Dwyane Wade Shares Proposal Story and Family Nickname on TODAY

NEW YORK — NBA star Dwyane Wade opened up during a guest co-hosting stint on TODAY with Jenna Bush Hager on March 10, 2025, revealing the emotional moment he proposed to actress Gabrielle Union in December 2013.

Wade recalled feeling “shaking” as he asked Union to marry him, supported by his children, who held up signs that read, “Nickie, will you marry us?” Wade admitted, “I needed them. Because I barely got the words out.” The couple later wed in 2014, quickly embracing their blended family.

Wade’s children, including his six-year-old daughter Kaavia and his three older children from previous relationships — Zaire, 23, Zaya, 17, and Xavier, 11 — all refer to Union by a special nickname: Nickie. “Her middle name is Monique,” Wade explained. “When she grew up, her grandfather could not say ‘Gabrielle,’ and so they started calling her ‘Nickie.’”

During the episode, fans witnessed a touching moment when Kaavia appeared on video, expressing her love for Wade. “Daddy! I love you so much that you’re my favorite friend ever,” she said, before wishing him luck on the show.

Wade responded emotionally, saying, “That’s my twin right there. We ride … she loves me.” He mentioned that he is both father and coach to Kaavia, explaining, “I’m like her coach-trainer.” He added that she often reacts with surprise when he becomes stern during their basketball practices.

“My voice is a little deeper. My eyes squint a little bit,” he joked about his coaching demeanor.

However, being a dad to teenagers comes with its challenges. Wade lamented the generational gap, saying, “I don’t know what to say. When you’re around your kids, everything you say is cringe-worthy.” He cited a recent experience when he used the word “dope,” prompting his daughter Zaya to criticize his choice of language.

Hager shared her similar struggles with her children, stating, “When we say, ‘slay,’ my kids are like, ‘That is so embarrassing!’”

Despite their different generations, Wade remains close to his children. Surrounded by laughter and love on the TODAY set, Wade’s warmth and relatability shone through as he talked about his family life.