Kyrie Irving, the Dallas Mavericks point guard, and Marlene Wilkerson, a social media influencer, have kept much of their life together private. Despite their discretion, the love between them is evident through their actions and the rare glimpses they share with the public. Their relationship, which began in 2018, has grown into a beautiful journey of love, partnership, and family.
A Blossoming Romance
Kyrie Irving and Marlene Wilkerson were first linked in 2018 when they were reportedly spotted together at Irving’s youth basketball tournament. Though they never officially confirmed their relationship, Wilkerson was seen wearing an engagement ring less than a year later, indicating their deepening commitment. Since then, the couple has referred to each other as husband and wife, though they have kept the specifics of their marital status private.
Marlene Wilkerson: Early Life and Career
Marlene Wilkerson, born on August 18, 1993, in Los Angeles, California, is affectionately known as “Nene” by her family and friends. Growing up, she shared a close bond with her brother and her aunts and uncles, who were of similar age to her.
Wilkerson pursued higher education at California State University, Dominguez Hills, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in business marketing. Facing rejection in her early career attempts, she decided to carve her own path. In a YouTube video, Wilkerson shared how she transitioned from wanting to work behind the scenes in entertainment to becoming a social media entrepreneur.
Building a Brand
In 2015, Wilkerson started her online shop, The Fine Guru, as a final college assignment. Using social media as a marketing tool, she promoted her clothing line on Instagram and YouTube. Her business model involved sourcing products from wholesale manufacturers, showcasing them on social media, and selling out the inventory quickly. This strategy led to a growing following and the success of her small business.
Wilkerson also launched a YouTube channel to support her business, sharing beauty tips, fashion advice, and fitness routines. Over time, she amassed over 750,000 subscribers, documenting different stages of her life, including her journey as a mother alongside Irving.
A Private Family Life
Despite their public personas, Irving and Wilkerson have kept their family life private. In August 2020, on Wilkerson’s birthday, she discovered she was expecting their first child. They chose to keep the pregnancy a secret until their son’s birth in 2021, opting for a natural, unassisted water birth at home. They named their son Kaire, pronounced the same as Irving’s name.
The couple also kept their second pregnancy private, with former Nets coach Steve Nash revealing in October 2022 that they had welcomed another child. Wilkerson and their younger child were spotted on the sidelines at the NBA playoffs in May 2024, showcasing their family’s growing involvement in Irving’s professional life.
A Strong Partnership
Wilkerson has spoken highly of her relationship with Irving, referring to him as her spouse and praising his support during her pregnancies and personal growth. In a YouTube video, she called him “the greatest partner, the greatest husband I could ever have.” She has shared how Irving has helped her confront and overcome personal challenges, deepening their connection and helping her become a better version of herself.
Public Appearances and Future Plans
After years of maintaining privacy, Irving and Wilkerson made their red carpet debut at the 2023 ESPY Awards. Wilkerson documented their preparations for the event on her YouTube channel, providing a rare behind-the-scenes look at their life together. She expressed pride in Irving’s achievements and their journey as a couple.
Wilkerson has also expressed her love for motherhood and her desire to have more children. In a heartfelt YouTube video, she described her pregnancy as the most beautiful and empowering experience, joking that she wanted 19 more kids.
Conclusion
Kyrie Irving and Marlene Wilkerson’s relationship is a testament to their strong bond and mutual respect. Despite their public lives, they have managed to keep their personal life private, sharing only glimpses of their love and family. Their journey together, from the early days of their romance to becoming parents, showcases a deep and enduring partnership built on love, trust, and growth.
