Gregg Leakes, who appeared in the reality television show “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” with his wife, has died, according to his publicist. He was 66.
Leakes, who appeared in 95 episodes of the show between 2008 and 2021, was married to NeNe Leakes, who appeared in 227 segments of the program.
Over the weekend, NeNe Leakes, 53, was at her suburban Atlanta lounge in Duluth, The Linnethia, WSB-TV reported. NeNe Leakes told guests that her husband was “transitioning to the other side,” according to Variety.
NeNe Leakes' Husband Gregg Leakes Dead from Colon Cancer at 66 https://t.co/O5EUaa3sSh
— People (@people) September 1, 2021
The next day, NeNe Leakes shared an image of the word “Broken” on Instagram with prayer and heartbroken emojis, People reported.
Gregg Leakes was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2018 but went into remission after treatment, Entertainment Tonight reported. In June, NeNe Leakes said her husband’s cancer had returned and that he had undergone surgery, the website reported.
The couple wed in 1997 but divorced in 2011, People reported. They remarried in June 2013 and share one son together, Brentt Leakes, 22.
NeNe Leakes had one child from a previous relationship, while Gregg Leakes had five other children, according to The Associated Press.
Their 2013 wedding planning and ceremony were filmed for a Bravo spinoff titled “I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding,” according to Variety.
NeNe Leakes was a main cast member of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” crew during the first 10 seasons of the series, Variety reported. Gregg Leakes appeared alongside her in more than 80 episodes of the reality show, according to the website.
Andy Cohen, executive producer of the “Real Housewives” franchise, paid tribute to Gregg Leakes on Twitter, writing, “I am heartbroken over the passing of Gregg Leakes, a wonderful man. I jokingly called him ‘Pastor Leakes’ but in truth he was a strong voice of reason and commanded great respect among the ‘RHOA’ team. I am sending love and strength to NeNe Leakes and the entire Leakes family.”
I am heartbroken over the passing of Gregg Leakes, a wonderful man. I jokingly called him “Pastor Leakes” but in truth he was a strong voice of reason & commanded great respect among the entire #RHOA team. I am sending love and strength to @neneleakes & the entire Leakes family
— Andy Cohen (@Andy) September 1, 2021
©2021 Cox Media Group