Last Updated on October 12, 2026 by Orlando Bloom
Karl-Anthony Towns is a Dominican-American professional basketball player who plays for the New York Knicks in the NBA. Born on November 15, 1995, in Edison, New Jersey, Karl-Anthony Towns Jr. is widely known by his nickname, KAT. After playing college basketball at the University of Kentucky, he became the first overall selection in the 2015 NBA Draft and developed into one of the league’s most accomplished centers.
Beyond basketball, Karl-Anthony Towns’ family has played an important role in his life. He married model and entrepreneur Jordyn Woods in August 2026 after six years of dating. His parents, Karl Towns Sr. and the late Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, helped shape his career, while his older sister, Lachelle Towns, has remained an important source of family support.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Wife: Who Is Jordyn Woods?
Karl-Anthony Towns is married to Jordyn Woods, an American model, entrepreneur and television personality.
The couple married on August 15, 2026, during a wedding ceremony in Malibu, California, attended by family members, friends and several well-known entertainment and basketball personalities.
Before their marriage, Towns and Woods maintained a long-term romantic relationship that began in 2020.
According to an August 2026 interview with Vogue, they first met in Los Angeles in 2017, when Towns was spending part of his NBA offseason in California.
They initially developed a friendship after connecting over a game of Uno. Their shared competitive personalities helped establish a close relationship before they began dating.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, their friendship became romantic as they supported one another through difficult personal experiences.
Woods had previously lost her father, John Woods, to cancer in 2017, while Towns experienced the devastating loss of his mother in April 2020.
These experiences strengthened their emotional connection and eventually contributed to their decision to build a future together.
Who Is Jordyn Woods?
Jordyn Woods was born on September 23, 1997, in Los Angeles, California.
She developed a career in modeling, fashion, entertainment and business, attracting public attention through her social media presence and appearances on television.
Woods was previously known for her friendship with Kylie Jenner and her appearances on the reality television series Life of Kylie.
She subsequently expanded her professional activities by developing fashion and lifestyle businesses, including clothing and fitness-related projects.
Her business interests and public profile have continued alongside her relationship with Towns.
Woods has also supported her husband’s basketball career, regularly attending New York Knicks games and celebrating major achievements with him.
How Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods Started Dating
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods met in 2017 but remained friends for several years before beginning their romantic relationship in 2020.
During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Woods provided emotional support as Towns faced his mother’s serious illness and subsequent death.
In an October 2026 interview with People, Towns explained that their shared experiences during the pandemic helped strengthen their relationship.
Woods understood the difficulties of losing a parent because she had experienced a similar loss several years earlier.
The couple publicly confirmed their relationship in September 2020 and subsequently became regular companions at sporting events, fashion shows and family celebrations.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods’ Engagement
Towns proposed to Jordyn Woods on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, during a romantic occasion in New York City.
The couple publicly announced their engagement on Christmas Day.
According to Vogue, Towns arranged for their relatives to be present during the holiday celebration, including his father and sister.
He proposed with an emerald-cut diamond ring featuring pink diamonds and birthstones representing their late parents.
The ring also included a personal inscription in Spanish, honoring Towns’ Dominican family heritage.
Woods later revealed that Christmas Eve was a particularly meaningful date because her own parents had become engaged on the same day.
The engagement marked an important milestone after approximately six years together.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods’ Wedding
Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordyn Woods married on August 15, 2026, in Malibu, California.
According to Vogue’s exclusive wedding coverage, the couple first completed a civil ceremony in Santa Barbara on August 11, 2026.
Four days later, they celebrated their marriage at a private residence overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
The wedding featured elegant floral arrangements, formal attire and a reception organized by celebrity event planner Mindy Weiss.
Woods wore a custom Danielle Frankel wedding gown, while Towns wore a classic Ralph Lauren tuxedo.
The guest list included Kylie Jenner, Timothée Chalamet, Hailey and Justin Bieber, Michael B. Jordan, Jada Pinkett Smith and Ben Stiller.
