Last Updated on October 8, 2026 by Pedro Salcas
Jayson Tatum is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Born Jayson Christopher Tatum on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri, he is known for his scoring ability, versatility, leadership, and achievements in professional basketball. An NBA champion, multiple-time All-Star, and Olympic gold medalist, Tatum has established himself as one of the most recognizable basketball players of his generation. Beyond his professional career, he is a father of two who frequently discusses the importance of family in his life.
Jayson Tatum’s family includes his longtime partner, British singer Ella Mai, and his two sons, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., commonly known as Deuce, and Dylan Tatum. His parents are Justin Tatum, a former professional basketball player and coach, and Brandy Cole-Barnes, an attorney who raised him in St. Louis. He also has two younger paternal half-siblings, Jaycob Tatum and Kayden Tatum. His family has played an important role in his development, particularly his mother, whose dedication and perseverance helped him pursue his childhood dream of reaching the NBA.
Jayson Tatum’s Girlfriend: Who Is Ella Mai?
Jayson Tatum has been in a publicly documented relationship with Ella Mai, a British singer and songwriter best known for her successful R&B songs, including “Boo’d Up” and “Trip.”
Ella Mai Howell was born on November 3, 1994, in London, England. She grew up between the United Kingdom and the United States before developing a career in music.
She began attracting attention through social media and subsequently signed with DJ Mustard’s record label, 10 Summers Records.
Her breakthrough came in 2018 with the release of “Boo’d Up,” which became an international success and helped establish her as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B music.
The song earned her the Grammy Award for Best R&B Song in 2019.
Mai subsequently released additional successful recordings and continued developing her career as an internationally recognized singer.
Her relationship with Tatum attracted public interest because both were successful in their respective careers while maintaining considerable privacy regarding their personal lives.
How Did Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai Meet?
Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai were first romantically linked around 2019, although the exact circumstances of their first meeting have not been publicly established.
According to reporting published by Parade in October 2025, Tatum attended one of Ella Mai’s performances during the 2019 basketball season.
Mai was also seen attending a Boston Celtics game against the New York Knicks around that period.
These appearances contributed to early speculation that the basketball player and singer were developing a romantic relationship.
However, neither publicly provided a detailed account of how their relationship began.
Over the following years, the two appeared together at selected public events.
One of their widely reported appearances took place in July 2022, when they attended a Fourth of July celebration hosted by businessman Michael Rubin in the Hamptons.
Their appearance together further established their relationship in public reporting.
Despite the attention, the couple continued avoiding extensive discussions about their romance.
Why Do Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai Keep Their Relationship Private?
Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai have consistently maintained a relatively private relationship, particularly on social media.
Although they have appeared together publicly, they rarely share detailed photographs or personal updates about their relationship.
In a May 2026 interview on the podcast “Baby, This Is Keke Palmer,” Ella Mai discussed why she prefers keeping romantic relationships away from public scrutiny.
She explained that public figures already share significant parts of their lives through professional work and media appearances.
For that reason, she believes maintaining privacy is important for protecting personal relationships.
Mai also explained that relationships can be difficult to navigate without adding the pressure of constant public observation.
Her comments provided insight into why the couple rarely discusses their private life despite having a child together.
In January 2026, Mai also spoke publicly about motherhood and her young son’s interest in music during an interview with E! News.
She described how she enjoys introducing him to music without forcing him to follow her professional interests.
These interviews confirmed that family life had become an important part of her personal priorities.
Is Jayson Tatum Married to Ella Mai?
As of now, there is no publicly verified confirmation that Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai are married.
Although the couple has been romantically linked for several years and welcomed a son together in 2024, neither has publicly announced a wedding.
Rumors about a possible marriage have circulated online, but established media outlets have not documented an official wedding ceremony or legal marriage announcement.
An October 2025 article published by Parade specifically noted that the couple had not confirmed an engagement or marriage.
Reporting published in May 2026 continued identifying Mai as Tatum’s girlfriend.
Consequently, Ella Mai is best described as Jayson Tatum’s longtime partner rather than his confirmed wife.
Jayson Tatum’s Children: How Many Kids Does He Have?
Jayson Tatum has two publicly confirmed children, both sons: Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., known as Deuce, and Dylan Tatum.
His eldest son, Deuce, was born in December 2017 during Tatum’s rookie season with the Boston Celtics. Deuce’s mother is Tatum’s former girlfriend, Toriah Lachell.
His second son, Dylan, was born in 2024 and is his first child with singer Ella Mai.
Tatum has frequently spoken about the importance of fatherhood and how becoming a parent influenced his outlook on life and basketball.
Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr. (Deuce Tatum)
Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., popularly known as Deuce Tatum, was born on December 6, 2017.
He is the first child of Jayson Tatum and his former girlfriend, Toriah Lachell.
Deuce was born during his father’s first NBA season, shortly after the Boston Celtics selected Tatum with the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
At the time, Jayson was only 19 years old and adjusting to the responsibilities of professional basketball.
During a May 2026 appearance on the “Glass Half Full” podcast with Craig Melvin, Tatum discussed how becoming a father at such a young age initially frightened him.
He explained that he was beginning a new professional career, moving to Boston, and adjusting to life outside college when he learned that he would become a parent.
However, his perspective changed after meeting his newborn son.
During the interview, Tatum also revealed that he and Toriah had initially planned to name their son Jackson.
When the baby was born, Tatum felt that his son strongly resembled him and decided that he wanted to give him his own name.
Toriah agreed, provided they chose a nickname to distinguish their son from his father.
They eventually selected Deuce, a nickname that has become widely recognized among Boston Celtics supporters.
Since childhood, Deuce has frequently appeared at Celtics games, team practices, and postgame celebrations.
He has developed close relationships with several of his father’s teammates and has occasionally participated in interviews alongside him.
Deuce also became a familiar presence during Boston’s successful 2024 NBA championship campaign.
After the Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals, Tatum celebrated on the court with his son.
The father-and-son moment attracted considerable attention and became one of the memorable images from the team’s championship celebrations.
Deuce has also influenced his father’s signature basketball shoe collection with Jordan Brand.
Some designs have incorporated references to his son’s interests and personality.
Although Deuce is frequently seen supporting his father, Tatum has emphasized the importance of allowing him to enjoy his childhood and develop his own interests.
As of October 2026, Deuce is eight years old and will turn nine in December.
Dylan Tatum: Jayson Tatum’s Second Son
Dylan Tatum was born in 2024 and is the second son of Jayson Tatum.
His mother is British singer Ella Mai, making Dylan the couple’s first child together.
Unlike his older brother, who has frequently appeared at NBA games and public events, Dylan has largely been kept away from media attention.
During the Boston Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship celebrations, Mai attracted attention because she was reportedly expecting a child.
Later that summer, she was photographed holding a baby while accompanying Tatum during the Paris Olympic Games, where he represented the United States.
Although the couple initially avoided publicly discussing the birth, subsequent reporting confirmed that they had welcomed a son.
The child’s name became more widely known after Tatum displayed references to both Deuce and Dylan on his basketball shoes and through tattoos dedicated to his children.
In May 2026, People magazine confirmed that Tatum shares his younger son Dylan with Ella Mai.
During a January 2026 interview with E! News, Mai offered a rare glimpse into her experiences as a mother.
She described Dylan as a child who enjoys music and explained that she regularly plays songs around him.
She also mentioned that he had developed an interest in the animated musical film “Sing.”
Mai expressed happiness about her son’s growing interest in music while emphasizing that she does not want to pressure him to pursue a musical career.
Tatum has also shared occasional glimpses of his time with both sons.
In May 2026, media coverage highlighted photographs from a family vacation featuring Tatum, Deuce, and Dylan.
However, the couple has generally avoided revealing detailed information about Dylan’s daily life.
His exact birth date has not been consistently established in reliable public reporting.
Who Is Toriah Lachell, the Mother of Deuce Tatum?
Toriah Lachell is Jayson Tatum’s former girlfriend and the mother of his eldest son, Deuce.
She is an American hairstylist and entrepreneur who specializes in natural curls and textured hair.
Toriah and Jayson knew each other during their teenage years in St. Louis, Missouri, before Tatum began his professional basketball career.
Their relationship continued during the early stages of his basketball development.
They welcomed Deuce in December 2017, shortly after Tatum entered the NBA.
Although their romantic relationship eventually ended, both remained connected through their responsibilities as parents.
Toriah subsequently developed a professional career in the beauty industry and established a hair salon business known as The Curl Bar in the Boston area.
Her work focuses on curly hair care, specialized styling, and helping clients understand their natural hair textures.
Tatum has publicly discussed how becoming a father changed his priorities, and Deuce has remained a central part of his life throughout his professional career.
Jayson Tatum’s Parents: Who Are His Father and Mother?
Jayson Tatum was born to Justin Tatum and Brandy Cole-Barnes in St. Louis, Missouri.
Both parents were young college students when he was born in March 1998.
Although they did not raise him together as a married couple, both contributed to his development in different ways.
His mother was primarily responsible for raising him, while his father remained involved in his life and helped develop his basketball skills.
