The Emotional, Complex, and Inspiring Story of NeNe Leakes’ Husband Gregg Leakes
Fans searching for Nene Leakes’ husband often want to understand the full love story behind one of reality TV’s most iconic couples. NeNe Leakes, a breakout star from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, shared decades of her life with Gregg Leakes, a businessman, father, mentor, and beloved Bravo personality. Their romance, challenged by breakups, reconciliations, fame, illness, and profound love, became one of the most memorable storylines in the history of the franchise. Although Gregg passed away in 2021 after a difficult battle with colon cancer, his influence on NeNe’s life—and the hearts of viewers—continues to endure. This article explores who Gregg was, their marriage, his health struggles, and how NeNe has moved forward while honoring his memory.
Who Was Gregg Leakes? NeNe’s Longtime Husband
Gregg Leakes was born on August 18, 1954, and built a career as a real estate investor and entrepreneur long before he stepped into the public eye. Reserved, thoughtful, and wise, Gregg often served as a stabilizing force both in his family and on screen. When NeNe joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2008, Gregg’s calm presence created a memorable contrast to the show’s fiery drama.
Gregg became a fan favorite for his humor, maturity, and the tenderness he showed NeNe during their calmer moments. Viewers admired the way he supported her ambitions, encouraged her acting career, and remained a grounding voice even during their most turbulent seasons as a couple.
NeNe and Gregg Leakes: A Complicated Love Story
NeNe Leakes and Gregg met in the mid-1990s, long before either imagined they would one day become household names. Their chemistry was instant, and they married in 1997, beginning what would become a decades-long journey filled with transformation, growing pains, and renewed love.
During the early years of their marriage, Gregg was a successful businessman who helped support NeNe as she pursued opportunities in entertainment. This dynamic would reverse once NeNe’s fame skyrocketed through RHOA, shifting their relationship in unexpected ways. Fame, personal differences, and long-standing resentments eventually strained the marriage. By 2011, after nearly 15 years together, NeNe and Gregg divorced.
Their breakup played out publicly on RHOA, but it also revealed something deeper: they still loved each other very much. Gregg took responsibility for past mistakes, fought to win NeNe back, and worked diligently to rebuild their relationship from the ground up. Their reconciliation became one of the franchise’s most heartfelt story arcs.
In 2013, they remarried in a lavish ceremony featured in the Bravo special I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding. Their second marriage represented a fresh start—one built on forgiveness, honesty, and mutual commitment.
Family Life With Gregg Leakes
Gregg and NeNe shared a blended family. Gregg had children from previous relationships, and together they welcomed their son, Brentt Leakes, born in 1999. Family was central to both of their lives, and despite the ups and downs in their marriage, they remained devoted parents.
Gregg’s relationship with Brentt was particularly touching for viewers to witness. He encouraged Brentt’s ambitions, supported his education, and enjoyed watching him grow into adulthood. After Gregg’s death, Brentt became a central figure in NeNe’s journey toward healing, with mother and son supporting each other through grief and transition.
The Leakes’ family dynamic was often portrayed on RHOA, giving audiences a deeper look into Gregg’s gentle leadership and the couple’s shared priorities. While NeNe often embraced the spotlight, Gregg served as the family’s quiet, steady anchor.
Gregg Leakes’ Health Battle and Passing
Gregg’s battle with cancer became one of the most emotional and memorable storylines in RHOA history. In 2018, he was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer, an announcement that shook both the Leakes family and Bravo fans everywhere. NeNe documented their journey through treatment, sharing vulnerable moments of exhaustion, hope, frustration, and unconditional love.
After months of chemotherapy, Gregg went into remission in 2019. The relief was palpable—NeNe said it felt like the family had been given a second chance. However, in 2021, Gregg’s cancer returned aggressively. NeNe explained publicly that their family was “transitioning,” signaling Gregg’s declining health.
Gregg Leakes passed away peacefully on September 1, 2021, at the age of 66. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from fans, fellow castmates, and celebrities who admired his grace, humor, and warmth. Bravo honored him as a foundational figure in the franchise, and many fans described feeling as though they had lost someone they knew personally.
NeNe expressed profound grief while also emphasizing Gregg’s final wish: that she continue living her life fully. His passing marked the end of a love story that touched millions but also the beginning of NeNe’s healing process.
NeNe Leakes’ Life After Gregg: Moving Forward
In the months following Gregg’s passing, NeNe shared openly about her grief, explaining that she felt overwhelmed but also grateful for the years they spent together. She leaned on her family, close friends, and supporters while making thoughtful decisions about her career and personal life.
Later, NeNe entered a relationship with Nyonisela Sioh, a Liberian-born fashion designer and businessman. Their partnership sparked public interest and occasional criticism, but NeNe clarified that Gregg wanted her to find happiness again. She expressed gratitude for meeting someone who brought comfort and companionship during a difficult chapter. Still, she has consistently acknowledged Gregg’s irreplaceable role in her life and legacy.
NeNe has also continued to build her entrepreneurial ventures, including her lounge business and entertainment career. Through grief, transformation, and rediscovery, she has shown the strength and resilience that made her a central figure in reality television.
