The Real Reason Steph Curry's Mom Just Filed For Divorce
Steph Curry's parents, Sonya and Dell Curry, connected many years ago while studying at Virginia Tech (via The Famous People). The pair met one evening when Sonya's volleyball coach invited Dell to watch one of her games. After the match, Dell asked Sonya on a date, and they have stuck by each other ever since. The pair eventually married in 1988, and Dell went on to have a long career in the NBA. Spanning three decades, the Virginia native played for the Utah Jazz, Cleveland Cavaliers, Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, and most memorably, the Charlotte Hornets (per Basketball Reference). Sonya accompanied Dell to every one of his games, until their second child was born in 1990. Sonya and Dell often attend their sons, Stephen and Seth Curry's, basketball games together and are beloved by fans everywhere.
Unfortunately, while the two always appeared deeply in love in the media, Dell and Sonya have decided to end their picturesque marriage, after spending 33 long years together (via People). Despite testing out a trial separation for over a year, the couple decided it was best to go their separate ways.
Sonya Curry claims Dell Curry was unfaithful
Though they are experiencing a great deal of sadness surrounding their decision, Dell and Sonya Curry remain focused on their family's happiness. They said in a joint statement, "We are so thankful for all the many blessings and successes! We stay committed to and supportive of our children and grandchildren and will remain on connected paths. We ask that our privacy be respected and prayer for our family as we move forward" (via People).
While the two have yet to publicly address the details of their divorce, TMZ reported that Sonya is the one who initially filed the paperwork. She filed for divorce on June 14 in North Carolina, where she cited Dell's "marital misconduct" as the reason for their unfortunate separation.
After Sonya accused Dell of "marital misconduct," he responded with his own accusations (via TMZ). Dell submitted a court filing alleging that Sonya committed "acts of illicit sexual misconduct" during their marriage. He also accused her of lying about the alleged acts.
Accusations are flying both ways between Steph Curry's parents
Dell Curry is asserting that he should not have to pay Sonya alimony because she is currently living with another man in Tennessee. However, Sonya pointed out that she didn't begin dating her new partner until months after her legal separation from Dell. She also clarified that she has been living alone because Dell won't allow her to live at their home (via New York Post).
Despite Dell trying to paint Sonya as the reason for the divorce, she is alleging that Dell is the one who cheated on her. Sonya claims that Dell had affairs with many women throughout their three decades-long marriage. She also revealed that their family and close friends were well aware of Dell's infidelity for years and that it's basically an open secret at this point. The 55-year-old said she didn't initially expose Dell "in one final act of trying to protect [him] and family from possible public exposure and scrutiny." She concluded that once her ex publicly accused her of cheating, "she was left with no choice" but to set the record straight and clear her name (via TMZ).
The split will likely impact the entire Curry family
Though none of the Curry children has thus far spoken out about the impending divorce, the end of this marriage will certainly impact the entire family. Eldest son Stephen Curry and his wife Ayesha Curry share three children together, while Dell and Sonya's son Seth Curry is currently married to Callie Rivers, with whom he shares one child. Daughter Sydel Curry is married to NBA player Damion Lee and expecting her first child, which is certainly a milestone moment for the famous family (via Mercury News). Hopefully, Dell and Sonya are able to forge a friendship and continue to enjoy the big moments in their family together.
Aside from sharing children, the pair also own and operate the Montessori School in Charlotte, North Carolina. They founded the institution together in 1994 (via Clutch Points). All three of the Curry children attended the school, and it has been instrumental in helping many other students over the years. Sonya said, "Montessori for my family has really been the staple of everything. I love Montessori for the fundamental aspects that it affords children ... independence, the intrinsic love for learning, responsibility, respect for yourself, for other people" (via PR Newswire). While the Currys are currently in the midst of a messy divorce, their deep ties to one another and long history should help them get through this difficult time. We'll surely be pulling for them to find peace through this process.