Dwyane Wade Shares Emotional Pen Pal Story With His Mother During Her Incarceration

NBA legend Dwyane Wade recently opened up about the deep bond he maintained with his mother, Jolinda Wade, during her years behind bars, offering viewers of NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends a rare and moving glimpse into their relationship.

During the July 7 episode, the show aired a touching pre-recorded message from Jolinda, who reflected on the three years she spent incarcerated on drug charges. She credited her son’s heartfelt letters for helping her navigate the toughest moments.

“I remember how we became pen pals when I was incarcerated,” Jolinda shared. “Your letters got me through each day and enabled me to be a part of all the wonderful things that were happening in your life.”

Jolinda also praised Wade’s devotion to fatherhood, a commitment evident in the photos he sent her of his first child, Zaire. “When you sent me pictures of my grandson Zaire, I was able to tell from your letters how very proud you were,” she said.

“You made up your mind that you were going to be the best dad you could be, and that is exactly what you’ve become. Son, you are simply one of the best dads a child could have. Just like everything else in your life, you give fatherhood your all.”

She went on to commend Wade for his unwavering support of his daughter Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020. “My love, I admire how you embrace your beautiful child Zaya—my granddaughter,” Jolinda said. “And you encourage her to be who she is. What a dad. You protect her, you speak with her to understand who she is. You don’t judge or condemn.”

Later in the episode, Jolinda joined Dwayne Wade on set and spoke candidly about her struggles with drug addiction and suicidal thoughts, revealing that her four children were a constant source of strength and unconditional love during her darkest moments.

“They never stopped loving me, never judged me, never condemned me,” she said.

Jolinda also credited Wade for encouraging her to be open about her past and to share her story publicly. “When they first wanted to do a story about me, I told him because I wanted to respect the space that he had got in, and he said, ‘Ma, you go and tell your story because the only thing it’s going to do is help someone.’”