Dr. Dre, now 59, and attorney Nicole Young were once one of hip-hop’s longest-standing couples. Their relationship—marked by a whirlwind courtship, two children, and a headline-making breakup—spanned a quarter-century before ending in a highly publicized divorce finalized in 2021. Here’s a fresh look at how they met, married, and ultimately parted ways, plus a recap of Dre’s earlier romances.
Love at First Sight—While She Was Still Married
Dre met Nicole in the mid-1990s when she was wed to former NBA player Sedale Threatt. After Nicole’s 1996 split from Threatt, she and Dre started dating and, just four months later, walked down the aisle.
Building a Family
The newlyweds quickly grew their family: son Truice arrived in 1997, followed by daughter Truly in 2001. Dre also brought four children from previous relationships into the marriage, creating a blended household that, for years, seemed rock-solid.
Nicole’s Career Away From the Spotlight
Before fame found her, Nicole practiced law. Details of her legal career remain scarce—she has kept that chapter largely private—but her training as an attorney would later influence the meticulous approach she took during divorce negotiations.
The Split That Shocked Fans
In June 2020, Nicole filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences and alleging abuse. She initially requested $2 million per month in temporary spousal support. A judge ultimately set monthly payments at about $293,000 beginning August 1, 2021—roughly $3.5 million annually—until she remarries or enters a new domestic partnership.
A Nine-Figure Settlement
December 2021 brought closure: Dre agreed to pay Nicole $100 million—half immediately and the balance a year later. Although she missed out on her original support figure, the settlement ranked among Hollywood’s costliest that year.
Fallout and Fresh Accusations
Nearly three years post-split, former marriage counselor Dr. Charles Sophy accused Dre of harassment and threats connected to the divorce mediation process, showing that hostilities lingered well after paperwork was signed.
“DIVORCED AF” and Dre’s New Chapter
Producer Breyon Prescott celebrated the finalized divorce on Instagram, posting a photo of Dre posing with balloons spelling “DIVORCED AF,” underscoring the rapper’s eagerness to move forward.
Dre’s Romantic Timeline Before Nicole
| Years | Partner | Notable Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1981-1983 | Cassandra Joy Greene | Mother of first son, Curtis (1981) |
| 1982-1984 | Clara Maroni | Italian artist; daughter La Tanya (1983) |
| 1987-1988 | Jenita Porter | Son Andre Young Jr. (1988); Andre died in 2008 at age 20 |
| 1988-1996 | Michel’le | R&B singer; son Marcel (1991) |
These formative relationships shaped Dre’s personal life long before his high-profile marriage—and equally high-profile divorce—from Nicole Young.
The Takeaway
Nicole Young and Dr. Dre’s saga is a case study in how swiftly love can ignite—and how publicly it can unravel when fame, fortune, and decades-long history collide. Their story continues to influence conversations about celebrity prenups, spousal support, and the lasting impact of marital breakdowns in the public eye.
