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Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy | Michael Jordan | Source: Getty Images
Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy | Michael Jordan | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan's 2 Wives: First — Loan Officer & Mom of His 3 Kids, Second — Model He Met in Nightclub

Milly Wanjiku Ndirangu
Feb 19, 2024
03:15 A.M.
  • Michael Jordan, a basketball legend with a fascinating personal life has been married twice.
  • His first wife was his partner for 17 years and the mother of his three older children.
  • His second wife, a model he met in a nightclub, is his current spouse and the mother of his two younger children.
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Michael Jordan attends a press conference on January 24, 2020 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan attends a press conference on January 24, 2020 in Paris, France | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan, a basketball icon whose influence extends beyond the court, was born on February 17, 1963, in Brooklyn, New York. He rose to fame as a college basketball sensation and a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls.

Michael Jordan announces his retirement during a press conference on January 13, 1999 in Chicago | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan announces his retirement during a press conference on January 13, 1999 in Chicago | Source: Getty Images

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His life outside the court, particularly his relationships, has captivated public interest. Jordan has been married twice: his first wife, the mother to his three children, and his second wife, a model he met at a nightclub.

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy after Chicago Bulls won against Los Angeles Lakers on June 12, 1991 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy after Chicago Bulls won against Los Angeles Lakers on June 12, 1991 in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Both women have influenced Jordan's life, shaping the story of a man who excelled in basketball and experienced the highs and lows of family life. His first wife, Juanita Vanoy, was working as a loan officer when she crossed paths with Jordan at a Chicago Bennigan's after a Bulls game.

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy walk the red carpet on May 4, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy walk the red carpet on May 4, 2000 | Source: Getty Images

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She had spent most of her adult life working for organizations like Heitman Financial Services and the American Bar Association and had aspirations of completing an associate's degree at a local junior college.

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy at the Essence Awards 2000 on April 14, 2000 in New York | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy at the Essence Awards 2000 on April 14, 2000 in New York | Source: Getty Images

Their romance sparked in mid-1985, and by the end of 1987, Jordan had proposed at a high-end downtown restaurant. By July 11, 1988, five months post-proposal, she was five months pregnant and seeking legal counsel.

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy at a press conference on January 13, 1999 in Chicago | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy at a press conference on January 13, 1999 in Chicago | Source: Getty Images

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She wanted Jordan to take responsibility for his child. Despite her state of panic, her lawyer, Michael Minton found her to be resolute, without any trace of anger or bitterness. He described her as disciplined and realistic, knowing exactly what she needed to do.

Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan at a press conference on January 13, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

Juanita Vanoy and Michael Jordan at a press conference on January 13, 1999 | Source: Getty Images

He didn't perceive her as an opportunist but as a future mother trying to secure her child's future. That summer day in the Midwest, she hired Minton and instructed him to file a paternity suit against the most famous athlete in Chicago at the time, and soon to become the world's most famous athlete.

Michael Jordan before a basketball game  at USAir Arena on February 1, 1996 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan before a basketball game at USAir Arena on February 1, 1996 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

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Minton reached out to the basketball champion and presented Vanoy's position. He explained to Jordan that the only alternative to him voluntarily admitting paternity was to initiate a paternity action, which would become a public record.

Michael Jordan before a basketball game at the Capital Centre on December 23, 1992 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan before a basketball game at the Capital Centre on December 23, 1992 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Jordan promptly referred Minton to his legal team, marking the beginning of a lengthy negotiation that would go on for over two years. The lawyer shared that even as the negotiations were going on, the couple continued dating, insisting that they were "emotionally committed to each other."

Michael Jordan during a basketball game at the Capital Centre on December 14, 1991 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan during a basketball game at the Capital Centre on December 14, 1991 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

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Minton recalled that Jordan admitted paternity within a few months, but financial discussions continued. Vanoy gave birth to their son, Jeffrey, in November 1988, with Jordan's name on the birth certificate, but she managed to stay hidden from the media radar.

Michael Jordan during a basketball game at the Capital Centre on December 30, 1989 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan during a basketball game at the Capital Centre on December 30, 1989 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

In July of the following year, Vanoy informed Minton of her impending marriage to the basketball star and instructed him to negotiate a prenuptial agreement. Two months later, she and Jordan wed at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas at 3:30 a.m.

