The Man Who Holds Her Heart: Is Jennifer Hudson Married? A Deep Dive Into Her Current Love Life And Ex-Fiancé Drama
Despite her dazzling success as an EGOT winner and daytime talk show host, one question consistently follows Jennifer Hudson: Does she have a husband? As of December 21, 2025, the powerhouse singer and actress is not married and does not currently have a husband. However, she is in a highly publicized and thriving relationship with a fellow entertainment icon, rapper and actor Common, a romance that has captured the attention of fans globally.
This article provides the definitive, most up-to-date look at Jennifer Hudson's relationship status, detailing the end of her high-stakes engagement to David Otunga, the custody battle that followed, and the deep connection she has since forged with her current partner, Common.
Jennifer Hudson: A Complete Biography and Profile
Jennifer Kate Hudson, affectionately known by her nickname J.Hud, has established herself as one of the most decorated and versatile performers of her generation. Her journey from an American Idol contestant to an EGOT winner is a testament to her extraordinary talent and resilience.
Key Biographical Details
- Full Name: Jennifer Kate Hudson
- Nickname: J.Hud
- Date of Birth: September 12, 1981
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
- Age (as of Dec 2025): 44 Years Old
- Occupations: Singer, Actress, Producer, Talk Show Host
- Major Achievement: EGOT Winner (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Award)
- Estimated Net Worth (2025): $30 Million
- Children: David Daniel Otunga Jr. (born 2009)
Career Milestones and EGOT Status
Hudson first rose to prominence as a finalist on the third season of American Idol in 2004. Her breakthrough role came in 2006 as Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, a performance that earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
She achieved the highly coveted EGOT status—winning all four major American entertainment awards—in 2022 by receiving a Tony Award for co-producing the musical A Strange Loop. This placed her in an elite group of only 19 individuals to have ever earned the distinction. Her other major awards include multiple Grammy Awards for her music career, and a Daytime Emmy Award for her work as executive producer on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Jennifer Hudson’s Past Relationships and The David Otunga Engagement
While Jennifer Hudson has never been married, her love life has included several significant relationships, most notably her near-decade-long engagement to former professional wrestler and Harvard Law School graduate, David Otunga.
The Eight-Year Engagement to David Otunga
Hudson and David Otunga began dating in 2008 and became engaged later that year. Their relationship was a high-profile fixture in the entertainment world, and in August 2009, they welcomed their son, David Daniel Otunga Jr.
Despite the engagement, the couple never made it down the aisle. In November 2017, they announced the end of their relationship, which quickly devolved into a contentious custody battle over their son. Hudson initially sought a protective order against Otunga, but the legal drama eventually settled with a final custody agreement in 2019, granting them a 50/50 custody arrangement.
The separation from Otunga was a major turning point, marking the end of the longest and most public relationship in the singer's life. The focus on co-parenting their son has remained a priority for both celebrities since the settlement.
Other Reported Relationships
Before her time with Otunga, Jennifer Hudson was in a long-term relationship with James Payton from 1999 to 2007. Following her separation, she was briefly linked to gospel singer Mali Music in 2017 and actor Marlon Wayans in 2021, though these relationships were never officially confirmed to the same degree as her engagement.
Jennifer Hudson’s Thriving Romance with Common (2025 Update)
The most significant and current news regarding Jennifer Hudson's love life is her confirmed relationship with Grammy and Oscar-winning rapper and actor, Common (Lonnie Rashid Lynn).
How the Relationship Began
The musical power couple first met on the set of the 2022 action-thriller film Breathe. Speculation about their romance began shortly after, but both artists initially kept the details private, prioritizing discretion.
Common, also a Chicago native, finally confirmed their relationship status in January 2024 during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show. Their shared roots in the city of Chicago are a key bond, which Hudson has frequently highlighted as a foundation for their strong connection.
A 'Beautiful Man' and Shared Interests
In a fresh update from the 2025 Daytime Emmy Awards, Jennifer Hudson spoke candidly about why her relationship with Common works so well.
She has praised Common, calling him a "beautiful man" and emphasizing their mutual interest in music and their shared cultural background. The couple is often seen together at high-profile events, projecting an image of genuine happiness and mutual respect. Their romance is viewed by many as a mature, grounded partnership between two highly successful, yet private, individuals in the entertainment industry.
Despite persistent rumors and clickbait articles suggesting an engagement or even a secret wedding, both Hudson and Common are not currently engaged, and there has been no public announcement regarding marriage plans. They continue to focus on their respective careers—including Common's music projects and Hudson's busy schedule as a talk show host and performer—while enjoying their private time together.
The Future: Will Jennifer Hudson Ever Get Married?
While Jennifer Hudson is currently unmarried and enjoying her relationship with Common, the question of a future wedding remains a popular topic among fans and celebrity news outlets. Her past experience with a long, broken engagement to David Otunga may influence her decision to take things slowly and prioritize the strength of the relationship over a title.
For now, J-Hud is thriving as a mother to her son, a successful EGOT winner, and a happy partner to Common. Her current chapter is defined by professional triumph and a deeply rooted, public-facing romance, proving that a "husband" is not a prerequisite for a fulfilling life.
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