NEWSNeNe Leakes' Husband Gregg Leakes Dead At 66 Following Long Battle With Cancer
Sept. 1 2021, Published 3:56 p.m. ET
NeNe Leakes' husband Gregg Leakes has died at the age of 66 following a long battle with cancer.
According to HollywoodLife, Ernest Dukes — a publicist for the family — announced the sad news in a statement to the outlet. “Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart,” he said. “After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife Nene Leakes."
"We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very very difficult time,” the statement concluded.
Before the news was made public, the couple's son Brentt penned an emotional message about cherishing the time you have with those you care about.
“Spend time with your loved ones every chance you get,” he allegedly wrote via a since-expired Instagram Story. “Time is so Fu**ing valuable dog. I can’t express it.”
“I’m learning the hard way watching my dad fight every day,” the post continued, reported social media account Neighborhood Talk. “Please go create memories with ya people.”
Bravo's own Andy Cohen also penned a heartfelt message to the family following the tragic news. "I am heartbroken over the passing of Gregg Leakes, a wonderful man. I jokingly called him “Pastor Leakes” but in truth he was a strong voice of reason & commanded great respect among the entire #RHOA team. I am sending love and strength to @neneleakes & the entire Leakes family".
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NeNe previously shared an update on Gregg’s cancer battle, revealing the prognosis wasn’t good during a visit to her restaurant, Linnethia Lounge. “My husband is transitioning to the other side,” the Real Housewives of Atlanta alum told customers on Saturday, August 28.
The reality star also seemingly addressed the news via Instagram on Sunday after she posted an image that simply read “Broken” with a broken heart emoji and prayer hands emoji.
Gregg previously battled with stage three colon cancer. Fans watched the TV personality care for her husband during season 11 of the Bravo series.
The longtime loves exchanged vows in 1997, but divorced in 2011. However, the pair worked things out and remarried in 2013.
In June, NeNe confirmed that her husband's cancer had returned during an Instagram Live with The Jasmine Brand. "It's difficult," she admitted. "I'd love for everybody to pray for Gregg, that would be beautiful. Pray for his strength. And pray for me too."
TMZ reports that there won't be a funeral, at Gregg's request. Instead, he will be cremated, and a celebration of life ceremony will be held in the future.
