When WNBA legend Candace Parker stepped away from professional basketball in 2024, she left behind an extraordinary legacy that extended far beyond her three championship rings and countless accolades. Behind the scenes of her illustrious career lies an equally compelling love story that has captured hearts across the sports world. Parker’s relationship with her wife, Anna Petrakova, represents one of the most inspiring romances in professional athletics—a tale of two elite athletes who found love on the basketball court and built a beautiful family together.
The 39-year-old basketball icon, who revolutionized women’s basketball with her versatility and leadership, has been married to former Russian professional basketball player Anna Petrakova since December 2019. Their relationship, which began as a friendship between teammates in Russia, evolved into a deep romantic connection that neither woman initially expected. What makes their story particularly remarkable is how they navigated the challenges of keeping their relationship private for years due to Russia’s anti-LGBTQ+ policies, before courageously sharing their love with the world.
Today, Parker and Petrakova are proud parents to three children and continue to inspire countless fans with their authentic love story. Their journey from teammates to life partners demonstrates that love often arrives in unexpected packages, challenging preconceived notions about relationships and showing the power of staying true to oneself. As Parker once reflected, sometimes what you need doesn’t come in the box you expect it to.
How Candace Parker Met Her Wife Anna Petrakova
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova (Image via Getty)
Basketball Brought Them Together
Candace Parker first encountered Anna Petrakova in 2012 when both athletes were playing for UMMC Ekaterinburg in Russia. Like many WNBA players, Parker was competing overseas during the offseason to supplement her income, while Petrakova was playing in her home country. The two women initially met as teammates representing their respective countries at the 2012 London Olympics, where Parker helped lead Team USA to a gold medal.
Their connection began as a professional relationship built on mutual respect for each other’s basketball talents. Both women were elite athletes who understood the dedication and sacrifices required to excel in professional sports. What started as casual conversations between teammates gradually developed into a deep friendship that would eventually transform their lives.
From Friendship to Romance
The transition from friendship to romance wasn’t immediate or dramatic for Parker and Petrakova. As Parker revealed in her memoir “The Can-Do Mindset,” there was no grand romantic moment like in the movies. Instead, their relationship evolved gradually over time through small moments and shared experiences.
Parker, who was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams at the time, began to notice her heart beating differently when she was around Petrakova. The realization came during their time exploring museums in Russia, when Parker found herself looking at Petrakova in a new way. Both women initially denied their feelings to themselves for approximately three years before finally accepting their romantic connection.
Their Secret Wedding and Marriage Timeline
The Proposal in Mexico
In April 2019, Petrakova took Parker to Mexico for her birthday, setting the stage for a life-changing moment. Parker decided to propose during this trip, orchestrating a romantic proposal on a boat surrounded by about 15 family members and friends. The proposal included a special touch from Parker’s daughter Lailaa, who presented Petrakova with a cake that read “Will you marry us?”
This gesture was particularly meaningful because it emphasized that Parker and Lailaa came as a package deal. As Parker explained, Lailaa was the center of her universe, and it was important for their “dynamic duo to be upgraded to the Big Three.” The proposal perfectly captured the family-centered approach that would define their relationship moving forward.
Secret Wedding Ceremony
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova (Image via Getty)
Parker and Petrakova tied the knot on December 14, 2019, in an intimate ceremony attended by 50 guests plus staff, all of whom were required to keep the wedding secret. The couple chose to keep their marriage private for two years, not announcing it publicly until December 2021. This decision was largely influenced by concerns about Petrakova’s safety as a Russian citizen, given Russia’s harsh anti-LGBTQ+ policies and laws.
The secrecy surrounding their wedding reflected the complex challenges faced by LGBTQ+ athletes, particularly those with international connections. Russia’s Supreme Court has ruled that the international LGBT movement is an “extremist organization,” with participation punishable by up to 12 years in jail. This legal environment made their decision to keep their relationship private a matter of personal safety rather than shame.
