People always ask if Shaq is settling down again. It's the big question. You see him on TNT, you see him DJing at a club in Vegas as DJ Diesel, or you see him in a random commercial for insurance or printer ink. The guy is everywhere. But when it comes to a wedding ring? That’s a whole different story.
Honestly, the "Big Aristotle" has been pretty blunt about his romantic life lately. He’s not sugarcoating it. If you’re looking for a quick answer on whether Shaquille O Neal married anyone recently, the answer is no. He hasn't walked down the aisle since his high-profile divorce from Shaunie Henderson (now Shaunie Keion-Henderson) was finalized back in 2011.
The Only Time Shaq Said "I Do"
Shaq has only been married once. Just once.
He met Shaunie Nelson in the late 90s. At the time, Shaq was the king of Los Angeles, dominating the paint for the Lakers. They tied the knot in a super-private, high-security ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel in 2002. For a while, they were the "it" couple of the NBA. They had four kids together: Shareef, Amirah, Shaqir, and Me'arah. Shaq also adopted Shaunie’s son, Myles, from a previous relationship.
But the glamour didn't fix the cracks.
In 2007, Shaq actually filed for divorce first. Then they tried to patch it up. It didn't stick. By 2009, Shaunie filed for separation, and by 2011, it was officially over.
Why the marriage actually ended
You've gotta give Shaq credit for one thing: he doesn't blame anyone but himself. In his memoir Shaq Uncut: My Story, and in basically every interview since 2022, he’s admitted he "messed it up."
He was a superstar with too many options. He’s admitted to being unfaithful and not being the husband he should have been. It’s rare to see a celebrity take that much ownership. He literally told the Pivot Podcast that he was "bad" and that Shaunie was "awesome."
Shaunie has since moved on. She married Pastor Keion Henderson in 2022 in a gorgeous ceremony in Anguilla. Shaq even publicly supported her, saying he wishes her nothing but the best. No drama, just growth.
Who is Shaq Dating in 2026?
So, if he isn't married, who’s the lucky lady?
It’s complicated. Shaq is 53 now. He recently shut down some wild rumors on social media. People thought he was dating 21-year-old model Sophie Rain because of a photo, but Shaq clapped back hard. He basically said he doesn’t "date that young" and even threw some legendary shade at the people spreading the rumor.
He’s also had to clear up photos of him with "my boy's wife," Monique Martin, explaining they are just friends and business associates.
The Annie Ilonzeh Rumors
For years, the internet has linked him to actress Annie Ilonzeh. They’ve been spotted together in Spain, on beaches, and at various events since 2019. Neither of them has ever confirmed it. They haven't posted "official" couple photos on Instagram.
Is she his girlfriend? Maybe. Is she his wife? Definitely not.
"I'm Gonna End Up Alone"
In a 2024 conversation with WNBA star Angel Reese, Shaq dropped a truth bomb that felt a little sad. He said he probably won't get married again.
"I’m gonna end up alone. I already know it. Because y'all be making rules up as you go along."
🔗 Read more: Is Joe Jonas Still Married? What Really Happened with Sophie Turner
He talked about how there’s no "handbook" on being a perfect man. He also mentioned that if he’s with someone every day and they know his schedule, he doesn't think what he does on his phone should be considered cheating—a comment that sparked a lot of debate online.
It sounds like Shaq has reached a point where he values his freedom and his "Diesel" lifestyle more than the traditional structure of a 2026 marriage.
The "Next Mrs. O'Neal" Reality Show?
Late in 2025, Shaq actually joked with Andy Cohen about doing a reality show called The Next Mrs. O'Neal. He said he’d want a mix of contestants—a lawyer, someone from abroad, maybe a few "wild girls"—to compete for his hand.
Was he serious? Probably not. Shaq loves a good headline. But it shows he’s comfortable with his bachelor status. He’s more focused on his kids’ basketball careers and his business empire than finding a permanent plus-one.
What We Can Learn From Shaq’s Journey
Looking at Shaq’s history with marriage, there are some pretty clear takeaways for anyone navigating the dating world:
- Accountability is Key: Shaq’s public image actually improved when he started admitting his mistakes. People respect the honesty of a man who says, "I had it all and I blew it."
- Co-parenting Over Conflict: Shaq and Shaunie are a masterclass in co-parenting. They show up for their kids' games together and support each other's new chapters.
- Know Your Limits: Shaq’s realization that he might "end up alone" isn't necessarily a failure. It’s an acknowledgment of what he’s willing (and not willing) to do in a relationship at this stage of his life.
If you’re following the "Big Fella," don't expect a wedding announcement anytime soon. He seems perfectly happy being the world’s most famous bachelor-grandfather-DJ-analyst.
Next Steps for You:
If you want to keep up with Shaq's actual life, follow his official social media rather than the "broke blogs" he likes to call out. You can also check out Shaunie’s memoir, UNDEFEATED, if you want the deep-dive perspective from the other side of the most famous marriage in NBA history.