Former NBA star Dwyane Wade opens up about wife Gabrielle Union's early days as stepmom: ‘She didn't sign up...'
He also shared an amusing but revealing detail about what he's not allowed to call her—even after 10 years of marriage.
'Alright, stepmom': A rough beginning with real stakes
Wade called introducing Union to his children "the biggest step" in their relationship. The challenge was immediate: "She didn't sign up to be a stepmom when we started dating," he admitted. At the time, Wade had full custody of his two older children, Zaire and Zaya, and had assumed guardianship of his nephew, Dahveon.
Gabrielle found herself helping raise three young kids without warning. Union has said she struggled to define her role. "They have a mom, she's alive. I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing," she confessed on HelloBeautiful's February digital cover, per People.
Her goal became consistency, not replacing their mother. The early stages, especially with Zaya, were "rough," according to Wade. But over time, something deeper formed. Zaya, now 18, described Union's support as pivotal to her self-confidence. She stated that "My stepmom has just instilled such a confidence in my femininity," and that Union gave her space to be herself.
'Not Gabby': Nicknames that work and the ones that don't
While the couple's public affection is evident, Wade made it clear there's one name he would never use for his wife. 'I called her 'Gabby,' she would not like that,' he told Jenna Bush Hager, laughing. 'It's a long story.'
Instead, Wade and their kids call her 'Nickie,' a nickname drawn from her middle name, Monique. While the actress may not like certain labels, one thing is sure—she's earned her place in the former NBA All-Star's home.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Are LeBron James' agent Rich Paul and singer Adele married? The couple looks cozy in a new photo amid engagement buzz
Singer and NBA pro agent, , are engaged. Last year, the singer announced the engagement while performing in Munich. After Adele was seen wearing a huge ring, the couple, who have been dating since 2021, sparked engagement rumors. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Since then, they have also been spotted together on several occasions. Recently, as per a picture uploaded by Pop Base on X, she and the sports agent were seen spending some quality time on a date. Meanwhile, even though they are engaged, they are yet to tie the knot. Inside Rich Paul and Adele's relationship: When and where did the couple get engaged? The singer revealed her engagement to Rich Paul while performing in Germany in 2024. When a fan held up a sign that read, "Will you marry me?" Adele responded, "I can't marry you because I'm already getting married.' Then she held up her left hand to flash her engagement ring. This officially confirmed their long-running engagement rumors. Since she referred to Rich Paul, a sports agent best known for representing NBA great , as "my husband" during a performance at her Las Vegas residency in September 2022, there have been rumors for years that the British pop queen was getting married. In pictures released by People, Adele is seen wearing a huge diamond on her left ring finger, sparking engagement rumors once more. They were spotted on one of their outings. The agent wore a denim jacket, black trousers, and a black and white hat, while Adele wore the ring with an all-white casual ensemble for the evening. Exploring Adele and Rich Paul's relationship timeline as the couple shared the news with the world Adele and Rich Paul have now been together for three years after becoming public as a couple. As the singer told Rolling Stone, the artist and the NBA representative first met while attending a birthday party for a common friend. The couple had a rare public date night when they watched a vs. Los Angeles Clippers basketball game at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now She looked stunning as she sat next to her partner. Rich Paul was smiling and applauding with the British artist on July 17, 2021, when the defeated the Phoenix Suns. He reportedly attended the games to observe his buddy Chris Paul, a Phoenix Suns player, and his client LeBron James. After the game, ESPN's Brian Windhorst apparently signed off on Rich Paul and the "Rolling in the Deep" singer's relationship on a late-night show. Meanwhile, even though they are now engaged, they haven't decided on a wedding date as of yet. Also read:
The Hindu
an hour ago
- The Hindu
Donald Trump cancels August vacation to work on Russia-Ukraine
The White House on Tuesday (August 19, 2025) said President Donald Trump called off his traditional summer vacation in northern New Jersey due to the ongoing talks to end the war in Ukraine. Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, confirmed the President's decision. 'This is normally the time when the President goes on vacation, but not this President,' Ms. Leavitt said, adding that there were 'discussions about him working from Bedminster for a couple of weeks but he decided against it.' Bedminster is the location of his club in northern New Jersey, where Mr. Trump often goes for weekends. He also spent some stretches of time in August there for vacation during his first term. The comments from Ms. Leavitt came when the White House took a portion of the day's press pool out to the renovated Rose Garden as the president tested out the area's new speakers. Earlier, Deputy White House Chief of Staff Dan Scavino posted footage showing off new speakers installed as part of Trump's makeover of the White House's Rose Garden. One of Mr. Trump's favourite songs, Lee Greenwood's 'God Bless the USA,' blares in the video, over a shot showing patio-style tables shielded by yellow umbrellas. The shot later focuses in on an American flag overhead. Ms. Leavitt subsequently brought reporters to the Rose Garden and said Mr. Trump was controlling the playlist as crews tested the speakers for 'what will be the best event in the history of the White House.' She said the next party there will be 'hopefully soon.' Other songs being played included 'Whiter Shade of Pale' by Procol Harum. The music was loud enough to be heard in other parts of the White House.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'It even sounds absurd': Mikaela Shiffrin shows unexpected support for Iga Swiatek after big Cincinnati Open victory
'It even sounds absurd': Mikaela Shiffrin shows unexpected support for Iga Swiatek after big Cincinnati Open victory (Image Via Google) American skiing superstar Mikaela Shiffrin and Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek are very close friends formed on managing the stresses of stardom. Their relationship started in April 2023 on an Instagram Live when they freely addressed issues with public life. Mikaela said, 'It's exhausting…hard to know what to say and start a conversation,' while Iga added that fame makes it harder to trust people, showing they relate deeply to each other's challenges. Iga Swiatek clinches 2025 Cincinnati Open title with straight-set win With a Cincinnati Open victory in 2025 kept Iga Swatek's amazing run going. On August 19th, 2025, she defeated Jasmine Paolini 7–5, 6–4 to claim her first Cincinnati Open title and eleventh WTA 1000 championship, thereby attaining single possession of second on the all-time rankings for WTA 1000 titles behind Serena Williams. Iga showed incredible determination through her run and did not lose a set. In the final, the match commenced tightly with Paolini up early after Iga fell behind, but in the end, Iga managed to finish strong. Part of Iga's win in this game depended on her serving when necessary. Thanks to her success in this tournament, Iga was able to reclaim the No. 2 WTA ranking, just marginally ahead of Coco Gauff. Also Read: Noah Lyles Challenges Kishane Thompson To A One On One Race In Kingston And Sparks Fresh Rivalry Talk Mikaela Shiffrin and Iga Swiatek celebrate friendship with mutual support Mutual support and celebratory events define the friendship between Mikaela and Iga. Mikaela took to social media after Iga won in Cincinnati to show her joy, posting, 'Let's goooooooo Iga!! Jazda'. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Bedridden for 2 years, please help my husband walk again! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Their bond has also been defined by personal contacts. Iga saluted Mikaela on February 23, 2025, following her historic 100th World Cup triumph in Sestriere, Italy, with a genuine message, 'Wow! What you are doing is monumental. Congrats on your 100th World Cup win. It even sounds absurd.' Mikaela pledged to call one of her reindeer after Iga during the 2024–25 season in a funny moment. Iga responded with enthusiasm, saying, 'Waiting for 'Iga'' . Their relationship shows the value of mutual respect and shared experiences beyond the boundaries of their several sports. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
