Nene Leakes' husband Gregg Leakes dies after long-term illness—heartbreaking tributes pour in

Nene Leakes' husband Gregg Leakes has died after battling cancer for a long time. Fans of the Real Housewives of Atlanta stars, fellow housewives, and celebrities have paid tribute to Gregg in an outpouring of grief.

The 66-year-old was first diagnosed with stage III colon cancer back in June 2018 and unfortunately, it was announced in June 2021 that it was back. At the time, Nene said "he's different" after husband Gregg Leakes' cancer returned.

The devastating news comes only days after a video of Nene speaking at a public event in which she said, "my husband is transitioning to the other side." The star felt compelled to share the information after a woman had allegedly called her 'rude' for not wishing her a happy birthday.

A statement from the family's publicist and longtime family friend Ernest Dukes confirmed the tragic news in a statement on Wednesday, September 1, 2021.

"Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart. After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife Nene Leakes," he said.

The statement finished, "We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very very difficult time."

Gregg was loved by fans not only for his kind, strong, relaxed demeanor but for how much he loved and supported his wife Nene. One famous line being repeated by fans on social media is what he said during a particularly tense moment on one of the show's infamous reunion specials. 

When being asked how he felt about ongoing strife between his wife and her co-stars he said she's strong enough on her own. But he also added that he's never far if she needs him. He said, "If she look over her right shoulder, I will always there."

Nene's former RHOA costars have spoken of their devastation following the sad news. 

Phaedra Banks shared her gratitude that she had the joy of knowing such a, "wonderfully wise, hilariously humorous, courageous and compassionate. A great husband, dad and friend."

Porsha Williams shared a post showing the loved up couple captioned, "Truly heartbreaking news 💔 Love and prayers for dear Nene & the Leakes family 🙏🏾 #Speechless 💔 🥺We love you Gregg #FuckCancer"

Kim Zolciak-Biermann, who's had her ups and downs with Nene over the years, echoed her love and support to the Leakes family. Celebrating his character she said, "Gregg was ALWAYS kind, considerate, and the calm in any storm. He was the peaceful voice of reason and will be greatly missed by so many."

Cynthia Bailey shared a photo alongside her now husband Mike Hill and the Leakes. She captioned it with a beautiful story of how Gregg, remembered as a deeply spiritual man, gave them a priceless gift ahead of their wedding.

She said, "Out of nowhere, Gregg asked to pray for Mike and I. For our love & our relationship. He was first person to actually pray for us as a couple. It was so heartfelt and so beautiful. We were all so touched and blown away by his words. I think Mike & I both teared up."

Kandi Burruss shared a photo alongside her husband Todd, Nene and Gregg. The caption read, "My prayers go out to @neneleakes & her family. @greggleakes was an amazing man who always brought love & great energy to any room he walked into. I’m thankful for the great memories I have of him. Rest in peace Gregg ❤️🙏🏾."

Marlo Hampton, who also stars on RHOA and has a very close relationship to the Leakes family, shared a post saying how "truly heartbroken" she is.

Her caption read, "Thank you Gregg for letting me be the 3rd wheel many nights. I’ll always remember our jokes about “smell me Marlo” (insider) you were the man with the scents! This one is hard. #fcancer Rest In Peace Gregg. Such a good man, always so sweet and kind to me. You held your family down like no other."