Building Their Family Together
Going Public with Their Love
In December 2021, exactly two years after their wedding, Parker made the courageous decision to go public with their marriage. She announced on Instagram that she had been married to Petrakova for two years and that they were expecting their first child together. This revelation was met with overwhelming support from fans, fellow athletes, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Parker’s decision to share their relationship publicly was significantly influenced by her desire to set a positive example for her daughter Lailaa. As she explained, she couldn’t tell her daughter to be proud of who she is and speak up for those she loves if she wasn’t doing the same herself. This decision represented a powerful moment of authenticity and courage in professional sports.
Their Growing Family
Parker and Petrakova are now proud parents to three children. Their family includes Lailaa Nicole Williams, Parker’s 14-year-old daughter from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams. The couple welcomed their first child together, son Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, on February 11, 2022. Their family was completed with the arrival of their second son, Hartt Summitt Petrakov Parker, on May 21, 2024.
The name “Hartt Summitt” appears to honor the late legendary women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, reflecting the couple’s deep connection to the sport that brought them together. Parker frequently shares family moments on social media, using basketball terminology to describe their family dynamics, such as switching from “man-to-man to zone defense” with three children.
Current Relationship Status and Life Together
Candace Parker (Image via Getty)
Life After Basketball
Following Parker’s retirement from professional basketball in 2024, she has focused more intensively on family life while continuing her work as a sports analyst and commentator. She has expressed that being a wife and mother remains her top priority, and she plans to enjoy her family to the fullest during this new chapter of her life.
The couple continues to live together as a blended family, with both women actively involved in raising their three children. Their relationship serves as an inspiration to many, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community and among professional athletes who may be struggling with their own identity or relationships.
Impact and Legacy
Parker and Petrakova’s relationship has had a significant impact beyond their personal lives. Their story has opened doors for conversations about LGBTQ+ representation in professional sports and the importance of having visible role models. Parker’s openness about her marriage has provided hope and inspiration for others who may be similar journeys of self-discovery and acceptance.
Their love story challenges traditional expectations and demonstrates that authentic relationships can flourish when people are brave enough to follow their hearts. As Parker noted, neither she nor Petrakova had imagined themselves in same-sex relationships, but they allowed themselves to be open to love in whatever form it arrived.
The world of K-pop is filled with mystery, especially when it comes to the personal lives of its biggest stars. Among the most scrutinized figures is Kim Namjoon, better known as RM, the charismatic leader of the global phenomenon BTS. As fans eagerly follow every aspect of their favorite idols’ lives, questions about RM’s dating status and romantic relationships have become a constant source of speculation and intrigue.
At 30 years old, RM has reached an age where romantic relationships are not only natural but expected by many fans who have watched him grow from a young rapper to a mature artist and cultural icon. His recent military service completion in June 2025, alongside fellow member V, has reignited interest in his personal life as fans anticipate what the future holds for the BTS leader. The curiosity surrounding RM’s love life intensified significantly following the release of his deeply personal second solo album “Right Place, Wrong Person” in May 2024, which contained emotionally charged lyrics that many interpreted as references to past relationships.
Unlike many celebrities who openly discuss their romantic lives, RM has maintained a relatively private stance regarding his dating history. However, this hasn’t stopped fans and media outlets from analyzing every social media post, lyrical reference, and public appearance for potential clues about his relationship status. The speculation has only grown stronger as various dating rumors have surfaced over the years, linking him to different celebrities and sparking intense debates within the K-pop community about the boundaries between public curiosity and personal privacy.
RM’s Current Relationship Status
RM (Image via Getty)
Official Statements and Public Declarations
RM has been remarkably transparent about his single status in recent years, directly addressing fan curiosity during live broadcasts and interviews. In October 2023, during a Weverse live session, when a fan asked him to “introduce your girlfriend,” RM responded with characteristic humor: “I really want to, but I don’t have a girlfriend right now. Can you introduce me to one?” This candid admission provided fans with a clear answer about his relationship status at that time.
The BTS leader’s openness about being single has been consistent across multiple public appearances and interviews. Reports consistently suggest that he remains unattached, though some unverified rumors claim he might be dating someone outside the entertainment industry. However, these claims lack substantial evidence and appear to be largely speculative.