Michael Jordan before a game at Capital Centre on December 23, 1992 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan before a game at Capital Centre on December 23, 1992 in Landover, Maryland | Source: Getty Images

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The negotiations for the postnuptial agreement continued for another 18 months, concluding in February 1991, right after a Bulls game. Those who knew Vanoy would attest that she was never overawed by Jordan and was indifferent to his wealth and fame.

Michael Jordan at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 3, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

She was a diligent and driven woman before their paths crossed, having been brought up as the fifth of six girls on the South Side. Her friends vouched for her never losing touch with her roots. Following their wedding, Jordan openly shared his sentiments about Vanoy and their 10-month-old son.

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He expressed his joy about having a new family and recognized that it contributed to his personal growth, saying, "It helped me mature." Besides their firstborn Jeffrey, the couple welcomed two more children, Marcus, and Jasmine.

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Michael Jordan and his son Marcus during a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat on November 6, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and his son Marcus during a game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat on November 6, 1993 | Source: Getty Images

In 2016, Vanoy and Jordan mutually agreed to end their 17-year marriage, as announced in a statement released by their lawyers. The couple had previously experienced marital difficulties. Vanoy had initiated divorce proceedings in January 2002 but withdrew her suit a month later when they decided to try and reconcile.

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The couple did not have a prenuptial agreement, and Vanoy received a substantial settlement of $168 million, their shared Chicago residence, and custody of their three children upon divorce. Their divorce is recognized as one of the most costly in celebrity history.

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After the divorce, Juanita Vanoy launched a business, Juanita Wear, specializing in luxury designer clothing, handbags, shoes, belts, jewelry, and other accessories. In a 2018 interview, their only daughter and youngest child together, Jasmine Jordan, offered insights into their family dynamics.

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She characterized her brothers, Jeffrey and Marcus, as a homebody and a public personality, respectively, and described herself as a combination of the two. In 2013, Jordan wed model Yvette Prieto following a five-year courtship.

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Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto seen on August 11, 2012 in Miami, Florida | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto seen on August 11, 2012 in Miami, Florida | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida on February 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto at the UCF Arena in Orlando, Florida on February 8, 2012 | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 on June 25, 2022 in Lebanon, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during the NASCAR Cup Series Ally 400 on June 25, 2022 in Lebanon, Tennessee | Source: Getty Images

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Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala on April 5, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 12th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Gala on April 5, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Their wedding ceremony which was attended by 300 guests, was held at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, the same location where Donald Trump and his wife Melania were married in 2005. The couple had first met at a Miami nightclub in 2008.

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during their wedding at Bethesda-by-the Sea Church April 27, 2013 in Palm Beach, Florida | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during their wedding at Bethesda-by-the Sea Church April 27, 2013 in Palm Beach, Florida | Source: Getty Images

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Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during the Golden State Warriors versus Charlotte Bobcats game on January 14, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during the Golden State Warriors versus Charlotte Bobcats game on January 14, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto at MGM Grand Garden Arena  on May 2, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 2, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Their lavish wedding was estimated to have cost about $10 million. Prieto's engagement ring, a large diamond, was reportedly valued at $1 million, a gift from Jordan when he proposed in 2011. Upon turning 50, Jordan recognized that Prieto had instigated significant changes in his life, providing him the opportunity to reconnect with his younger self.

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Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational welcome reception March 28, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 11th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational welcome reception March 28, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 1, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto at Time Warner Cable Arena on November 1, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 11th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gala on March 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 11th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gala on March 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

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She persuaded him to visit his family in North Carolina and to show her his childhood home in Wilmington. Despite his initial resistance, he eventually agreed to the seven-hour journey. He acknowledged that Prieto had influenced him to try new experiences, indicating a change in his attitude from a decade ago.

Yvette Prieto attends the 11th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gala on March 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Yvette Prieto attends the 11th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gala on March 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 10th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gala on March 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the 10th annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational gala on March 30, 2011 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Source: Getty Images

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Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during a game on January 16, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto during a game on January 16, 2012 in Charlotte, North Carolina | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the Exclusive FABULOUS 23 Dinner on February 12, 2010 in Dallas, Texas | Source: Getty Images

Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto attend the Exclusive FABULOUS 23 Dinner on February 12, 2010 in Dallas, Texas | Source: Getty Images

"Ten years ago, we'd have been arguing all day. I would've won. This time, this stage where I am, you win. That's progress." he acknowledged. In February 2014, the couple was blessed with identical twin daughters, Victoria and Ysabel.

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