Michael Jordan Once Admitted How His Father’s Demise Changed His Views on Parenthood Way Before Divorce with Wife Juanita: “More than They Know”

Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan has six NBA titles to his name. However, the 1996 NBA title win holds a special significance in his life. Jordan dedicated the title win to his late father who passed away in 1993.

James Jordan’s murder shocked the world. Moreover, it left a deep impact on Michael Jordan and his family. During a Today interview from over a decade ago, the interviewer asked Jordan whether his father’s death changed his parenting style. 

Jordan admitted, “Probably more than they know.” In the same interview, MJ also touched upon a very important time in his personal life, his divorce from his former wife Juanita Vanoy. The two were married for 17 years before they called it quits.

According to Jordan, his eldest son, Jeffrey, handled the situation very maturely. MJ said, “He was very mature about it, and seeing that his mom and I we were on the same page when it came to that. Our kids came first. We still communicate each and every day.“

Jordan and Juanita’s divorce sent headlines worldwide. Vanoy initially filed for a divorce in 2002 but the two reconciled later on. However, four years later, in 2006, Jordan and his wife were officially divorced. Juanita received around $168 million in settlements following the separation.

How was Michael Jordan as a father?

Being the kids of an NBA legend like Michael Jordan is no easy task. While the fame and glamour might seem nice, it brings with them added pressure from the media and the fans.

READ MORE: “I Still Identify As Daddy’s Girl”: Daughter Jasmine Once Opened Up on How Michael Jordan Developed a Special Relationship with Her through Basketball

The Chicago Bulls legend is often described as a very competitive person. However, he knew when to turn that off and be a family man. Although Jordan’s two sons did try their hand at basketball, they found little to no success. While many might think this would have been a problem for MJ, it actually wasn’t.

He once said, “If you play basketball, you’re a doctor, you’re a lawyer, whatever, I’m gonna support you with the love and every effort, every inch of my body.”

Jordan’s three kids with ex-wife Juanita Vanoy, Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine, are quite successful at their respective fields. And MJ’s good parenting definitely played a part in their success.

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What is your favorite memory of Michael Jordan? Let us know in the comments down below.