Jayson Tatum, the celebrated NBA star for the Boston Celtics, has navigated a public and evolving romantic life alongside his rise to basketball superstardom. His relationships have often been in the spotlight, revealing a journey from high school romance to fatherhood and a current partnership with a renowned musician. Tatum's romantic history is marked by significant milestones, including the births of his two children, and has unfolded chronologically through different phases of his life and career.
Tatum's first publicly known relationship was with his high school sweetheart, Toriah Lachell. The couple began dating around August 2014, while attending Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis. Their connection was a typical teenage romance, with Lachell often seen supporting Tatum at his games.
The relationship with Lachell took a significant turn when she became pregnant during Tatum's rookie year in the NBA. Despite initial fears and the immense pressure of starting his professional career, Tatum embraced the impending fatherhood. Their son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., affectionately known as Deuce, was born on December 6, 2017.
However, the romantic relationship between Tatum and Lachell concluded shortly after Deuce's birth. While the exact reasons for their split were not publicly detailed, reports suggested the challenges of a young relationship combined with the demands of Tatum's burgeoning NBA career. Despite their separation, Tatum and Lachell have maintained an amicable co-parenting relationship, successfully raising Deuce together, who is frequently seen courtside supporting his father.
During his lone year at Duke University in the 2016-2017 academic year, Tatum reportedly dated volleyball player Samantha "Samie" Amos. This relationship was short-lived, with its conclusion coinciding with the news of Toriah Lachell's pregnancy. The emergence of his impending fatherhood with Lachell reportedly led to the end of his relationship with Amos, as Tatum focused on his responsibilities.
In recent years, Jayson Tatum has been in a relationship with British R&B singer Ella Mai. Their romance first gained public attention around late 2019 or early 2020, with initial sightings and social media interactions fueling speculation. The couple maintained a relatively private relationship in its early stages, though Mai was occasionally seen attending Tatum's games, subtly confirming their bond.
Their relationship became more publicly acknowledged over time, with both Tatum and Mai offering glimpses into their shared life. Mai, a Grammy-nominated artist known for hits like "Boo'd Up," brings her own level of celebrity to the partnership. Their connection signifies a mature phase in Tatum's romantic life, built on mutual support and shared experiences.
A significant development in their relationship occurred in 2024 when Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai welcomed their first child together. This marked Tatum's second foray into fatherhood and further solidified his family unit. The news was met with excitement by fans, as the couple had largely kept Mai's pregnancy private.
The relationship between Tatum and Mai continues to flourish, with both individuals balancing their high-profile careers with their personal lives. They have been seen together at various public events, and Mai has been a consistent presence at key moments in Tatum's career, including his 2024 NBA Championship win with the Boston Celtics. Their bond reflects a stable and supportive partnership, adding another chapter to Jayson Tatum's evolving romantic narrative.