Is Nicki Minaj Married? 5 Shocking Facts About Her Husband And Family Life In 2025
The Complete Biography Profile: Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty
To fully understand the current status of the relationship, it's essential to look at the backgrounds of both the global superstar and her husband. The couple first dated as teenagers before reconnecting years later.
Nicki Minaj (Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty)
- Full Name: Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty
- Date of Birth: December 8, 1982
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 43
- Birthplace: Saint James, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
- Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Television Personality
- Notable Fact: Moved to Queens, New York, at age five. She is one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
Kenneth Petty (Nicki Minaj's Husband)
- Full Name: Kenneth Petty
- Nickname: Zoo
- Date of Birth: April 7, 1982 (Sources vary, but 1982 is commonly cited near Nicki's age)
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 43
- Birthplace: Queens, New York
- Occupation: Entrepreneur, Music Industry Professional
- Notable Fact: He is a childhood friend and high school sweetheart of Nicki Minaj.
1. Yes, Nicki Minaj is Married: The Official Marriage Date
The definitive answer is yes, Nicki Minaj is married to Kenneth Petty. The couple officially tied the knot on October 22, 2019.
The rapper surprised fans by announcing the news on Instagram with a short video showing "Mr. and Mrs." mugs and "Bride" and "Groom" baseball caps.
Before the wedding, Minaj had revealed in August 2019 that she had obtained a marriage license, signaling her intent to marry her then-boyfriend.
The wedding was a private, low-key affair, which was a stark contrast to the rapper's high-profile career. She officially changed her name to Onika Tanya Maraj-Petty.
Their relationship is a rekindled romance, as the two first dated when Nicki was just 16 and living in Queens, New York.
2. The Controversy: Kenneth Petty's Troubled Legal Past
A significant aspect of their marriage that has dominated headlines is Kenneth Petty's extensive and controversial legal history, which continues to be a factor in 2025.
Petty is a convicted felon with a record that includes a conviction for attempted rape in 1995 and a conviction for manslaughter in 2006.
Because of the 1995 conviction, Petty is a registered Level 2 sex offender.
The legal issues have not ended with their marriage. Petty was sentenced to one year of home confinement, three years of probation, and a fine for failing to register as a sex offender in California after moving there with Minaj.
Despite the public backlash and the serious nature of his past, Nicki Minaj has consistently and fiercely defended her husband, stating that she believes he has changed and is her "soulmate."
3. The Family Life: Who is "Papa Bear"?
The couple welcomed their first child together, a son, on September 30, 2020.
The Son's Nickname:
Nicki Minaj has famously referred to her son by the adorable nickname "Papa Bear" since his birth.
The Son's Real Name:
As of late 2025, the rapper has not officially revealed her son's full real name to the public. This decision is a rare instance of privacy for the usually outspoken star, allowing her child to grow up away from the intense spotlight that follows the family.
Parenting and Relationship Dynamics:
Minaj has been open about how motherhood has changed her life and music. She has also admitted that the arrival of "Papa Bear" initially put a strain on her marriage, stating that the relationship "got testy" as they adjusted to life as parents. However, the couple has seemingly weathered these challenges, maintaining a united front.
4. Divorce Rumors and Current Relationship Status in 2025
Given the high-profile nature of the couple and the controversies surrounding Kenneth Petty, rumors of a potential divorce or marital strife frequently surface in the media.
Current Status: As of December 2025, Nicki Minaj and Kenneth Petty remain married.
The rapper has consistently shut down any speculation of a split, often sharing family moments and expressing her love for Petty on social media and in interviews. The couple is approaching their sixth wedding anniversary, a significant milestone given the continuous public pressure and legal battles they face.
Their enduring relationship is a testament to their long history, which began as teenage sweethearts in Queens, New York, and has evolved into a committed marriage and co-parenting partnership.
5. The Topical Authority: Nicki Minaj’s Marriage as a Pop Culture Statement
Nicki Minaj’s marriage to Kenneth Petty is more than just a celebrity union; it's a major pop culture statement that reinforces her brand of unapologetic authenticity. The marriage is a key topic for her dedicated fanbase, known as the "Barbz," and for the broader music industry.
The controversy is often seen through the lens of her loyalty and willingness to stand by the people she loves, regardless of public opinion. This narrative plays into the themes of loyalty and fierce independence that are central to many of her songs and public persona.
The questions "Is Nicki Minaj still married?" and "Who is Kenneth Petty?" remain top searches, proving the enduring curiosity about how the "Queen of Rap" balances her global career with her complex and highly scrutinized personal life in the mid-2020s.
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