Jayson Tatum’s Father: Justin Tatum
Jayson Tatum’s father is Justin Tatum, a former American professional basketball player and coach who serves as head coach of the Illawarra Hawks in Australia’s National Basketball League.
Justin was born on March 10, 1979, in St. Louis, Missouri.
He developed an interest in basketball during his childhood and attended Christian Brothers College High School in St. Louis.
During his high school career, he established himself as a talented basketball player and earned opportunities to compete at the collegiate level.
Justin subsequently attended Saint Louis University, where he played college basketball for the Billikens.
After college, he pursued professional basketball opportunities overseas, including playing in the Netherlands.
His professional playing career eventually led him into coaching and youth player development.
Justin spent many years coaching high school basketball in Missouri, including positions at Christian Brothers College High School.
During his coaching career, he helped develop several successful high school basketball teams and guided players toward college opportunities.
His experience became particularly important in the athletic development of his eldest son, Jayson.
Although Jayson grew up primarily with his mother, he maintained a relationship with Justin throughout his childhood.
As Jayson became older, his father provided basketball training and introduced him to the technical and competitive demands of the sport.
Justin encouraged his son to improve his shooting, ball handling, footwork, and understanding of basketball strategy.
However, their training relationship was sometimes demanding.
In interviews, Jayson has discussed how his father’s coaching approach pushed him to compete against older players and develop a stronger mentality.
Jayson eventually attended Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, while Justin coached at Christian Brothers College High School.
The arrangement occasionally placed father and son on opposing sides during high school basketball competitions.
Despite their competitive relationship, Justin remained an important part of Jayson’s development.
He celebrated alongside the family when the Boston Celtics selected Jayson in the 2017 NBA Draft.
Justin later expanded his coaching career internationally.
In 2023, he joined the Illawarra Hawks organization in Australia’s National Basketball League.
He initially worked in basketball operations and coaching before becoming the team’s head coach.
During the 2024–25 season, he guided Illawarra to the Australian NBL championship.
He also earned NBL Coach of the Year recognition in 2025.
Justin’s professional success added another major achievement to the Tatum family’s basketball history.
As of now, he remains the head coach of the Illawarra Hawks, continuing his basketball career while supporting his son’s achievements in the NBA.
Jayson Tatum’s Mother: Brandy Cole-Barnes
Jayson Tatum’s mother is Brandy Cole-Barnes, also known as Brandy Cole, an American attorney and businesswoman who raised her son in St. Louis, Missouri.
Brandy was just 18 years old when Jayson was born on March 3, 1998.
At the time, she was beginning college and had ambitions of pursuing higher education and establishing a professional career.
Although becoming a mother at a young age introduced considerable responsibilities, she remained determined to continue her education.
Brandy attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis while working to support herself and her son.
During Jayson’s childhood, she sometimes brought him to college classes because she could not always arrange childcare.
In interviews with ESPN and CBS Boston, Brandy explained how challenging it was to balance parenthood, employment, and university studies.
She occasionally worked multiple jobs and experienced financial difficulties while raising her son.
Nevertheless, she continued pursuing her academic goals.
Brandy eventually earned university degrees in communications and political science before completing law school.
She later earned a Master of Business Administration degree.
Her educational achievements became an important example for Jayson, who watched his mother persist through financial and personal challenges.
According to reporting published by Sports Illustrated and CBS Sports, the family sometimes experienced difficult living conditions, including problems paying household bills.
Despite these circumstances, Brandy remained committed to providing her son with educational and sporting opportunities.
She supported his enrollment at Chaminade College Preparatory School and encouraged his development as a basketball player.
Brandy also became closely involved in decisions regarding his college basketball future.
When Jayson was considering several major university programs, she helped him evaluate the available opportunities.
He eventually selected Duke University, where he played under legendary college basketball coach Mike Krzyzewski.
Brandy remained an important influence after Jayson entered the NBA.
He has frequently credited his mother with teaching him perseverance, responsibility, and the importance of education.
Their close relationship has also influenced his charitable work.
Through the Jayson Tatum Foundation, he has supported initiatives assisting single-parent families, young people, and underserved communities in St. Louis.
In 2024, the foundation announced a partnership with financial services company SoFi to support first-time homebuyers and improve access to financial education.
The initiative reflected Tatum’s personal experiences growing up in a household that sometimes struggled financially.
Brandy has continued supporting her son’s professional career and regularly attends important Celtics games.
In May 2026, NBA reporting highlighted her emotional response to Jayson’s return from an Achilles injury.
She attended his games after his comeback and expressed happiness about watching him return to competitive basketball.
Her influence remains one of the most important aspects of Tatum’s family background and personal journey.
