If you’ve spent even five minutes on the internet lately, you know that Nicki Minaj’s personal life is a constant topic of conversation. People have opinions on her music, her outfits, and especially her marriage. But when it comes down to the basics, like how old is Nicki Minaj husband, the answers usually get buried under a mountain of controversy and headlines.
Kenneth "Zoo" Petty isn't just a face in the background of Nicki's Instagram photos; he’s a guy with a long, complicated history that stretches all the way back to their teenage years in Queens.
The Real Age of Kenneth Petty
Let's get the numbers out of the way first. Kenneth Petty was born on April 7, 1978.
Do the math for 2026, and that makes him 47 years old.
He’s actually a few years older than Nicki herself. Nicki Minaj, born Onika Tanya Maraj, arrived on December 8, 1982. This gives them roughly a four-and-a-half-year age gap. In the world of celebrity marriages where 20-year gaps are basically the norm, this is actually pretty standard. Honestly, they’re from the same generation, which is a big part of why they vibe so well. They share the same cultural touchstones from 90s New York.
Why Everyone Is Obsessed With His Age
The reason people constantly ask about his age isn't just curiosity. It’s because of his legal history. Most of the public scrutiny stems from a conviction back in the 90s. Specifically, in 1995, Petty was convicted of first-degree attempted rape.
At the time of that incident, Kenneth was 16 years old.
Nicki has famously defended him on this, pointing out that both he and the victim were teenagers in a relationship at the time. Whether or not you buy that explanation, the age of everyone involved during those legal troubles is why the "how old" question keeps trending. It’s a way for people to piece together the timeline of his life and his run-ins with the law.
A Timeline of Kenneth and Nicki
Their story isn't a "met at a Hollywood party" kind of thing. It’s way more "hometown sweethearts" than people realize.
- The 90s: They met as teenagers at the Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts. Yeah, the Fame school. They dated back then, long before Nicki was the Queen of Rap.
- The Separation: Life happened. Kenneth went to prison (he served time for the 1995 conviction and later for a 2006 manslaughter charge). Nicki became a global superstar.
- 2018: They reconnected. Nicki made it Instagram official in December 2018.
- 2019: They got married. The date was October 21, 2019.
- 2020: They welcomed their son, famously known to the public as "Papa Bear," on September 30.
The 2026 Perspective: Where Are They Now?
As of 2026, Kenneth Petty is still very much a fixture in Nicki’s life, despite the endless drama. You’ve probably seen the news about his recent legal hurdles—mostly centered around his failure to register as a sex offender when they moved to California. In late 2025 and moving into 2024, he faced house arrest and probation issues related to these registration requirements.
But through all of that, Nicki hasn't budged. She frequently posts about how he’s her "soulmate" and the only person who truly knew Onika before she became Nicki Minaj. There’s a certain loyalty there that most outsiders find baffling, but for her, it seems to be about that shared history from the "hood."
Breaking Down the Misconceptions
There are a few things that get twisted in the tabloids. For one, some people think Kenneth is significantly younger or older than he is because he doesn't have a huge public profile outside of his wife.
Misconception 1: He’s a "younger man." Nope. At 47, he’s the senior in the relationship.
Misconception 2: They just met recently. Absolutely not. They’ve known each other for over 30 years. That’s a lifetime in the entertainment industry.
🔗 Read more: What Really Happened With the Livvy Dunne Sex Tape Rumors
Misconception 3: He’s just a "bodyguard" or "assistant." While he’s often seen shadowing her, he doesn't have an official professional role in her management. He’s her husband, period.
Practical Takeaways for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the Minaj-Petty saga, here’s what you actually need to know:
- Check the Birthdays: If you see a headline saying he’s 50 or 40, they’re wrong. April 1978 is the date on the official records.
- Understand the Legal Context: Much of the "age" talk is linked to his status as a registered sex offender. That requirement doesn't go away, which is why it stays in the news.
- Look at the Roots: Their relationship is built on a New York foundation. When Nicki talks about "Zoo," she’s talking about a guy who saw her struggle before the private jets and pink Ferraris.
Knowing the facts helps cut through the noise. Kenneth Petty is 47, he’s been in Nicki’s life since they were kids, and despite the heavy legal baggage, he remains the central figure in her personal world.
Actionable Insight: If you're following the legal updates regarding his registration status, always look for primary court documents or reputable legal news outlets, as celebrity blogs often conflate his age or the dates of his past convictions.