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Monique James: Read About Gary Payton’s Ex-Wife

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Monique James: Read About Gary Payton’s Ex-Wife

Monique James is best known as the ex-wife of NBA legend Gary Payton and the mother of basketball player Gary Payton II. A former college basketball player, she attended Merritt College in Oakland, California. She married Payton in 1997, and they had three children, Raquel, Gary II, and Julian, before divorcing in 2012.

Beyond her former marriage, Monique has worked as a flight attendant, artist, and nonprofit leader. As of 2026, she serves as an executive director of the Gary Payton II Foundation, which supports children with dyslexia.

Quick Facts

DetailInformation
Full NameMonique James
Also Known AsMonique Payton
GenderFemale
NationalityAmerican
Known ForGary Payton’s ex-wife
ProfessionFormer college basketball player, nonprofit leader, artist
High SchoolSkyline High School, Oakland
CollegeMerritt College, California
SportsBasketball, track and field
Basketball PositionGuard
College Playing Years1985–1987
Sports AchievementsTwo-time All-Golden Gate Conference selection
Former HusbandGary Payton (NBA Hall of Famer)
Marriage DateJuly 26, 1997
Divorce Year2012
Marital StatusDivorced from Gary Payton
ChildrenRaquel Payton Childs, Gary Payton II, Julian Payton
Famous SonGary Payton II, NBA player
FatherOllan Christopher Bell (Chris James), musician
Former JobFlight attendant
Art ProjectMosArts
Media WorkOutta Pocket radio show and podcast

Monique James’s Early Life

Monique grew up in Oakland, California. She enjoyed sports from a young age, especially basketball and track. She took part in sprinting, hurdles, and jumping events.

Her exact birth date and age have not been confirmed. Her father has been identified as musician Ollan Christopher Bell, also known as Chris James, who was associated with the R&B group The Natural Four.

Education

Monique attended Skyline High School in Oakland, where she played basketball and competed in track and field. Her events included the 100-meter and 200-meter races, hurdles, high jump, and long jump.

She later attended Merritt College, where she played basketball from 1985 to 1987. She became a leading guard on the college team and earned honors for her performance.

Basketball Career

Monique James played as a guard at Merritt College. She served as team captain and helped the team win two Golden Gate Conference titles.

She earned All-Golden Gate Conference honors twice. Her college record included 291 steals, 182 assists, and 15 steals in a single game. Her former coach, Fred Brown, also praised her speed and jumping ability.

She did not pursue a professional basketball career after college.

Monique James and Gary Payton’s Relationship

Monique and Gary Payton began dating before he joined the NBA in 1990. They had been together for nearly ten years when they married on July 26, 1997.

Their wedding took place at the Sheraton Palace Hotel in San Francisco. It had around 400–500 guests and reportedly cost about $200,000. Monique wore a Vera Wang wedding dress.

The couple divorced in 2012 after about 15 years of marriage. Reports linked their separation to Gary’s relationships with other women. Gary later acknowledged that he had hurt Monique and praised her support during his basketball career.

Children

Monique James and Gary Payton have three children: Raquel Payton Childs, Gary Payton II, and Julian Payton.

Raquel Payton Childs is their eldest child. She is married to basketball coach Jesse Childs, and they have a son. Raquel also works with her mother at the Gary Payton II Foundation.

Gary Payton II was born on December 1, 1992, in Seattle. He played college basketball at Oregon State and later joined the NBA. He won the 2022 NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors.

Julian Payton is their youngest child. He keeps much of his personal life private. In 2019, he survived an accident that Monique later discussed on social media.

Gary Payton also has another son, Gary Payton Jr., from a different relationship.

Monique James’s Career After Basketball

After college, Monique spent many years raising her children. She later worked as a flight attendant. A 2021 report said she was based in Las Vegas.

She also began creating fluid paintings and shared her artwork under the name MosArts.

Monique worked on the Outta Pocket radio show and podcast, where she discussed basketball and other sports topics.

Charity Work

Monique founded Women Standing Tall in 2015. The nonprofit supported women facing difficult situations and helped raise funds for charitable causes.

She worked with groups such as LifeLong AIDS Alliance and Project Angel Food. In a personal interview, she said she helped raise more than $70,000 for LifeLong AIDS Alliance.

Monique also helped her son Gary Payton II after he was diagnosed with dyslexia. She supported his education and helped him find ways to manage his reading difficulties.

Gary II founded the Gary Payton II Foundation in 2021. The organization helps children with dyslexia access testing and learning support. Monique and her daughter Raquel serve as executive directors.

What Is Monique James Doing Now?

As of 2026, Monique James is involved in the Gary Payton II Foundation. She works with her daughter Raquel to support children with dyslexia and their families.

On September 20, 2026, the foundation held its Draft Day ’26 fundraiser at Chase Center in San Francisco. The event raised $233,500 to help children access dyslexia testing and support.

Monique has also shared her interest in art, sports, and family life. Her current employment outside the foundation and relationship status are not publicly confirmed.