Jayson Tatum’s Siblings: Does He Have Brothers or Sisters?
Jayson Tatum has two younger paternal half-siblings: Jaycob Tatum and Kayden Tatum.
Both share the same father, Justin Tatum, although they have different mothers from Jayson.
His younger brother has pursued college football, while his younger sister is still completing her education.
Despite their different ages and interests, the siblings have maintained a close relationship.
Jaycob Tatum: Jayson Tatum’s Younger Brother
Jaycob Tatum was born on January 20, 2004, and is Jayson’s younger paternal half-brother.
Like his older brother and father, Jaycob grew up in a family strongly connected to competitive sports.
However, he eventually decided to pursue American football rather than basketball.
During his childhood, Jaycob admired Jayson’s basketball abilities and initially wanted to follow a similar athletic path.
In a May 2023 interview with Prairie State Pigskin, Jaycob explained that he originally hoped to become a basketball player like his older brother.
After spending part of his childhood in New Orleans, he moved to St. Louis to live with his father.
He subsequently attended Christian Brothers College High School, where Justin had previously played and coached basketball.
Before beginning high school sports activities, Justin suggested that Jaycob participate in football workouts.
Jaycob initially viewed football as an opportunity to improve his physical conditioning.
However, he quickly developed a strong interest in the sport and eventually decided to concentrate on it.
He became a linebacker at Christian Brothers College High School and contributed to the school’s successful football program.
During the 2021 season, Jaycob helped the team win the Missouri Class 6 state football championship.
The achievement represented an important milestone for the family, which already had a strong history of sporting success.
After high school, Jaycob joined Western Illinois University, where he played football for the Leathernecks.
His college football career provided him with an opportunity to establish his own sporting identity outside his brother’s basketball achievements.
Despite the different sports and demanding schedules, Jaycob has continued supporting Jayson.
In interviews, he has expressed pride in watching his older brother achieve his childhood dream of playing in the NBA.
He has also attended Boston Celtics games whenever his schedule allows.
Jayson has publicly supported Jaycob through social media messages celebrating his birthdays and athletic achievements.
The relationship between the brothers reflects their shared sporting background and mutual appreciation for each other’s accomplishments.
Kayden Tatum: Jayson Tatum’s Younger Sister
Kayden Tatum was born in April 2014 and is Jayson Tatum’s younger paternal half-sister.
She is the youngest of Justin Tatum’s three publicly identified children.
Unlike her older brothers, who established careers in professional basketball and college football, Kayden is still in school.
She has occasionally appeared in family photographs and social media posts shared by Jayson and their father.
According to a March 2025 feature published by People magazine, Kayden has attended Boston Celtics games to support her older brother.
She was also photographed with family members during the 2024 NBA playoffs.
Her interest in sports has appeared in school activities as well.
People reported that Kayden once participated in a school presentation about Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph.
For the assignment, she dressed as the celebrated American sprinter and discussed her achievements.
However, it remains too early to establish whether Kayden intends to pursue competitive sports professionally.
Jayson has publicly expressed affection for his younger sister, whom he has called Kay-Kay in social media messages.
He has also shared birthday tributes and family photographs featuring Kayden.
The siblings share a considerable age difference, but their public interactions reflect a close family relationship.
Kayden has also spent time with Jayson’s eldest son, Deuce, making her an aunt despite being only a few years older than her nephew.
As of October 2026, Kayden is 12 years old.
Jayson Tatum’s Extended Family and Basketball Connections
Jayson Tatum’s connection to professional basketball extends beyond his father and younger brother.
His godfather is Larry Hughes, a former NBA player who competed for several teams, including the Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Chicago Bulls.
Hughes grew up in St. Louis and developed a longstanding friendship with Justin Tatum.
The two played basketball together during their school years, and Hughes remained connected to the Tatum family.
He subsequently became an important influence during Jayson’s basketball development.
Jayson is also related to former NBA player and coach Tyronn Lue, who is part of the family’s extended basketball connections.
These relationships provided additional exposure to professional basketball during Tatum’s childhood.
Nevertheless, he has consistently identified his mother’s encouragement and his father’s training as central influences in his personal development.
How Jayson Tatum’s Family Influenced His Basketball Career
Jayson Tatum’s basketball journey began in St. Louis, Missouri, where he developed an interest in the sport at an early age.
His father, Justin, introduced him to organized basketball training, while his mother, Brandy, provided the daily support necessary for him to pursue his ambitions.
He attended Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he became one of the most highly regarded high school basketball players in the United States.
During his senior season, Tatum averaged approximately 29.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game.
His performances earned him recognition as the 2016 Gatorade National Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
He subsequently joined Duke University for the 2016–17 college basketball season.
