Ever since the release of “Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms,” much attention has been drawn to Shaunie Henderson’s past marriage with Shaquille O’Neal. The media and public alike have fixated on her revelation that she didn’t harbor real love for Shaq during their marriage from 2002 to 2011. However, the significant personal changes Shaunie made to adapt to life post-divorce have been less discussed. After watching Shaunie on “Basketball Wives,” many didn’t expect she would reconsider marriage until Pastor Keion Henderson entered her life. Now, they are celebrating their second wedding anniversary.
In an interview with xoNecole, Shaunie disclosed a major transformation she had to undergo before remarrying. “I had to learn how to soften myself and allow my husband to lead me,” she shared.
Shaunie and Shaq were married in a secret ceremony in 2002 and finalized their divorce in 2011, though their separation occurred earlier. It took a while before Shaunie met Pastor Keion Henderson. They got engaged in 2021 and married on May 28, 2022. During the decade between her marriages, Shaunie underwent substantial changes to adapt to her new partner.
“I was single for a long time and became totally dependent on only myself. I didn’t have anybody opening my car door and making sure that gas was in my car or that it was washed. Things were done around the house because I either told my sons to do it or did it myself,” she explained. To build a healthy relationship with her husband, she had to show her trust in him. “So to have a man in my life that made me feel so safe and secure, I just became real dainty. Women need to have that trust in their partner.”
As they celebrate their second wedding anniversary, the adjustments Shaunie has made highlight her dedication to her marriage.
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Shaunie’s Family Support
Shaunie relied on her sons during her single years. It was natural for her children to support her new relationship. Her and Shaq’s five children have been incredibly supportive. Her daughters, Amirah and Me’Arah, served as her bridesmaids at her wedding with Henderson in Anguilla.
Her two youngest children also moved with her from California to Houston, Texas. Shaunie strategically planned her busy schedules to ensure she could visit Myles and Shareef in Los Angeles. Amirah transferred to Texas Southern University and now lives closer to her mother and stepfather. The O’Neal kids have warmly welcomed Keion as a bonus dad. Me’Arah and Shaqir credit him for keeping them motivated in basketball. With the unwavering support from her family, Shaunie and Keion have reached a significant milestone, something she probably didn’t envision after her divorce.
She shared a heartfelt message to Keion on Instagram, and the comments were flooded with congratulations from friends and family. Despite the scrutiny of her past marriage, Shaunie is evidently thriving and making her current marriage flourish.
Stay tuned for more updates, and to hear what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about his marketing genius, watch this video.