At age 12, Zaya Wade ran into Gabrielle Union’s arms, too frightened to face her father’s questions, as Union later recalled to Marie Claire. That moment showed just how close the two were. It also taught DWade to be more focused on his parenting. Now 17, Zaya often credits her stepmom, Gabrielle Union, for instilling confidence in her. Although Zaya teases her stepmom’s TikTok videos, she credits Union with instilling unshakeable confidence. As Zaya prepares to leave home for college, Union cannot help but admit that parenting her has been different compared to her other children.
Dwyane Wade shares his children Zaire and Zaya with his ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches. After their divorce, Wade was awarded full custody of the kids. He also has custody of his nephew, Dahveon. In 2018, Wade and Union welcomed their youngest daughter, Kaavia, into the family. Parenting—celebrity or not—comes with universal challenges.
Wade and Union each have their own approaches. In her recent interview for Marie Claire’s “Motherhood” issue, Union shared that she maintains a friendly relationship with the older kids, Zaire and Dahveon, when asked if she is friends with her kids.
But Union told Marie Claire she and Zaya share a ‘motherly friendship,’ bonded by shared interests in school and social media culture. Union explained that she and Zaya have a lot in common, making their bond even stronger. “With Zaya, I feel like her motherly friend because we have more in common. We’re both students. The things that we exchange are nothing I have with the other kids,” Union said. She also lovingly describes Kaavia as “cool.”
Given her close relationship with Zaya, it’s understandable why Union feels nervous and “scared” about sending off the 17-year-old to college. While she’s incredibly proud of how talented and confident Zaya has become, she also worries about not being able to help her with college subjects and the everyday challenges that come with growing up, concerns shared by many parents.
Jan 14, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Former Miami Heat player Dwayne Wade reacts after learning a statue will be erected outside of Kaseya Center in 2025, during a special ceremony during halftime of the game between the Miami Heat and the Charlotte Hornets. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
“[She’s] an astrobiology major. So we can’t help with that. We haven’t been able to help with homework since the fourth grade, but we’re excited for next year,” Union told People magazine. She added how Zaya’s teachers appreciate her kindness towards the other kids. Apart from her kids, Union also made some heartbreaking revelations during the interview.
Gabrielle Union felt “isolated” during Dwyane Wade’s cancer diagnosis
She opened up about her pain during Wade’s cancer diagnosis. It was back in 2023 when Wade experienced minor discomfort in his stomach and a weak urine flow. Given both his father’s and grandfather’s history with cancer, he believed it was right to get checked. After his retirement, he hadn’t had many doctor visits. Upon discovering the tumor in his kidney, Wade listened to the doctors’ suggestions and underwent surgery, which involved removing 40 percent of his kidney.
Though Wade publicly shared his diagnosis in January 2025 on his The WY Network podcast—calling it “the weakest I’ve ever felt,” he initially kept the news close to the vest. In a February 26, 2025, appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, Gabrielle Union opened up about the emotional fallout she experienced when she realized how much her husband was hiding. “It’s a very selfish response that I had, and it caused all kinds of problems… It just starts sowing the seeds of distrust,” she shared.
Union admitted the emotional distance persisted post-surgery, a silence that left her feeling isolated and heartbroken. Union went on to explain that even after Wade’s successful surgery—and his October 2024 declaration of being cancer-free—her husband’s continued reticence kept her in an emotional limbo. “That detachment lingered post-op, and it broke my heart,” she shared in Marie Claire’s May 2025 “Motherhood” issue.
Credits: IMAGO
Did Wade have a reason behind it? During his interview, the 3x NBA champ admitted that he didn’t want to show his weak side to his family.
“I think it was the first time my family, my dad, my kids, they saw me weak. One thing you never want to do as a man? You never want your family to see you weak,” the Miami Heat legend said. Even for the pre-op room, he chose his father over Union. “It just felt like he was trying to leave us, not in a marital sense, but a life and death sense. He wanted his best friend, not me. He didn’t want to be weak.” Union revealed.
While all that is in the past, it’s admirable how the couple is candidly sharing their different struggles and pain after Wade’s cancer diagnosis. While the couple might have found a new balance now, their stories and experiences will inspire those who are struggling with similar issues.
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