

A significant theme in Kym’s discussions is the open nature of Joshua’s adoption and his identity. Kym has been praised for her transparency regarding Joshua’s birth mother, even discussing the possibility of a future reunion. She has stated that at a certain age, Joshua will have the freedom to explore his biological roots if he chooses, emphasizing that her role is to support him through that journey.

As Joshua enters his mid-teens, Kym has also focused on the unique aspects of parenting a Black son. She has shared her perspective on teaching him resilience, confidence, and how to navigate the world with a strong sense of self, drawing from her own East Side Cleveland childhood experiences.

Kym Whitley's life with her son Joshua continues to inspire many. From a spontaneous act of love in 2011 to raising a now 14-year-old teenager, their story is a powerful example of how family is defined by heart, not just biology.