If you were scrolling through Instagram in late August 2020, you probably remember the collective "wait, what?" that rippled across the internet. Niecy Nash, the woman we’ve loved for years in Reno 911! and Claws, posted a wedding photo. But it wasn't just any wedding photo. She was standing in a sun-drenched backyard, wearing a stunning white gown, holding hands with a musician named Jessica Betts.
The caption? "Mrs. Carol Denise Betts."
It was a total pivot from the Niecy we thought we knew. Or rather, the Niecy the public had put in a box. Before that moment, she had been married to men for nearly three decades. Suddenly, everyone was asking: who is Niecy Nash married to, and how did we miss this?
Honestly, the story isn't about a "coming out." Niecy herself calls it a "going into." It’s about a woman who decided that at 50 years old, she was done following the script other people wrote for her.
The Woman Behind the Ring: Who is Jessica Betts?
So, let's get into the details of the person who captured Niecy's heart. Jessica Betts is a powerhouse musician. She’s not just "Niecy’s wife"—she’s an artist who’s been grinding in the industry for years. She actually won Missy Elliott’s reality competition The Road to Stardom back in 2005.
She’s got this smooth, soulful rock vibe. If you haven't heard her song "Catch Me," go listen. It’s actually the song that played during their wedding. Jessica is about ten years younger than Niecy, but according to the couple, the age gap doesn't mean a thing. They have this "telepathy" where they constantly end up wearing the same colors on red carpets without even trying.
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The two were actually friends for a long time before things turned romantic. They met on social media in 2015. At the time, Niecy was still married to her second husband, Jay Tucker. They were "homeboys," as Niecy puts it. Jessica even had a guest spot on Claws in 2018. It wasn't until Niecy was single again that she looked at Jessica and realized there was something... else there.
A Look Back at Niecy's Previous Marriages
To understand why this marriage felt like such a plot twist to fans, you have to look at Niecy’s history. She’s been "to the big show" three times, as she jokes.
- Don Nash (1994–2007): Her first marriage was to an ordained minister. They were together for 13 years and have three children: Dominic, Donielle, and Dia. This was the "traditional" chapter. Niecy recently shared a wild story that the groom's ex-girlfriend actually showed up to the wedding unannounced, almost causing a brawl before she even hit the aisle.
- Jay Tucker (2011–2020): This was the televised era. Their wedding was a massive TLC special. Jay was an electrical engineer, and for nearly a decade, they were a Hollywood staple. They announced their split in October 2019, and the divorce was finalized just months before she tied the knot with Jessica.
When people ask "who is Niecy Nash married to" today, they aren't just looking for a name. They're looking for an explanation of how she went from two marriages with men to a "hersband."
Niecy’s answer is pretty simple: she didn't suppress her sexuality her whole life. She just fell in love with a soul. She told Jimmy Kimmel that she "divorced a man and married a woman," and that she’s never felt more seen in her life.
Why the "Betts" Marriage is Different
If you follow them on social media, you see the "skinny-dipping and champagne" lifestyle they swear by. They are obsessed with each other. They made a pact when they got married to "make love all around the world," and as of late 2025, they’ve already hit 26 countries. That’s a serious commitment to the honeymoon phase.
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They even made history together. In 2022, they were the first same-sex couple to ever cover Essence magazine. It was a huge moment for Black queer representation. They appeared topless, locked in an embrace, looking absolutely radiant.
Life in 2026: Still Going Strong
Fast forward to right now. In August 2025, the couple celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary. Instead of a boring, stuffy vow renewal, they threw a massive Mardi Gras-themed bash at their home in Los Angeles. Celebs like Ava DuVernay and Jenifer Lewis were there, eating seafood boils and dancing all night.
They’ve also become a professional duo. Jessica plays in the band for Niecy’s show Don’t Forget the Lyrics, and they even played love interests on The Rookie: Feds. It's a total package deal.
What Most People Get Wrong
The biggest misconception is that Niecy Nash was "hiding."
She wasn't.
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She just didn't feel the need to give the world a play-by-play of her evolving heart. She’s been very clear that she doesn't necessarily identify with a specific label like "lesbian." She just loves Jessica. It’s a "custom love," as she says, rather than something "off the rack."
Moving Forward: Lessons from the Betts-Nash Union
What can we actually learn from Niecy's journey? It’s kind of a masterclass in living for yourself.
- It is never too late to pivot. Whether it's your career or your personal life, 50 is not the end of the road.
- Friendship is the best foundation. They spent five years just being "bros" before they ever kissed. That matters.
- Privacy is a choice. You don't owe the world an explanation for who you love until you're ready to give it.
If you’re looking for more updates on the couple, keep an eye on their joint social media posts. They are constantly sharing their travel adventures and behind-the-scenes clips from their various sets.
The most actionable takeaway here? Stop worrying about the boxes people try to put you in. If Niecy Nash can find the love of her life in her 50s after two marriages and a whole lot of public scrutiny, there's hope for everyone to find their "custom" fit.
To stay up to date on Niecy’s latest projects, you can check out her work on Grotesquerie or catch her hosting Don’t Forget the Lyrics on FOX, where Jessica is usually nearby with a guitar in hand.