Ever since Undefeated: Changing the Rules and Winning on My Own Terms released, the focus has been on Shaunie Henderson‘s past marriage with Shaquille O’Neal. Everyone couldn’t help fixating on her writing that she didn’t harbor real love for her husband during their marriage from 2002 to 2011. Very few focused on how she had to adapt to life after divorce. After watching Shaunie on Basketball Wives, it didn’t seem like she’d reconsider marriage until Keion Henderson came into her life. Now they’re on their second wedding anniversary.

Speaking to xoNecole, Shaunie revealed the major change she had to make before marrying a second time. “I had to learn how to soften myself and allow my husband to lead me,” she said.

Shaunie and Shaq married in a secret ceremony in 2002 and finalized their divorce in 2011, though they were separated before that. It would be a while before she’d meet Pastor Keion Henderson. They got engaged in 2021 and married on May 28, 2022. In that decade between both marriages, Shaunie had made a lot of changes to adapt to her partner.

“I was single for a long time and became totally dependent on only myself. I didn’t have anybody opening my car door and making sure that gas was in my car or that it was washed. Things were done around the house because I either told my sons to do it or did it myself.” In order to build a healthy relationship with her husband, she said she had to show her trust in him. “So to have a man in my life that made me feel so safe and secure, I just became real dainty. Women need to have that trust in their partner.”

They’re now celebrating their second wedding anniversary together. And over time, the adjustments Shaunie has made have shown her commitment to her marriage.

Shaunie had her loved ones’ support

Shaunie says she relied on her sons on some occasions. It only made sense that her children had to support her new relationship. Hers and Shaq’s five children were incredibly supportive. Her daughters, Amirah and Me’Arah were her bridesmaids at her wedding with Henderson in Anguilla.

Her two youngest children also moved with her from California to Houston, Texas. Meanwhile, Shaunie would plan her jet-setting schedules to ensure she can meet Myles and Shareef in Los Angeles where they usually are. Amirah transferred to Texas Southern University and resides closer to her mother and stepfather too. The O’Neal kids welcomed Keion as a bonus dad as well. Me’Arah and Shaqir also credit him for keeping them motivated at basketball.

With support from her family, Shaunie and Keion have reached a major milestone Shaunie probably didn’t imagine she’d relive again after her past divorce. She shared a sweet message to him on Instagram and the comments flooded with their friends and family’s responses. Despite the scrutiny of her past marriage, Shaunie is clearly thriving and making her current marriage work.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.