Candace Parker’s Wife: A Look At Anna Petrakova And Their Beautiful Family Life
It’s always fascinating, you know, when a superstar athlete, someone like Candace Parker, shares a glimpse into their personal world. Fans, quite naturally, are always a bit curious about the people who stand alongside these public figures, supporting them through every high and low. And when it comes to Candace Parker, arguably one of the greatest basketball players of all time, the question of "who is Candace Parker wife?" often comes up, and it’s a story really worth exploring.
For a long time, Candace Parker, known for her incredible skills and a very charismatic presence on the court, kept her dating life pretty private. Many people might have imagined a sort of classic "prince charming" narrative for her, but as a matter of fact, her heart found its beat in a rather different way, with someone who truly understands the unique demands and joys of an athletic career. This journey, in some respects, led her to Anna Petrakova, a former professional basketball player herself.
Their story, you see, is one of shared passion, deep connection, and a growing family that just seems to bring so much joy. From meeting on the basketball court overseas to building a life together, Anna Petrakova has been a really grounding force in Candace Parker's life, especially after her incredible career in the WNBA came to a close. So, let’s take a closer look at everything we know about Candace Parker’s wife and the lovely family they've created.
Table of Contents
- Candace Parker at a Glance
- Meeting on the Court: A Love Story Begins
- A Private Ceremony: Their Marriage
- Expanding the Family: The Children of Candace and Anna
- Anna Petrakova's Own Basketball Journey
- Life After the WNBA for Candace Parker
- Candace Parker's Previous Marriage
- Frequently Asked Questions About Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova
Candace Parker at a Glance
Candace Parker, a name synonymous with excellence in basketball, has had a career that’s nothing short of legendary. Born on April 19, 1986, in St. Louis, she grew into a towering figure in the sport, known for her versatility and leadership. Beyond the court, she’s even ventured into acting and producing, with credits like "Thunderstruck" (2012) and "Love That Girl!" to her name. Here’s a quick look at some personal details about this remarkable athlete.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Candace Nicole Parker |
| Date of Birth | April 19, 1986 |
| Age | 38 (as of a recent mention) |
| Place of Birth | St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
| Occupation | Former Professional Basketball Player (WNBA), Actress, Producer |
| Spouse | Anna Petrakova |
| Marriage Date | December 2019 |
| Children | Lailaa Nicole Williams, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, Hartt Summitt Parker |
| WNBA Retirement | 2023 |
Meeting on the Court: A Love Story Begins
It's quite something, you know, but Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova actually crossed paths way back in 2012. They were both playing basketball overseas at the time, and that's where their story, in a way, really began. They met as fellow athletes, sharing the same courts and, presumably, the same passion for the game. This initial connection, very naturally, laid the groundwork for something more meaningful to blossom later on.
From Teammates to Partners
What’s particularly sweet about their story is that, prior to their relationship turning romantic, Candace and Anna were teammates and friends first. This foundation of friendship and shared experience in the demanding world of professional basketball, arguably, made their bond even stronger. They understood each other’s lives, the dedication it took, and the unique challenges involved. This kind of mutual understanding, you see, is something that really helps a relationship grow, and it certainly seems to have been the case for them.
A Private Ceremony: Their Marriage
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova officially tied the knot in December 2019. This was a rather private affair, kept away from the public eye for a while. It speaks a lot, doesn’t it, about their desire to keep their personal life, well, personal. For Candace, who had been in the public spotlight for so long, having this very intimate moment with Anna must have been incredibly special. Anna, since their marriage, has really been a grounding force in Candace’s life, offering steadfast support and, it seems, a quiet strength.
Their decision to keep their marriage under wraps for a bit, only announcing it later, also shows a commitment to their privacy. It’s a reminder that even for public figures, some moments are just for them and their loved ones. The announcement, when it did come, was met with so much warmth and happiness from fans around the world, truly celebrating their union and the love they share.
Expanding the Family: The Children of Candace and Anna
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Candace and Anna’s life together is their growing family. They share two children, and Candace is also a mother to her eldest daughter from a previous marriage. This blended family, you know, really shows the beautiful tapestry of modern family life. It’s clear that their children are a very central part of their world, bringing so much joy and new experiences to their lives, especially as Candace transitions from her professional playing career.
Airr Larry Petrakov Parker: Their First Child Together
After Candace brought a WNBA championship to her hometown of Chicago, she announced that her wife, Anna Petrakova, was expecting their first child together. This news, as you can imagine, was met with immense excitement. Their son, Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, made his arrival on Friday, February 11, and the couple shared this wonderful news in a joint Instagram post. He was, in a way, their first little bundle of joy as a married couple, and his arrival marked a new chapter in their family story. Airr Larry, who is now a toddler, really adds a lively presence to their home, constantly bringing smiles and, well, a bit of delightful chaos too.
