Nene Leakes is making her return to Bravo on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.
In a preview for the new season of RHUGT, (premiering on Bravo on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 9 p.m. ET) The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum can be seen helping RHUGT Season 6 cast member Porsha Williams pack her bags for the getaway.
“How dare we celebrate 20 years as Housewives and leave out the Nene Leakes?” Porsha asks in a confessional, as seen in the video above, before revealing that this isn’t the last that people will see of Nene. “The queen herself will be making an appearance when we enter Atlanta.”
Read on to learn more about Nene, her time on RHOA, and what she’s been up to today ahead of her role on The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
Who is Nene Leakes?
Nene, a mom of two sons, describes herself as a TV personality and entrepreneur based in Atlanta.
When was Nene Leakes on The Real Housewives of Atlanta?
Nene joined the cast of RHOA Season 1 and remained a cast member on the show until her departure after RHOA Season 7. She then rejoined the cast of RHOA for Season 10, where she remained until RHOA Season 12.
Who is Nene Leakes still friends with from RHOA?
Nene is still friends with Porsha, as seen in a RHUGT Season 6 clip. In it, the women admitted that it had been a “long time” since they reunited, but they quickly caught up on many things, including Porsha’s relationship with Patrice “Sway” McKinney.
Nene is also still friends with RHOA Season 17 friend Cynthia Bailey, who shared an update on their friendship during a podcast episode in August 2025. “I’m in such a full circle moment with Nene. I love the space we’re in,” Cynthia said.
Nene is also still friendly with RHOA alum Kim Zolciak, who she has had a history with. “Kim and I are on a good page. We don’t have any problems. I’ve bumped into her several times,” Nene told Vulture in May. “I actually just DM’ed her the other day, thank you.”
What businesses does Nene Leakes own?
Nene owned the women’s clothing store, Swagg Boutique, which closed several locations in 2020. She also owned The Linnethia Lounge, a restaurant and bar located in Duluth, Georgia.
Details on Nene Leakes’ career
In addition to owning businesses, Nene has also dabbled in acting and writing. She acted in roles on shows like Glee and The New Normal, showing off her acting chops and personality. In 2014, she made her Broadway debut as the wicked stepmother, Madame, in Cinderella, before her run ended in January 2015.
On top of this, in 2011, she published her memoir, Never Make The Same Mistake Twice: Lessons on Love and Life Learned the Hard Way. In her memoir, according to the publisher, Nene details her journey from growing up, to raising her two sons, to accomplishing her dreams.
Who is Nene Leakes dating?
Nene was linked to attorney Arthur Horne III earlier this year, according to TMZ, and is reportedly dating old flame, fashion designer Nyonisela Sioh, who she dated in 2022 after confirming their romance in 2021. But, Nene is very private with her relationships, choosing not to hard launch or confirm her romances on her Instagram account.
Details on Nene Leakes’ marriage to Gregg Leakes
Nene was married to Gregg Leakes until he passed away in 2021 after a battle with colon cancer. Nene recalled their meeting in 2018. “I have been with Gregg since 1996 so it’s been about 20 years or so,” she explained. “Gregg and I went through a bumpy road I would say for about two years. I was very young when I started dating Gregg and he had been married before. I had never been married before and he had children from his previous marriage and I had one child. So we got engaged really quick, like six months in, and we were married like a year later.”
The couple was married for 13 years before divorcing in 2011. They reconciled shortly after, with Nene getting engaged to Gregg in 2013 and saying “I do” to each other, again, in June 2013. Nene opened up about their separation during a 2013 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen alongside Gregg. “I’ve known Gregg since 1996, and I never really wanted to divorce Gregg,” she admitted. “I believe that as women you have to stand for something or fall for anything and I think that we teach men how to treat us. And I had to stand, honey…take it for what its worth.”
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Ahead of Nene’s Bravo return, check out the best episodes of RHOA and more shows to stream before RHUGT Season 6.