Privacy and Personal Boundaries
Despite the intense public interest in his love life, RM has successfully maintained boundaries between his public persona and private relationships. This approach aligns with BTS’s general policy of keeping their romantic lives separate from their professional careers, a decision that has been largely respected by their dedicated fanbase, known as ARMY.
Major Dating Rumors and Speculations
The Jeon Somi Connection
One of the most persistent dating rumors surrounding RM involves soloist Jeon Somi, which gained significant traction in July 2024. The speculation began when RM posted an Instagram photo that appeared to show a blonde woman in the background, leading fans to speculate it might be Somi based on physical similarities.
The rumor was further fueled by the duo’s documented friendship spanning several years, including their attendance at concerts together and Somi’s presence at various industry events where RM was also present. However, fans and netizens have largely dismissed these claims as “absurd,” pointing out that opposite-gender friendships don’t necessarily indicate romantic involvement.
The Aespa Karina Speculation
In November 2023, another dating rumor emerged linking RM to aespa’s Karina, though this speculation was met with even more skepticism from the K-pop community. The rumor originated from observations about both artists’ social media posts featuring the band Se So Neon and RM’s friendship with the band’s lead vocalist, Hwang So Yoon.
Korean netizens quickly dismissed this rumor as “one of the most ludicrous attempts to link two idols,” with many commenting that the evidence was “notably flimsy.” The widespread rejection of this rumor demonstrates how discerning fans have become regarding unsubstantiated dating claims.
Lyrical Revelations and Personal Insights
RM (Image via Getty)
“Right Place, Wrong Person” Album Analysis
RM’s second solo album, released in May 2024, provided the most significant insights into his personal romantic experiences to date. The track “Nuts” particularly caught fans’ attention with its emotionally raw lyrics that many interpreted as references to a past relationship.
The English translation of key lyrics includes deeply personal lines such as: “Every night, I write letters to my past self, With just a glass of whiskey, all the memories come pouring out, praying to a god I don’t even believe in So that you can move on from being my everything in your twenties.” These lyrics suggest RM has experienced significant romantic relationships, even if he chooses not to discuss them publicly.
Artistic Expression vs. Personal Reality
While fans have interpreted these lyrics as autobiographical, it’s important to note that artistic expression doesn’t always directly reflect personal experience. However, the emotional depth and specificity of the lyrics in “Nuts” have convinced many listeners that RM was drawing from genuine personal experiences.
Celebrity Crushes and Preferences
Blake Lively Admiration
RM has been open about his celebrity crush on American actress Blake Lively, demonstrating that he’s comfortable discussing attraction in general terms, even if he keeps his actual dating life private. This admission shows a more relatable side of the global superstar and indicates his appreciation for talent and beauty beyond the K-pop industry.
Relationship Ideals and Values
Through various interviews and public statements, RM has revealed aspects of what he values in relationships, including intellectual connection, shared interests in art and literature, and emotional maturity. His well-documented love for books, museums, and philosophical discussions suggests he would likely seek a partner who shares these intellectual pursuits.
Life After Military Service
RM (Image via Getty)
New Chapter and Future Possibilities
With RM’s completion of his mandatory military service in June 2025, fans are curious about how this new chapter might affect his personal life. At 30 years old, he’s entering a phase where serious relationships and even marriage become more common considerations for Korean men.
His recent Instagram activity following his discharge shows a more mature and reflective individual, potentially more open to serious romantic commitments. The reunion with his BTS members and the promise of upcoming concerts suggest a busy professional schedule, but also the stability that might allow for a more settled personal life.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Context
ARMY’s Supportive Stance
The BTS fanbase has generally shown remarkable maturity regarding their idols’ potential romantic relationships, often defending RM against invasive speculation while expressing support for his happiness. This supportive attitude reflects the evolution of K-pop fan culture toward respecting artists’ personal lives.
Industry Standards and Expectations
The K-pop industry’s traditional expectations regarding idol dating have been gradually shifting, with more artists openly discussing relationships. RM’s position as BTS leader and his age give him more freedom to pursue romantic relationships without the career-threatening consequences that might affect younger idols.