Several New York Knicks players also attended, including Jalen Brunson and his wife, Ali Marks Brunson.
The couple celebrated with music, dancing and a reception that continued into the early morning.
In an October 2026 interview with People, Towns reflected on his wedding and revealed that Brunson had offered advice about avoiding locked knees during the ceremony.
He also explained that marriage had not dramatically changed their everyday relationship, although wearing wedding rings brought a new sense of happiness.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Children: Does He Have a Son or Daughter?
Karl-Anthony Towns has no publicly confirmed children as of October 2026.
Although he married Jordyn Woods in August 2026, the couple have not publicly announced the birth of a son or daughter.
There are also no reliable reports establishing that Towns has children from a previous romantic relationship.
The couple have occasionally discussed their future together, but specific plans regarding parenthood remain private.
For now, their marriage is the most significant publicly confirmed milestone in their immediate family life.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Parents: Meet Karl Towns Sr. and Jacqueline Cruz-Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns was born to Karl Towns Sr. and Jacqueline “Jackie” Cruz-Towns in Edison, New Jersey.
His father is African-American and a former college basketball player and coach, while his mother was originally from the Dominican Republic.
Both parents played important roles in his upbringing, emphasizing education, discipline, community responsibility and athletic development.
Karl Towns Sr. – Karl-Anthony Towns’ Father
Karl Towns Sr. is the father of NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns and a longtime basketball coach.
He previously played college basketball at Monmouth University in New Jersey, where he developed an understanding of competitive basketball.
After completing his playing career, he pursued coaching and became involved in developing young basketball players.
He coached at Piscataway Vo-Tech High School, helping the program achieve considerable success during his tenure.
His coaching background significantly influenced his son’s interest in basketball.
According to official NBA biographical records, Towns Sr. helped introduce Karl-Anthony to organized basketball during childhood.
He encouraged his son to practice against older players, believing that competing against stronger opponents would improve his development.
When Karl-Anthony was still in elementary school, he was already participating in basketball activities connected to his father’s high school program.
These experiences helped establish the fundamentals that eventually carried him into the NBA.
How Karl Towns Sr. Helped His Son Become an NBA Star
Karl Towns Sr. played an important role in his son’s basketball education, emphasizing technique, decision-making and mental toughness.
Unlike parents who primarily focus on athletic ability, he encouraged Karl-Anthony to understand basketball strategically.
He taught him to recognize defensive situations, improve his footwork and develop confidence when competing against physically stronger players.
Towns Sr. also emphasized academic responsibility, making education an important part of his son’s upbringing.
His guidance helped Karl-Anthony become a standout player at Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, New Jersey.
In 2024, Towns Sr. returned to the school’s basketball program as head coach, reconnecting with the institution where his son had established his national reputation.
In June 2026, he celebrated another major milestone when Karl-Anthony helped the New York Knicks win the NBA championship.
During an interview with the New York Post, Towns Sr. expressed pride in his son’s achievement and explained how meaningful it was for the family.
The championship was especially emotional because Jacqueline, Karl-Anthony’s late mother, had dreamed of seeing her son play and succeed with the Knicks.
Jacqueline Cruz-Towns – Karl-Anthony Towns’ Mother
Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, affectionately known as Jackie, was Karl-Anthony Towns’ mother.
Originally from the Dominican Republic, Jacqueline moved to the United States and established her family in New Jersey.
She worked for more than 20 years in the medical department at Rutgers University, according to an ESPN interview referenced by People magazine.
Jacqueline was known for her strong personality, enthusiasm and close relationship with her children.
She regularly attended Karl-Anthony’s basketball games, celebrating his accomplishments and encouraging him through difficult moments.
One particularly meaningful tradition involved waving to her son before games.
Towns later explained that these moments helped him feel emotionally connected to his mother, especially after her death.
