'RHOA' NeNe Leakes Talks Exploring Open Marriage Concept
By Afouda Bamidele on October 14, 2023 at 12:30 PM EDT
NeNe Leakes is contemplating an unconventional path after losing her husband, Gregg Leakes.
Known for her outspoken personality and willingness to share her life with the world, the vibrant personality from "Real Housewives of Atlanta" opened up about a personal topic — the possibility of an open marriage. This unexpected revelation is shedding light on a side of the reality TV star that fans have never seen before.
NeNe Leakes Considering Open Marriage Experience After Husband's Death
Dealing with the loss of her husband has not come easy for the star and has left her seeking connection and support. In a candid and emotional episode of her "#LifeofNeNe" YouTube series," the mother-of-two shared a vulnerable glimpse into her thoughts on relationships after an encounter in the hospital.
During the episode, the TV personality recounted a doctor's appointment that prompted her to provide an emergency contact. As her voice trembled with emotion, she explained:
"I was filling out the information, and they asked for my emergency contact, and I got really emotional. It came out of nowhere because I was literally looking at the paper like, 'Who is it that I would want somebody to call in case something happens.'"
Although she ended up putting her son down as her emergency contact, it got her thinking about possibly marrying someone, even if the spark of romantic love was not present. "Maybe I should marry, whether I'm 100% happy with the person or not. Maybe I should marry just so I have a partner, a partner for life." she pondered.
Her rationale? — The prospect of having a lifelong partner by her side, someone who would be there through thick and thin. The 55-year-old acknowledged that this person may not be the perfect match for her but emphasized the importance of having someone in her corner. In her words:
"Maybe we will have an agreement that this person would be there for me, and I would be there for them during hard times or medical times or something like that."
Taking her contemplation further, she mused about setting clear terms in such an arrangement, allowing both partners to explore connections outside the marriage. "He will see whoever he wants to see. I will see whoever I want to see," Leakes mused, acknowledging the complexities of an open relationship, recognizing that it might involve other people in each other's lives.
However, the "Glee" star ultimately determined that an open relationship does not align with her core values. She expressed a desire for a partner who wholeheartedly loved her, stating:
"I considered it, but I know that it's not who I am as a person. I really would want to be with somebody that really loves me and really wanted to be there for me."
NeNe Leakes Pays Tribute To Late Husband Gregg On His Posthumous Birthday
On what would have been his 68th birthday, nearly two years after his passing, the former "Fashion Police" co-host commemorated the businessman, who had succumbed to colon cancer on September 1, 2021, at the age of 66. This was after a years-long battle with the disease since his initial diagnosis in 2018.
Deeply touched, the "Uncle Drew" guest star visited her late partner's final resting place and shared a touching message on her Instagram alongside a collage featuring two throwback pictures that encapsulated the essence of their love.
The first image captured Gregg in a joyful moment, seated at a table during an event, and in the second, NeNe could be seen leaning down to kiss her beloved husband. In the caption, she penned a heartfelt note:
"Happy Heavenly Birthday, Gregg! Today you would be out eating your favorite foods! French Fries and chicken tenders ? –I love you for that. It was the simple things about you that got me every time! I love you and miss you more than words can say! –My Man My Man My Mannnn❤️."
Fans flooded the comments section with well wishes for the beloved late star, showing their affection for him. One user exclaimed, "?️ HONK THE HORN ON EM GREG!!!" ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️????," while another added, "Love you, Dad Gregg ❤️❤️❤️."
Amidst the outpouring of support, a follower playfully declared, "Number one house husband!!!!!! BLOOOOOP! TOOT TOOT!!!!! ??.” A fourth also excitedly chimed, "We Stan Gregg Leakes! Happy Heavenly Birthday to My Favorite House Husband."