At Duke, Tatum averaged 16.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while helping the Blue Devils win the ACC Tournament.
After one college season, he declared for the 2017 NBA Draft.
The Boston Celtics selected Tatum with the third overall pick, beginning a professional career that would establish him as one of the league’s leading players.
He made an immediate contribution during his rookie season and helped Boston reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2018.
Over the following seasons, Tatum developed into an NBA All-Star and one of the league’s leading scorers.
He helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals in 2022, where they lost to the Golden State Warriors.
Two years later, Boston returned to the Finals and defeated the Dallas Mavericks to win the 2024 NBA championship.
The victory represented an important milestone for Tatum, who celebrated the achievement alongside his son Deuce and other family members.
In the summer of 2024, he also represented the United States at the Paris Olympic Games, helping the men’s basketball team win the gold medal.
Tatum subsequently experienced a major setback when he suffered an Achilles tendon injury during the 2025 NBA playoffs.
The injury required surgery and an extended period of rehabilitation.
He eventually returned to competitive basketball during the 2025–26 season, with his mother among the family members supporting his comeback.
Throughout these achievements and challenges, Tatum has emphasized the importance of his upbringing and the lessons he learned from his parents.
Jayson Tatum’s Family Life Away From Basketball
Outside professional basketball, Jayson Tatum is known for maintaining close relationships with his children, parents, and siblings.
His eldest son, Deuce, has become a familiar presence around the Boston Celtics organization.
The pair have appeared together during team celebrations, media interviews, and community activities.
In interviews, Tatum has explained that fatherhood changed his priorities and gave him additional motivation to succeed.
He has also emphasized the importance of spending time with his children despite the NBA’s demanding travel schedule.
His relationship with Ella Mai provides another important part of his family life, although the couple has deliberately limited public discussion of their personal experiences.
The birth of their son Dylan in 2024 expanded Tatum’s responsibilities as a father.
He has also maintained strong relationships with his younger siblings, Jaycob and Kayden, who occasionally attend Celtics games.
Beyond his immediate family, Tatum has remained connected to his hometown of St. Louis through charitable initiatives.
His foundation supports educational opportunities, youth development, and programs helping families facing financial challenges.
The foundation’s work reflects the difficulties his mother experienced while raising him and his desire to provide opportunities for other young people.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jayson Tatum’s Family
Who is Jayson Tatum’s girlfriend?
Jayson Tatum’s longtime girlfriend is British R&B singer Ella Mai. They have been publicly linked since around 2019 and share a son named Dylan, born in 2024.
Is Jayson Tatum married to Ella Mai?
There is no verified public confirmation that Jayson Tatum and Ella Mai are married. They have maintained a private relationship and have not officially announced a wedding.
How many children does Jayson Tatum have?
Jayson Tatum has two publicly confirmed sons: Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., known as Deuce, and Dylan Tatum.
Who is Deuce Tatum’s mother?
Deuce Tatum’s mother is Toriah Lachell, a hairstylist and entrepreneur who previously dated Jayson Tatum.
Who is Dylan Tatum’s mother?
Dylan Tatum’s mother is British singer Ella Mai. He was born in 2024 and is the couple’s first child together.
Who is Jayson Tatum’s father?
Jayson Tatum’s father is Justin Tatum, a former professional basketball player and the head coach of Australia’s Illawarra Hawks.
Who is Jayson Tatum’s mother?
Jayson Tatum’s mother is Brandy Cole-Barnes, an attorney who raised him primarily as a single mother in St. Louis, Missouri.
Does Jayson Tatum have any siblings?
Yes. Jayson Tatum has two younger paternal half-siblings: Jaycob Tatum and Kayden Tatum.
Is Jaycob Tatum a basketball player?
Jaycob Tatum pursued American football rather than basketball. He played as a linebacker at Western Illinois University after winning a Missouri high school state championship.
Who is Jayson Tatum’s sister?
Jayson Tatum’s younger paternal half-sister is Kayden Tatum, who was born in April 2014.
Who is Jayson Tatum’s godfather?
Jayson Tatum’s godfather is Larry Hughes, a former NBA player and longtime friend of his father, Justin Tatum.
Where was Jayson Tatum born?
Jayson Tatum was born in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, on March 3, 1998.
Pedro Salcas is a dedicated sports journalist and NBA specialist focused on team strategy, player performance, and league news. Tracking action across the Eastern and Western Conferences, he breaks down complex game tape, roster moves, and statistics into clear, engaging analysis. From preseason storylines to deep playoff runs, Pedro brings a sharp analytical perspective and passion for basketball to keep readers informed on everything happening in the NBA.
