The relationship between Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving and Marlene Wilkerson is a true match made in heaven. The couple has been going strong since 2018, often referring to each other as “husband and wife,” even though they’ve never officially tied the knot.
In an emotional YouTube video from August 2023, Wilkerson opened up about their journey together. “Me and this man have been through a lot,” she shared. “In the best way, he tells me about myself, which can be very uncomfortable… He put a light on a lot of dark spaces within myself, and by doing that, we were able to open and deepen our connection.”
Irving echoed similar sentiments in an Instagram post from August 2022, expressing his gratitude for their bond. “Happy journey around the UNIVERSE, Mama Bear. I love you, and I am eternally grateful we get to spend our lives together,” he wrote. “You have taught me so much about Balance, Love, Trust, Community, and Forgiveness.”
Irving and Wilkerson’s relationship has been blessed with two children: son Kaire, born in June 2021, and daughter Azurie, who arrived in October 2022. Let’s take a closer look at their heartwarming journey together.
December 2018
The spark that ignited their romance! Irving and Wilkerson were first spotted together at his inaugural Kyrie Invitational, a youth basketball tournament, in December 2018. Neither the NBA star nor Wilkerson publicly addressed their relationship status at the time, leaving fans curious.
September 2019
Engagement rumors started swirling when Wilkerson was spotted at a concert in Brooklyn, New York, wearing a dazzling diamond ring. Photos obtained by the Daily Mail fueled speculation that the couple had secretly taken their relationship to the next level.
June 2021
Irving and Wilkerson chose to keep the pregnancy of their first child, son Kaire, private until his birth. Kaire is Irving’s second child, as he also shares an older son with his ex, Andrea Wilson. Reflecting on her childbirth experience, Wilkerson shared in a YouTube video, “It’s definitely the most beautiful, sacred, intimate experience I’ve ever had in my whole life.”
October 2022
The couple chose to keep a low profile during Wilkerson’s second pregnancy as well. The arrival of their daughter, Azurie, was publicly confirmed by sports reporter Nick Friedell. “Kyrie and his wife welcomed a new baby to the world on Tuesday,” Friedell wrote on X in October 2022.
July 2023
Making their love red carpet official! Irving and Wilkerson made their grand debut as a couple at the 2023 ESPYs, stunning everyone with their stylish appearance. Wilkerson later gushed about the event on Instagram, expressing her joy at seeing Irving all dressed up.