Shaunie Henderson’s memoir helped many open up to talk about failed relationships. Her 9-year marriage with Shaquille O’Neal, which ended in 2011 was not the only failed relationship she had seen. The Basketball Wives producer reflected on her parent’s marriage, to help gain closure in her relationship with the Lakers legend. During her podcast, the topic of different failed relationships was spoken about.

“Like your ex broke your heart and I’m trying to quote you and they hurt you and all of that should the person you’re with allow you the space to go get the closure you need even if you’re with them?,” husband Keion Henderson asked in the latest episode of The GrOOwZone. Shaunie Henderson humorously replied, “I’m your closure.” Which prompted her husband to frame the question in a different manner.

“Lord have mercy, Jesus. Other than us, for the people who are watching.” But Shaunie stuck to her answer, “I closed it for you. Women, y’all close the door, close it, close it for him, okay?” The question arose because of the previous statement from the First Lady of Light House Church. “So if your ex broke your heart and you are just angry and you didn’t have closure or you didn’t get over it, it’s hard to just still, you know, be like, but I should be his friend.”

Both Keion and Shaunie had trouble in their first marriages. “I don’t want to get married because I don’t want to fail because if I survive this (divorce), I definitely can’t survive it again.” Once the Pastor shared about his first marriage and explained it took him 3 years for the divorce to finalize. That is why he called the process “messy and elongated.”

Now both not only take care of each other, but Keion is also actively involved in his duties as a stepfather. Since 2020, they have been together, and the kids expressed their approval by asking Keion why didn’t he ask for their blessing sooner. Amidst this, it is commendable of Shaunie to forgive Shaquille O’Neal as both co-parent their children.

How Shaunie Henderson forgave Shaquille O’Neal

“That’s why I eventually forgave Shaquille for the things he did wrong in our marriage.” In Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms, she spoke about her parent’s marriage and how that helped her to reach closure in her previous marriage with Shaquille O’Neal.

“They’re men. They’re going to mess up all the time. Get over it and move on.” That’s what Shaunie’s mom said to her, as she suggested making things work.

But she revealed that she wants to be with somebody, and not fear her partner stepping out. “I don’t want that burden for the rest of my life.” In her previous podcast, she also spoke about multiple second chances without mentioning any names. “Grace ain’t for somebody who just looking for a free get out of jail pass every time.”

Those real-life scenarios of her parents and her own relationship helped Shaunie reach a conclusion. That’s why she’s not hesitant to openly talk about her experience. “Honestly, I think after meeting my husband and acclimating to this first lady role, I started to share more. I started to talk more.” She has no problem giving credit to her husband, Keion Henderson, for the right support.