Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre | Source: Getty Images
Nicole Threatt A.k.A. Nicole Young Became Dr. Dre's Ex Wife After Decades of Marriage
Nicole Threatt, also known as Nicole Young, found herself in the spotlight in 2020 when her decades-long marriage to rap icon Dr. Dre ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce battle. Their messy split brought their private matters into the public eye.
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During their marriage, Nicole Threatt played a significant role in Dr. Dre's personal and professional life. The renowned rapper openly acknowledged his now ex-wife's influence on his musical decisions and her role in keeping him true to his artistic roots.
The divorce between Dr. Dre and Nicole marked the conclusion of a relationship that spanned over two decades, during which they welcomed and raised their children together. Their legal battle, in which Nicole sought a share of Dr. Dre's estimated $1 billion fortune, drew significant attention.
Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre attend the Universal Pictures and Legendary Pictures' premiere of "Straight Outta Compton" at Microsoft Theater on August 10, 2015, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre Met in the 1990s
Before becoming Dr. Dre's wife, Nicole had a previous marriage to NBA player Sedale Threatt in 1992. However, their marriage ended in divorce four years later.
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Nicole had reportedly met Dr. Dre in the 1990s, when she had a successful career as an attorney, although the exact circumstances of their initial meeting are not widely known.
Dr. Dre and Nicole Threatt attend the City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala 2018 at Barker Hangar on October 11, 2018, in Santa Monica, California. | Source: Getty Images
After her divorce from Sedale, Nicole and Dr. Dre became romantically involved, leading to their wedding in 1996. Following their marriage, the couple enjoyed a honeymoon in Hawaii.
During their time together, they built a family, welcoming their son Truice Young in 1997 and their daughter Truly Young in 2001. Before marrying Dre, she had a son from a previous relationship named Trevor, making her a mother of three. At the time of their marriage, Dr. Dre already had four older children from previous relationships.
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Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre attend the premiere of HBO's 'The Defiant Ones' at Paramount Theatre on June 22, 2017, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Nicole's Influence on Dr. Dre's Musical Journey
Nicole played a significant role in encouraging Dr. Dre to stay true to his musical roots. Despite Dr. Dre's desire to transition into R&B music and create a softer image for himself, Nicole supported his original style.
She often played "The Chronic" on her car's CD player and questioned his shift in musical direction. Dr. Dre, as a married man with daughters, expressed his intention to be more respectful toward women in his lyrics. However, she encouraged him to go back to the gritty and explicit themes, saying:
"That's the real Dre."
Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre attend "The Defiant Ones" special screening at the Ritzy Picturehouse on March 15, 2018, in London, United Kingdom. | Source: Getty Images
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Nicole's encouragement gave the renowned musician a sense of relief, allowing him to return to his true self and embrace the themes he was known for but spent most of 1996 renouncing.
Nicole also claimed that she had been forced into signing the prenuptial agreement in 1996, describing herself as "extremely reluctant, resistant, and afraid to sign the agreement."
Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre attend the Los Angeles Premiere of "Can't Stop Won't Stop" at the Writers Guild of America, West on June 21, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
The Turbulent Divorce Battle
After 25 years of marriage, Nicole filed for separation in June 2020, sparking a messy divorce battle that dominated tabloid news. Aged 50 at the time, she embarked on a contentious legal journey to secure her share of Dr. Dre's estimated $1 billion fortune.
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A central point of contention in their divorce was Nicole's demand to access Dr. Dre's financial and personal records, including any information about children he might have had outside of their marriage.
Dr. Dre and Nicole Young arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of Sony Pictures Classics' "Miles Ahead" at Writers Guild Theater on March 29, 2016, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
She also sought to compel three alleged mistresses of Dr. Dre—singer Jillian Speer, model-turned-entrepreneur Kili Anderson, and Crystal Rogers, known as the "Queen of Latin hip-hop"—to testify in the divorce proceedings. These women opposed Nicole's legal efforts to depose them.
Nicole also claimed that she had been forced into signing the prenuptial agreement in 1996, describing herself as "extremely reluctant, resistant, and afraid to sign the agreement."
She mentioned that two years into their marriage, Dr. Dre admitted he was wrong to make her sign it and tore it up before her. Throughout the legal battle, they also clashed over allegations of abuse.
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Nicole Threatt and Dr. Dre attend the 31st Annual Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center of Brooklyn on April 8, 2016, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
The divorce process dragged on for some time, and in December 2021, Dr. Dre celebrated the finalization of his divorce from Nicole with a photo in front of large, silver balloons that read "Divorced" with an expletive word.
The former pair's divorce is one of the most notable breakups in the industry. Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas, Ariana Grande and Dalton Gomez, Britney Spears and Sam Asghari are recent couples who have reportedly filed for divorce, grabbing headlines this year.
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