Her Dominican heritage also influenced his cultural identity and eventual decision to represent the Dominican Republic in international basketball competitions.
What Happened to Karl-Anthony Towns’ Mother?
Jacqueline Cruz-Towns died on April 13, 2020, at the age of 58, from complications related to COVID-19.
Her death occurred during the early months of the global coronavirus pandemic.
Before her passing, Jacqueline had been hospitalized and placed on a ventilator.
Karl-Anthony publicly discussed her condition in March 2020, encouraging people to take the disease seriously.
His father also contracted COVID-19 and required medical treatment but eventually recovered.
Jacqueline’s death profoundly affected the family.
In subsequent interviews, Towns revealed that several additional relatives had also died during the pandemic.
He has frequently spoken about the emotional difficulty of losing his mother, describing her as one of the most influential people in his life.
In October 2026, Associated Press reporting highlighted how Towns continued discussing grief and the importance of emotional support several years after her death.
How Karl-Anthony Towns Honors His Mother’s Memory
Since Jacqueline’s death, Towns has honored her memory through charitable initiatives, interviews and tributes.
One particularly meaningful project involved supporting basketball opportunities in the Dominican Republic.
In September 2024, he announced plans to help fund a basketball facility in the country where his mother was born.
The project was intended to provide young athletes with better training resources and opportunities.
His personal connection to the Dominican Republic made the initiative especially important.
During the 2026 NBA Finals, Towns also reflected on feeling emotionally connected to his mother while competing for the Knicks.
Winning the championship represented another achievement that he wished she could have witnessed.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Siblings: Meet His Older Sister Lachelle Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns has an older sister named Lachelle Towns, who is extensively documented in established reporting about his family.
Lachelle has been one of the most important sources of personal guidance throughout his basketball career.
Some secondary biographical profiles also identify Malaika Singleton-Towns as a sibling, although major interviews and official basketball sources provide substantially more information about Lachelle.
Lachelle Towns – Karl-Anthony Towns’ Older Sister
Lachelle Towns is Karl-Anthony Towns’ older sister and one of his closest family members.
She is approximately 15 years older than her brother and helped provide guidance as he developed into a professional basketball player.
According to an Associated Press report published in June 2015, Lachelle was a mother of two children when Karl-Anthony entered the NBA.
At the time, she discussed the importance of helping her younger brother remain grounded despite the sudden attention associated with becoming the first overall pick in the NBA Draft.
Lachelle believed she could provide advice about everyday challenges and help Karl-Anthony adjust to the responsibilities of adulthood.
Their relationship remained important as he developed into an NBA All-Star.
In a 2023 GQ profile, Towns described trying to provide support for his father, Lachelle and her family following Jacqueline’s death.
Lachelle was also involved in family celebrations during Towns’ relationship with Jordyn Woods.
According to Vogue, she attended the holiday gathering surrounding their engagement in December 2025.
Malaika Singleton-Towns – Reported Family Member
Malaika Singleton-Towns is identified as a sibling of Karl-Anthony Towns in some biographical directories and secondary family profiles.
However, her precise relationship to the NBA player is not clearly explained in authoritative interviews or official basketball biographies.
Reliable information about her age, upbringing, occupation and personal life is also limited.
Because the publicly available documentation is inconsistent, Lachelle remains the sibling whose relationship to Towns is most firmly established through firsthand reporting.
Does Karl-Anthony Towns Have a Brother?
There is no widely corroborated public reporting establishing that Karl-Anthony Towns grew up with a brother.
Some online biographical directories list additional relatives, but their precise relationship to him is not consistently explained.
Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify a specific person as his brother without stronger evidence.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Dominican Heritage and Family Background
Karl-Anthony Towns was born in Edison, New Jersey, and grew up in nearby Piscataway.
His father is African-American, while his mother was born in the Dominican Republic.
Growing up in a multicultural household helped Towns develop a strong connection to both his American upbringing and Dominican ancestry.
