Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal, Shaunie Henderson

Shaquille O’Neal’s Mother Shares Initial Thoughts From When She First Met His Ex-Wife Shaunie Henderson

As the popular saying goes, “Mother knows best.”

Lucille O’Neal — mother of retired NBA star Shaquille O’Neal — and Sonya Curry — mother of NBA stars Steph and Seth Curry — recently sat down with media personality Sway Calloway to promote their upcoming series Raising Fame.

The heartwarming show, set to premiere July 7 on TV ONE, centers around intimate conversations with the parents and guardians responsible for raising some of our fav celebs and what it took to properly shape someone living in the spotlight.

During their interview with Sway, Lucille O’Neal was asked what was it like when her famous son shared plans to marry his now ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson. Answering honestly, she revealed,

“Before then, I had already gotten to the place where my place is secure. I don’t care who he marries or who he gets with. I know my place, and I’m secure in it.”

Shaunie Henderson and Shaquille O’Neal married in 2002 and split in 2009. Their divorce was finalized in 2010. Together they welcomed four children: sons Shareef and Shaqir and daughters Amirah and Me’arah. Shaquille O’Neal also had a great hand in raising stepson Myles, from Shaunie Henderson’s previous relationship, and shares daughter Taahirah with his ex-girlfriend.

Shaunie O’Neal & Her Children

Lucille O’Neal continued, sharing advice she’s given to other mothers with children who are in the public eye.

“It’s hard to see them go into a relationship and somehow you may feel maybe that might not be the right relationship. But, we have to step back, and we have to let it happen. And I tell a lot of the mothers that we are going to remain their mothers as long as they live… we are not their girlfriends. So, I’m safe in my place.”

Following their divorce, Shaunie Henderson married pastor Keion Henderson in 2022. Sonya Curry also weighed in during the interview and said,

“I pray for my children’s significant others from the day they’re born. Literally every night I pray that God will bring a Godly woman or man into their lives and he has not failed me yet. I have two beautiful daughters-in-law and a son-in-law that I actually consider them daughters now and son and I don’t worry one ounce.”

Lucille O’Neal is also mother to Ayesha O’Neal and Sonya Curry is also mom to Sydel Curry.