The Truth About Candace Parker's Personal Life: 5 Key Facts About Her Marriage, Wife, And Identity

The curiosity surrounding Candace Parker’s personal life, particularly her sexual orientation, has been a major topic of public discussion, especially since her announcement of her marriage to a woman. As of December 12, 2025, the definitive answer is clear: Candace Parker is a lesbian, happily married to her wife, Anna Petrakova, and the mother of three children. This reality is a powerful testament to her journey of self-discovery, which she has openly discussed, revealing that she had only dated men before meeting her current spouse. Her life off the court—as a wife, mother, and advocate—is just as compelling and groundbreaking as her legendary career on it.

The WNBA legend, known for her trailblazing career and nickname "Ace," has redefined what a modern sports icon looks like. Her public relationship with her wife, a former professional basketball player from Russia, was revealed in 2021, though the couple had been married since 2019. This revelation provided a clear answer to years of speculation and allowed Parker to share her full, authentic self with the world. This article dives deep into the facts of her personal life, her family, and the powerful entities that define her legacy beyond the basketball court.

Candace Parker: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Candace Nicole Parker, born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most versatile players in basketball history. Her career is marked by unprecedented achievements at every level of the sport. Below is a detailed look at the key entities and milestones that define her life and career:

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• Full Name: Candace Nicole Parker
• Nickname: Ace
• Date of Birth: April 19, 1986
• Place of Birth: St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
• High School: Naperville Central High School (Naperville, Illinois)
• College: University of Tennessee (under legendary coach Pat Summitt)
• NCAA Championships: Two-time NCAA Champion (2007, 2008)
• WNBA Draft: 1st overall pick in the 2008 WNBA Draft by the Los Angeles Sparks
• WNBA Teams: Los Angeles Sparks (2008–2020), Chicago Sky (2021–2022), Las Vegas Aces (2023)
• WNBA Championships: Three-time WNBA Champion (2016 with Sparks, 2021 with Sky, 2023 with Aces)
• WNBA MVP Awards: Two-time WNBA Most Valuable Player (2008, 2013)
• WNBA Finals MVP: 2016
• Olympic Gold Medals: Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist (2008, 2012)
• Retirement: Announced her retirement from professional basketball in April 2024.
• Current Role: Highly respected basketball analyst and commentator for TNT and NBA on TNT.

Parker's professional journey is a showcase of dominance, versatility, and enduring excellence, culminating in a career that spans over 16 seasons and includes championships with three different WNBA franchises. Her transition from an elite player to a prominent sports analyst has further cemented her status as a major figure in the sports world.

The Definitive Answer: Candace Parker’s Journey of Self-Discovery and Identity

The question "is Candace Parker a lesbian" was definitively answered by Parker herself when she publicly announced her marriage to her wife, Anna Petrakova, in December 2021. This announcement was a significant moment for the athlete and the LGBTQ+ community, as it confirmed her identity and shared her family’s story with the world.

Prior to this, Parker was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams from 2008 to 2016, with whom she shares her eldest daughter, Lailaa Nicole. The public was largely unaware of her subsequent relationship with Petrakova until the 2021 announcement, which revealed they had been married for two years.

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In interviews following her public coming out, Parker explained her personal journey, stating that she "had always dated men" before meeting Anna Petrakova. She discussed how her relationship with Petrakova was the first time she had been in a same-sex relationship, which led to her realizing her identity. This candid discussion highlights the fluidity of human sexuality and underscores that self-discovery can happen at any stage of life, even for a global superstar. Parker and Petrakova both admitted that they never pictured themselves in a gay relationship before they met each other.

Her openness has made her an important figure for many who are navigating their own sexual identity. By sharing her story of falling in love with a woman and building a family, she has provided visibility and representation for lesbian athletes and mothers in professional sports.

Candace Parker’s Family Life: Wife, Children, and Modern Motherhood

Candace Parker’s family life with her wife, Anna Petrakova, is a core component of her current identity. Anna Petrakova is a Russian professional basketball player who also played overseas for several years, which is how the two initially met while playing for the same team in Russia.

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The couple married in a private ceremony in 2019 and have since expanded their family, creating a beautiful example of modern, two-mom parenthood. Parker is a devoted mother to three children, each representing a different chapter of her life:

• Lailaa Nicole Williams: Born in 2009, Lailaa is Candace Parker's daughter from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams. Lailaa was 15 years old as of the time of the search, and Parker has often spoken about her daughter’s role in her life and her acceptance of her mother's new family.
• Airr Larry Petrakov Parker: The couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Airr Larry, in February 2022. His arrival was celebrated publicly, further cementing the family's presence in the media.
• Hartt: In late 2024, Parker and Petrakova welcomed their third child, a baby boy named Hartt. The birth of Hartt further highlights the stability and joy in their family unit.

Candace Parker's family dynamic is a powerful example of a blended family that is thriving. She and Anna Petrakova have navigated the challenges of co-parenting and the demands of professional sports while raising their children. Parker has often expressed her gratitude for Petrakova, calling her the love of her life and the person who helped her realize her true self. Their relationship is a beacon of authenticity and love, transcending traditional expectations.

The Impact of Candace Parker's Public Relationship on WNBA and LGBTQ+ Visibility

Candace Parker’s decision to share her marriage and family life publicly has had a profound impact on the visibility of LGBTQ+ individuals in sports, particularly in the WNBA. The WNBA is already recognized as one of the most progressive professional sports leagues, with a high percentage of out lesbian, bisexual, and queer athletes. However, a player of Parker’s stature—a two-time WNBA MVP, three-time WNBA champion, and one of the most recognizable faces in basketball—coming out still carries immense weight.

Her story resonates with millions because it challenges the notion that one's identity must be fixed from an early age. The narrative of a woman who was married to a man and had a child, only to later realize her true sexual orientation after falling in love with a woman, is a powerful and relatable message for many who feel pressure to conform to past choices or societal labels.

Parker’s transparency has contributed to a broader cultural conversation about identity, love, and family structure. By simply living her truth, she has:

• Increased Visibility: Provided a high-profile role model for young lesbian and queer athletes.
• Challenged Stereotypes: Demonstrated that a lesbian relationship can be the foundation for a stable, loving, and successful family with multiple children.
• Promoted Acceptance: Normalizing same-sex marriage and parenthood within the mainstream sports commentary and media landscape, which she is now a key part of.

Her legacy is now twofold: a legendary basketball player and a courageous figure who chose authenticity over silence, enriching the lives of her family and inspiring countless fans around the globe. The journey of Candace Parker, from a basketball prodigy to a two-time MVP and a proud lesbian mother of three, is a story of enduring success, both on and off the court.