He attended Saint Joseph High School in Metuchen, where he became one of the country’s leading basketball prospects.
His achievements included winning multiple state championships and receiving major national high school basketball honors.
Despite being born in the United States, he chose to represent the Dominican Republic internationally.
He began playing for its national basketball team as a teenager and later returned for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup.
His commitment to the national team reflects the importance of his mother’s heritage in his personal identity.
How Karl-Anthony Towns’ Family Supported His Basketball Career
After becoming a nationally recognized high school prospect, Towns joined the University of Kentucky for the 2014–15 season.
He played under head coach John Calipari and helped Kentucky reach the NCAA Final Four.
Following one college season, he declared for the 2015 NBA Draft and was selected first overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves.
He won NBA Rookie of the Year honors in 2016 and subsequently became one of Minnesota’s most important players.
His parents regularly supported him at basketball games, while his sister helped him maintain strong family connections.
In 2024, Towns was traded to the New York Knicks, fulfilling an important family connection to the franchise.
He helped the team win the NBA championship in June 2026, ending New York’s 53-year title drought.
The achievement carried additional emotional significance because his mother had previously hoped to see him succeed with the Knicks.
Only two months after winning the championship, Towns married Jordyn Woods, making 2026 a particularly memorable year in his personal and professional life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Karl-Anthony Towns’ Family
Who is Karl-Anthony Towns’ wife?
Karl-Anthony Towns’ wife is Jordyn Woods, an American model and entrepreneur. They married on August 15, 2026, in Malibu, California.
Who was Karl-Anthony Towns’ girlfriend before marriage?
His longtime girlfriend was Jordyn Woods. They began dating in 2020 after developing a friendship in 2017.
When did Karl-Anthony Towns get married?
He and Jordyn Woods held their main wedding celebration on August 15, 2026, following a civil ceremony on August 11.
Does Karl-Anthony Towns have children?
Karl-Anthony Towns has no publicly confirmed children as of October 2026.
Who are Karl-Anthony Towns’ parents?
His parents are Karl Towns Sr., a former college basketball player and coach, and Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, who died in April 2020.
Who is Karl-Anthony Towns’ father?
His father is Karl Towns Sr., who played college basketball at Monmouth University and became a high school basketball coach in New Jersey.
Who is Karl-Anthony Towns’ mother?
His mother was Jacqueline “Jackie” Cruz-Towns, a Dominican-born Rutgers University employee who supported his basketball career.
How did Karl-Anthony Towns’ mother die?
Jacqueline Cruz-Towns died on April 13, 2020, from complications related to COVID-19.
Does Karl-Anthony Towns have siblings?
Yes. His older sister Lachelle Towns is confirmed through major sports reporting. Some biographical profiles additionally identify Malaika Singleton-Towns as a sibling, although details of that relationship are less consistently documented.
Who is Karl-Anthony Towns’ older sister?
His older sister is Lachelle Towns, who has supported him throughout his basketball career and is approximately 15 years older than him.
Is Karl-Anthony Towns Dominican?
Yes. Karl-Anthony Towns is Dominican-American through his mother’s heritage and has represented the Dominican Republic in international basketball.
Where was Karl-Anthony Towns born?
Karl-Anthony Towns was born on November 15, 1995, in Edison, New Jersey, United States.
Which NBA team does Karl-Anthony Towns play for?
He plays for the New York Knicks, whom he joined in 2024 after spending nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Has Karl-Anthony Towns won an NBA championship?
Yes. Karl-Anthony Towns won the 2026 NBA championship with the New York Knicks.
Orlando Bloom is a sports journalist and analyst specializing in in-depth NBA coverage, tactical breakdowns, and advanced player analytics. With a passion for professional basketball, he covers everything from trade deadline maneuvers and Draft prospects to team strategies and league-wide trends. Combining detailed stat analysis with game context, Orlando delivers sharp insights and compelling stories for avid basketball fans and casual followers alike.
