Who is Michael Jordan Married To? Insights into His Marriage to Yvette Prieto
How Did Michael Jordan Meet Yvette Prieto?
Michael Jordan, the iconic NBA legend, has captivated fans both on and off the basketball court. While his extraordinary career needs no introduction, many are equally intrigued by his personal life, particularly his marriage to Yvette Prieto. But how did the greatest basketball player of all time cross paths with the former Cuban-American model?
In 2008, after finalizing his divorce from his first wife, Juanita Vanoy, Jordan met Yvette at a nightclub in Miami. The two immediately hit it off, and by the following year, they were living together. This marked the beginning of a relationship that would capture public attention for years to come. While many might assume their courtship was as glamorous as Jordan’s on-court feats, their connection blossomed in a rather understated fashion—a private affair punctuated by shared values and mutual respect. By 2011, Michael had proposed during the Christmas holidays, cementing their love for one another.
The Lavish $10 Million Wedding
The couple’s wedding was nothing short of extravagant. Held on April 27, 2013, at the famous Episcopal Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea in Palm Beach, Florida, their nuptials reflected both the couple’s status and elegance. With over 500 guests in attendance, including celebrity figures like Tiger Woods and Patrick Ewing, the event was a star-studded affair.
The reception, held at the Bears Club, a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, was a spectacle of luxury. A-list performers like Usher and Robin Thicke serenaded the couple. The couple did not request gifts but instead channeled the proceeds toward the James R. Jordan Foundation, a charity named after Michael’s father. The scale and grandeur of the wedding underscored Michael and Yvette’s shared vision of using their platform for good causes, particularly focusing on educational initiatives. The couple’s willingness to give back highlights their commitment to using their influence for positive change.
Yvette Prieto: A Journey from Cuba to the Spotlight
Born in Cuba, Yvette Prieto’s early life was deeply influenced by her family’s move to Miami during her childhood. While growing up, she pursued a modeling career that led her to work with prominent designers like Alexander Wang. However, before her rise in the fashion world, she was briefly romantically linked to Julio Iglesias Jr., the son of the famous Latin singer. Their relationship eventually ended, and in 2008, she met Jordan, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life.
Yvette’s influence in the fashion world wasn’t the only marker of her success. Before her modeling days, she also dabbled in business, having worked in her family’s company and various roles in the real estate industry. This diverse professional background contributed to her strong sense of independence, making her an ideal partner for Jordan.
Building a Family with Michael Jordan
In February 2014, the couple welcomed identical twin daughters, Ysabel and Victoria Jordan. While Michael Jordan had already been a father to three children from his previous marriage to Juanita Vanoy—Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine Jordan—Ysabel and Victoria brought new joy into the family.
The couple has successfully kept their family life private, with very few images of their daughters making it into the public eye. Jordan’s children from his previous marriage have also embraced their roles as older siblings to Ysabel and Victoria, continuing the strong family values instilled by their father.
The Life of Privacy: Michael and Yvette’s Low-Profile Lifestyle
Unlike many celebrity couples, Jordan and Prieto maintain a relatively private life. Although Michael Jordan is one of the most recognizable figures in the world, he and Yvette have skillfully avoided the limelight, often attending only a handful of public events. One such event was the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 in 2022, where the couple was spotted together, showcasing their support for Jordan’s ventures in the racing world with 23XI Racing.
To maintain this privacy, it is rumored that the couple uses code names during public outings. This deliberate attempt to shield their personal life from the media reflects the high value they place on maintaining normalcy for their family despite the pressures of fame.
Michael Jordan’s First Marriage to Juanita Vanoy
Before his marriage to Yvette, Michael Jordan was married to Juanita Vanoy for 17 years. Their relationship, which started in the mid-1980s, produced three children: Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine. Although their marriage lasted for nearly two decades, they ultimately divorced in 2006. Vanoy reportedly received a $168 million settlement, one of the largest in celebrity divorce history.
Despite their separation, Jordan has remained a devoted father to his children, all of whom have maintained close relationships with their father and his new family.
Quotes and Public Appearances
| Quote | Source |
|---|---|
| “He wanted to give Yvette everything she’s ever wanted.” | People.com |
| “Michael and Yvette have built a life around their family, focusing on what matters most.” | PlayersBio.com |
Celebrity Friends and Social Circles
Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto frequently rub shoulders with other celebrities, attending events with figures like Samuel L. Jackson and Magic Johnson. They were recently spotted vacationing with several high-profile couples in Capri, Italy, highlighting their global social network.
While they are surrounded by fame, the couple remains grounded, consistently prioritizing family and privacy over public exposure.
The Legacy of Michael and Yvette
As Michael Jordan continues to build his post-basketball empire, Yvette stands by his side as a partner in both his personal and professional life. From his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets to his business ventures in 23XI Racing, Jordan’s life after basketball is as impressive as his career on the court. Through it all, Yvette Prieto plays an instrumental role in providing the support and stability that has allowed Jordan to thrive.
The couple’s shared commitment to family, privacy, and philanthropy has earned them admiration from fans around the world. Together, they continue to build a life centered around love, trust, and mutual respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Michael Jordan marry Yvette Prieto?
Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto married on April 27, 2013, in a grand ceremony at Bethesda-by-the-Sea.
How many children do Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto have?
They have twin daughters, Ysabel and Victoria, born in 2014.
What is Yvette Prieto known for?
Yvette Prieto is a Cuban-American model who has worked with designers like Alexander Wang.
How did Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto meet?
They met at a nightclub in Miami in 2008, shortly after Jordan’s divorce from his first wife, Juanita Vanoy.
References:
- people.com
- hellomagazine.com
- wikipedia.org
- playersbio.com
- accesshollywood.com
