Dwyane Wade's Surprise Message From His Mom Will Move You to Tears
Dwyane Wade is bringing his best on and off the court.
During the former NBA star’s week as a guest co-host on Today with Jenna & Friends, he shared a heartfelt moment with his mom, Jolinda Wade, after she opened up about how her son had been there for her through tough times over the years.
The July 8 segment started with a surprise video from Jolinda, who called her son a "blessing to me and so many others whose lives you have touched."
She reflected on how their lives haven't always been easy, as she faced addiction and other struggles, but Dwyane, 43, always stood by her.
“I remember how we became pen pals when I was incarcerated,” she shared. “Your letters got me through each day and enabled me to be a part of all the wonderful things that was happening in your life.”
The 70-year-old also expressed her joy in seeing him thrive as a dad to Zaire, 23, and Zaya, 18, with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, as well as Xavier, 11, from a past relationship and Kaavia, 6, with wife Gabrielle Union. (The couple also raised his nephew Dahveon Morris.)
“When you sent me pictures of my grandson Zaire, I was able to tell from your letters how very proud you were,” Jolinda said. “You made up your mind that you were going to be the best dad you could be and that is exactly what you’ve become. Son, you are simply one of the best dads a child could have. Just like everything else in your life, you give fatherhood your all.”
But if the video wasn’t moving enough, she soon walked on set, where she detailed what it meant to have such a strong support system amid her troubles.
“One thing about my precious four babies—they never stopped loving me,” Jolinda gushed. “They never stopped loving me, never judged me, never condemned me.”
She also explained how Dwyane encouraged her to share her story.
“When they first wanted to do a story about me, and I told him because I wanted to respect the space that he had got in," she reflected, "He said, ‘Ma, you go and tell your story because the only thing it’s going to do is help someone.'"
While Dwyane emphasized their life had "been a journey,” the love still couldn't be stronger, saying, “No one makes me smile as big as my mom.”
For more of Dwyane's life throughout the years, read on.
(E! and Today are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)
Dwyane Wade is ready to share his story. In an Instagram video announcing his memoir, he teased, "Every once in a while we hear stories that give us all hope. It’s when someone does something so incredible that no one saw coming or no one knew you were capable of. It’s the story of the underdog. It was our time, my time."
In an expert from his book, the retired athlete explained, "My career wasn't always easy, but I had long since learned nothing in life was. I'm thankful for what the game of basketball brought to my life, my family's life, and how it allowed me to be connected to so many people's lives along the way."
The Cube host and his mini-me! Before retiring from the NBA, Dwyane brought Kaavia James, now 3, whom he shares with wife Gabrielle Union, to his last home game. The two adorably twinned in red outfits for the special occasion.
The star shared a candid snapshot of his and Gabrielle's outing with Justin Timberlake and his wife Jessica Biel. The pals celebrated Dwyane's last game before he hung up his jersey and retired from the NBA.
Grab the tissues! While reflecting on his August 2014 wedding to the Deliver Us From Eva actress, Dwyane gushed in his memoir, "When I tell you, though, that Gab looked like an angel walking down the aisle, I put that on everything. I can be 120 years old, and I'll remember that moment like it happened five minutes ago. That's why I'm wiping my eye."
The NBA champion and Gabrielle are photographed helping his nephew, Dahveon Morris, now 20, who he adopted in 2011, get ready for prom.
Go bold or go home! For the 39-year-old star, he's all about making a style statement. As he put it in his book, "When it comes to fashion, I'm not afraid to take chances."
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……Stories America Entertainment International
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