Fans were devastated to hear about the loss of NeNe Leake's husband, Gregg Leakes. The businessman had suffered through multiple bouts of cancer before it tragically took his life.
Issuing a statement to USA Today, Leakes' publicist wrote: "Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart. After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife Nene Leakes."
The statement concluded with, "We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very very difficult time."
NeNe and Gregg Leakes had an on-and-off relationship, first marrying in 1997. The couple filed for divorce fourteen years later before making their way back to one another and remarrying in 2013. Together, they have shared one son together.
Prior to Gregg Leakes' passing, his wife shared that the family was transitioning him for his next stage. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star had a candid moment with a few fans who were desperate for her attention. She expressed, "You don't know what we're dealing with right now. We walked in this lounge because we had to walk in this lounge because this is our business."
Leakes continued, "So when people approach and say, 'You're rude because you don't want to say happy birthday,' my husband is at home dying. I don't want to say happy birthday."
Since the news of Gregg Leake's passing, many peers and fans took to social media to express their condolences and sympathies during this tragic time. Leakes's Real Housewives costar shared a picture of her and the couple. She wrote, "Heartbroken. This is one of my favorite photos of us. It brings back such fond memories. It was @itsmikehill birthday & we invited a few of our friends over for a last minute gathering at Lake Bailey."
Other celebrities like Viola Davis, Andy Cohen, and Sherri Shepard shared kind messages about the actor's late husband. Talkshow host Cohen tweeted, "I am heartbroken over the passing of Gregg Leakes, a wonderful man. I jokingly called him “Pastor Leakes” but in truth he was a strong voice of reason & commanded great respect among the entire #RHOA team. I am sending love and strength to @neneleakes & the entire Leakes family."
A fan chimed in, mourning the late personality figure. They wrote, "Nene and Gregg’s love was such an integral part of #RHOA No other couple in housewives history is as iconic as this duo. Really sad hearing about Gregg Leakes’ passing."
It is clear that Gregg Leakes left behind a solid legacy, mourned by many. He is survived by his wife and son.