Hartt Summitt: A Special Tribute
The family grew even bigger recently, with Candace and Anna welcoming their second child together, a sweet baby boy named Hartt Summitt Parker. This name, too, carries a very special meaning. In a June 10 Instagram post, the couple shared the name of their new son, revealing that he was named after Candace’s late, beloved coach, Pat Summitt. This tribute, you see, really touches the heart, showing the deep respect and love Candace still holds for her mentor. It’s a beautiful way to honor someone who had such a profound impact on her life and career, and now, to share that legacy with her new son. It's a rather meaningful choice, truly.
Lailaa Nicole Williams: Candace's Eldest Daughter
Before her marriage to Anna Petrakova, Candace Parker was already a mother to her daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams. Lailaa, who is Candace’s eldest child, is a very important part of their family unit. She often appears in photos with her mom and Anna, showing the close bond they all share. It’s pretty clear that Lailaa has embraced her role as a big sister, welcoming her younger siblings with open arms. The family dynamic, you know, seems to be one of warmth and mutual support, with everyone looking out for each other.
Anna Petrakova's Own Basketball Journey
It’s important to remember that Anna Petrakova is not just Candace Parker’s wife; she had a significant career of her own in professional basketball. As a former Russian basketball player, she understands the rigors, the triumphs, and the challenges that come with playing at a high level. This shared experience, arguably, is a key component of their strong bond. She knows what it takes, the sacrifices made, and the dedication required, which allows her to offer Candace a level of empathy and support that perhaps someone outside the sport might not fully grasp. Her own journey in basketball, you see, gives her a unique perspective on Candace’s life, making their connection that much deeper.
Life After the WNBA for Candace Parker
Candace Parker announced her retirement from the WNBA in 2023, marking the end of an absolutely incredible era in professional basketball. This decision, as you can imagine, was a big one, but it also opened up new avenues for her. While she’s dedicated to pursuing other business opportunities, she’s also very much looking forward to spending more time with her family. Retirement, for her, isn't just about stepping away from the court; it’s about embracing new roles and, perhaps, a slightly different pace of life. It’s a chance to be even more present for her children and her wife, Anna, which is a pretty exciting prospect, truly. Learn more about Candace Parker's amazing career on our site.
Candace Parker's Previous Marriage
Before finding love with Anna Petrakova, Candace Parker was married to former NBA player Shelden Williams. They got married in 2008 and, after nearly a decade together, divorced in 2016. The couple cited “irreconcilable differences” for the end of their marriage. From that union, as you know, Candace and Shelden share their daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams. This part of Candace’s life, in a way, is also a piece of her story, showing her journey through relationships and family, ultimately leading her to where she is today with Anna and their beautiful children. It’s a reminder that life often takes unexpected turns, and sometimes, those turns lead to new and wonderful chapters.
Frequently Asked Questions About Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova
People often have questions about Candace Parker's personal life, especially concerning her family. Here are some common queries, answered straight from the facts we know.
Who is Candace Parker married to?
Candace Parker is married to Anna Petrakova, a former professional basketball player from Russia. They wed in December 2019, and their relationship grew from a friendship and a shared experience playing basketball overseas, where they first met in 2012. Anna, it seems, has been a very grounding force in Candace's life, offering support and understanding that comes from her own background in the sport. They truly seem to have a deep connection, which is quite lovely to see.
How many children does Candace Parker have?
Candace Parker has three children. Her eldest daughter, Lailaa Nicole Williams, is from her previous marriage to Shelden Williams. With her wife, Anna Petrakova, Candace has two sons: Airr Larry Petrakov Parker, who was born in February, and their newest addition, Hartt Summitt Parker, whose name honors Candace's late coach, Pat Summitt. It's a full house, you know, and their family just keeps growing, bringing so much happiness to their lives, which is really wonderful to witness.
When did Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova get married?
Candace Parker and Anna Petrakova got married in December 2019. Their wedding was a private event, and they kept the news to themselves for a while before sharing it publicly. This decision, arguably, shows their preference for keeping their personal life a bit more intimate. Since their marriage, Anna has been a steadfast partner, supporting Candace through her final years in the WNBA and now into her retirement. It’s a bond that, you know, has clearly grown stronger over the years, built on mutual respect and love. You can find out more about their journey on this page .
Inside Candace Parker and Wife Anna Petrakova's Relationship
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