The life of Spencer Haywood has been marked by triumph, struggle, and perseverance. Through it all he has had a support system by his side for more than three decades; his wife, Linda Haywood. Their love story resonates with deep companionship, resilience, and unwavering support. But all good things come to an end, don’t they? Her demise in 2022 was an immeasurable loss for the NBA Legend.

Spencer and Linda Haywood tied the knot in 1990, beginning a journey that would last 34 years. Spencer, a dominating figure in basketball – an Olympic gold medalist,  an NBA Champion, and an NBA Hall of Famer – had his wife to thank for being the quiet strength and resolve he desperately needed. She was not just his wife, she was his best friend and his biggest supporter. Together they raised three daughters; Courtney Nikkiah, Shaakira, and Isis Chanel. They strived to build a life that was rich in love and family values.

In a moment ushered in by waves of sadness, Spencer took to Instagram and posted two stories, in the first one he posted a picture of his late wife and captioned it, “MISSING MY LATE WIFE LINDA. IT HAS BEEN THREE YEARS ♥️ ♥️ ♥️🙏✝️🤲👏🌍🌍.” In the second story, he posted a picture of himself and captioned it, “I’M FINALLY READY TO MOVE ON AFTER LOSING MY LATE WIFE LINDA THREE YEARS AGO ♥️🙏🤲✝️🌍👏.” expressing his sorrow and his readiness to move forward.

Before finding lasting love with Linda, Haywood had a high-profile relationship with supermodel Iman. Their marriage was a whirlwind of fame and success, but it ultimately couldn’t stand the test of time.

Spencer Haywood & Iman: A Glamorous Love That Couldn’t Last

Haywood and Iman had a glamorous love story. Spencer was on the top of his game during the ’70s, winning an NBA Championship and an Olympic Gold Medal while Iman was taking the fashion world by storm breaking barriers in modeling. 

They were married in 1977, and their marriage was a mix of high fashion and high-stakes basketball, but their relationship was not all sunshine and rainbows. They too, like other celebrity couples faced challenges, including the demands of their professional careers and Haywood’s personal struggles. These struggles were enough to crack the foundation their love had established. In 1978, they had a daughter, Zulekha Haywood, but after a decade together, they decided to go their separate ways and divorced.

Although their marriage did not last, they both moved on successfully. Iman went on to marry the legendary David Bowie, which became one of music’s most famous love stories, while Haywood found his home in his now late wife Linda. Creating a loving relationship that lasted almost four decades.

As difficult as life is, moving forward is imperative. Life, after all, is about growth and resilience. Haywood carries Linda’s memory with him as he steps into this new chapter. One thing is true, love never fades, and the future holds hope. Linda would want him to keep living with purpose.