If you’ve been following the NBA or the R&B charts over the last few years, you already know that Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum are basically the gold standard for "keeping it on the low." In an era where every celebrity relationship feels like a choreographed TikTok dance, these two have been the complete opposite. They don't do the "hard launch." They don't post mushy anniversary tributes. Honestly, for the longest time, if you wanted to know what was going on with them, you had to be part detective and part lip-reader.
But 2024 and 2025 changed things. Big time.
Between a historic NBA championship, an Olympic gold medal, and the arrival of a new baby, the couple has slowly—very slowly—started to pull back the curtain. It’s not that they’re suddenly an open book, but the "Boo'd Up" singer is finally talking about her "singing hooper" of a son, and the Celtics star is navigating fatherhood for the second time under a much brighter spotlight.
The Secret Timeline: From Baltimore to Boston
How did a British R&B star and a St. Louis-born basketball prodigy even meet? Most people assume it happened at some high-profile Hollywood party, but the roots go back further. The rumors actually started churning in 2019. Back then, it was reported that Tatum hopped on a flight to Baltimore to see Ella perform just hours after he finished a game in Boston. That’s some serious dedication.
She returned the favor pretty quickly, showing up courtside at Madison Square Garden for a Celtics-Knicks game. For a while, that was all we had. Then came the 2020 lockdowns. While the rest of us were making sourdough bread, internet sleuths were busy comparing the background of Ella’s Instagram Lives to the interior of Tatum’s house.
The verdict? Identical.
It wasn’t until 2022 that they actually stepped out together in a way that couldn’t be denied. They showed up at billionaire Michael Rubin’s famous White Party in the Hamptons. Even then, they weren't exactly doing red carpet interviews together. They just existed in the same space, looking happy, and let the internet do the rest of the work.
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The 2024 Turning Point
The summer of 2024 was arguably the biggest year of Jayson Tatum’s life, but it was also the moment the world realized just how serious things were with Ella Mai. During the Celtics' championship run, fans started noticing something. When Ella appeared backstage or in the stands, she wasn't just wearing a Tatum jersey—she was clearly sporting a baby bump.
The couple didn't issue a press release. They didn't do a "gender reveal" with blue confetti. They just went about their business.
The Olympic Reveal
The real confirmation came in Paris. After Team USA secured the gold medal at the 2024 Olympics, cameras caught a glimpse of Ella Mai in the background of the celebrations. She wasn't just there as a girlfriend; she was holding a newborn baby.
Multiple reports, including those from The Sporting News and People, later confirmed the couple welcomed a son, reportedly named Dylan, in August 2024. This makes Jayson a father of two, as he already shares his son Jayson "Deuce" Tatum Jr. with his former high school girlfriend, Toriah Lachell.
Ella Mai Speaks Out: The "Singing Hooper"
For over a year, we knew there was a baby, but we didn't know much else. That changed in December 2025. While promoting her latest album, Do You Still Love Me? (set for a February 2026 release), Ella sat down with KISS XTRA’s DJ Ace and finally confirmed the news herself.
"We can talk about it guys, I had a baby," she said with a laugh.
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She described the child as a "singing hooper," noting that at just over a year old, the little guy can already "hold a note." It’s a hilarious image—a toddler who might be as comfortable on a stage as he is on a court.
Privacy as a Priority
One of the most interesting things Ella shared was how intentional they were about the pregnancy. She admitted that she didn't just hide away in her house for nine months. She went outside. She lived her life. She just chose her spots wisely.
"There are cameras everywhere, but if you're intentional with the way that you move, it's not that hard to not be seen," Ella explained.
She’s basically saying that if you see a celebrity in a tabloid, it’s often because they wanted to be seen. For her and Jayson, the goal was peace. They wanted their son to have a choice about being in the public eye before the world forced it upon him. It's a level of maturity you don't always see in the entertainment world.
What This Means for Tatum’s Legacy
On the court, Jayson Tatum is already a legend in Boston. He’s a champion, a multi-time All-Star, and the face of the Celtics. But off the court, his stability seems to come from this very grounded, very private relationship.
He’s currently working through some physical hurdles—recovering from a torn Achilles sustained in the 2025 playoffs—and having that solid foundation at home clearly matters. While the media tries to poke and prod at his personal life, he stays focused on "Deuce" and now Dylan.
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There have been rumors about a secret marriage, especially since they’ve been seen with matching tattoos (Ella got a small "3" behind her ear for her 30th birthday, and Jayson followed suit). However, as of early 2026, there is no public record of a wedding. And honestly? They probably prefer it that way.
Why People Get This Couple Wrong
Most people think "secretive" means "unstable," but with Ella Mai and Jayson Tatum, it’s the exact opposite. They aren't hiding because they're ashamed; they're hiding because they're protecting something they value.
Think about it.
- They've been together since roughly 2020. That's a lifetime in "fame years."
- They managed a full pregnancy without a single "leak" until the very end.
- They prioritize their children’s privacy over social media engagement.
It’s refreshing.
In a world where we know what most celebrities had for breakfast, not knowing every detail about this power couple makes them even more intriguing. They’ve proven that you can be a global superstar and still have a "normal" life if you're disciplined enough to draw a line in the sand.
What to Watch for Next
If you're a fan, keep an eye on Ella Mai's upcoming tour and album release in February 2026. She’s already mentioned that the record was written during her pregnancy and postpartum phases, so expect some deeply personal lyrics.
As for Jayson, his comeback to the court will be the headline story of the next NBA season. Whether he’s draining threes or navigating the "terrible twos" with Dylan, he’s doing it with one of the most successful R&B artists of our generation by his side.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen for the "Easter Eggs": Check out Ella Mai’s new tracks on Do You Still Love Me? for subtle nods to her life with Tatum.
- Watch the Sidelines: Look for Ella and baby Dylan at the TD Garden once Jayson returns to the lineup; they tend to keep a low profile in the family suite.
- Respect the Boundary: Remember that while they are public figures, they’ve made it clear their children are off-limits for the paparazzi.