Keion Henderson, 40, pastor of the Lighthouse Church proposed to VH1’s Basketball Wives Executive Producer, Shaunie O’Neal, 46, on November 11, 2021. Henderson asked O’Neal to be his wife on a tropical island at 11:11 p.m., which is symbolic of the time they call each other to pray.
The couple met through a mutual connection almost two years ago and went public with their relationship in July of this year.
O’Neal released a statement to People Magazine through her representative.
“This was one of the most magical and special days of my life, being someone that had never officially been proposed to — like no down on one knee and asked ‘will you marry me’ moment,” Shaunie says in a statement to PEOPLE. “And honestly I’m the person that thought I would never in my lifetime experience a love like this. Everything about that night was incredibly amazing.”
O’Neal has been featured in several TV shows. Her show, “Basketball Wives” addresses motherhood, self-esteem, parenting, and divorce. She also has a program called “Let’s Talk About It,” where she seeks to empower women.
Henderson is a pastor, motivational speaker, entrepreneur, singer, and songwriter from Gary, Indiana. He is the author of the book, The Shift: Courageously Moving from Season to Season and is notable for the songs, “H.O.L.Y.”, “A Change Is Gonna Come”, and “Jesus”.
O’Neal had nothing but praise for her husband-to-be.
“Keion is an extraordinary man of God. He’s wise, he’s supportive, he’s so loving and attentive. He loves me and my children in a way that has changed my life and my heart. He makes me want to be better every day. And I pray that I do the same for him. This love is FOREVER and I’m honored and overjoyed to do forever with him.”
Henderson proposed with a custom 4.22-Karat radiant-cut diamond ring with a 50 round-cut-brilliant white diamond set in an 18-karat white gold band. He shared his love and admiration for his fiance in a statement as well with love.
“I’ve never met a more supportive person in my life. There is an inseparable connection that is undeniable between Shaunie and I,” he said. “I am unwilling to let anyone else occupy her space. The love and respect we share for each other contributes to our ever-evolving humility and growth, which ultimately makes us more like God. Who wouldn’t want a spouse that makes you more like The Creator? She simply brings out the best in me, and wants the best for me. Any love that accomplishes all of that naturally is worth pursuing. Our engagement is the beginning of a new day.”