Interesting Facts

  • She played basketball at Merritt College from 1985 to 1987.
  • She was a two-time All-Golden Gate Conference selection.
  • She recorded 15 steals in one college basketball game.
  • Her former coach said she had a vertical jump of nearly 30 inches.
  • She wore a Vera Wang dress at her 1997 wedding.
  • She founded Women Standing Tall in 2015.
  • She created paintings under the name MosArts.
  • She helped raise over $70,000 for LifeLong AIDS Alliance.
  • She worked on a charity cookbook called Food For The Soul.
  • She works with her daughter Raquel at the Gary Payton II Foundation.
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Ally Dale: Early Life, Career, Marriage to Billy Strings, and Son

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Ally Dale: Early Life, Career, Marriage to Billy Strings, and Son

Ally Dale is an American yoga instructor and former tour manager best known as the wife of Grammy-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings.

Ally previously worked as a bartender in Michigan before helping manage his music tours. The couple met in 2014, married on September 9, 2023, and welcomed their son, River Roy Apostol, in September 2024.

Ally is also the founder of Ally Flows Yoga, a Nashville-based wellness business. She completed her yoga teacher training in 2022 and offers virtual classes focused on movement, breathing, and mindfulness.

Quick Facts

DetailInformation
Full NameAlly Dale
Also Known AsAlly Apostol Dale
GenderFemale
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceMichigan, United States (reported)
ProfessionYoga instructor, wellness entrepreneur
Famous ForBeing Billy Strings’ wife
Business NameAlly Flows Yoga
CertificationYoga Alliance-certified teacher
Training InstitutionMindful School of Yoga, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Former JobBartender at Ore Dock Brewing Co.
HusbandBilly Strings
EngagementMay 2021 (reported)
ChildrenOne son: River Roy Apostol
Official Websiteallyflows.com
Net WorthNot publicly verified

Age and Early Life

Ally Dale was reportedly born on February 19, 1989, in Michigan, United States. If this date is correct, she is 37 years old as of October 2026. Her exact birth date has not been independently confirmed.

Some online profiles identify Aiden Dale as her brother. However, this information has not been verified. Little is publicly known about her parents, childhood, or early family life.

Ally Dale’s Education

Ally completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training at the Mindful School of Yoga in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in June 2022. She is a Yoga Alliance-certified teacher.

Her training supports her work in breathing exercises, body movement, and mindfulness. She uses a trauma-informed approach that allows students to practice at their own pace. Details about her earlier education are not publicly available.

A Bartender

Before entering the music industry, Ally worked as a bartender at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette, Michigan. She met Billy Strings there in 2014 while he was visiting the brewery.

Billy later shared that he first noticed Ally when she left a water tap running behind the bar. He turned it off before she returned. During a March 2024 Reddit session, he described their meeting as love at first sight.

Career as Billy Strings’ Tour Manager

Ally Dale worked as Billy Strings’ tour manager during the early years of his music career. She traveled with his band and helped manage work related to tours and live performances.

In a 2022 NPR interview, Billy explained how his touring team grew from five people traveling in one van to a larger group using two or three tour buses. Ally was involved during this period.

A 2019 Garden & Gun profile also identified her as his tour manager. She and Billy moved to Nashville in 2016 as his music career grew.

Yoga Career

Ally Dale founded Ally Flows Yoga, a Nashville-based yoga business. She serves as its lead teacher and offers virtual classes, workshops, and wellness sessions.

Her classes focus on breathing, movement, and mindfulness. She uses a trauma-informed teaching style to help students feel comfortable and practice at their own pace.

In September 2023, Ally joined Billy Strings for a sold-out yoga session at Billy Strings Renewal in Buena Vista, Colorado. She also shares updates about her yoga classes through Instagram.

How Did Ally Dale Meet Billy Strings?

Ally Dale and Billy Strings met in 2014 at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Marquette, Michigan. She was working as a bartender when Billy visited for a drink.

Their relationship began before Billy became widely known in bluegrass music. Ally later joined him on tour and worked as his tour manager. They moved to Nashville together in 2016.

Their Wedding

Billy Strings proposed to Ally Dale in May 2021 after several years together. Their relationship also inspired his song In the Morning Light, released on his 2021 album Renewal.

The couple married on September 9, 2023, at the Hoxeyville Music Festival site in Michigan. Their outdoor wedding included live performances by Trey Anastasio, Les Claypool, Bob Weir, and Billy himself.

Bob Weir performed When I Paint My Masterpiece for the couple. Ally later shared wedding photographs on Instagram.

Ally Dale’s Son: River Roy Apostol

Ally Dale and Billy Strings announced their first pregnancy in June 2024. They shared the news through Instagram and revealed they were expecting a boy.

Their son, River Roy Apostol, was born on September 29, 2024. Ally announced his birth on Instagram and shared his name with followers.

River turned two in September 2026. Ally and Billy have shared some family updates publicly, but details about their daily family life remain limited.

Public Appearances

Ally Dale has attended several music events with Billy Strings. They appeared together at the 64th Grammy Awards in Las Vegas on April 3, 2022.

In April 2023, they attended Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Ally also appeared with Billy at the Americana Honors & Awards in Nashville in September 2023.

The couple attended the 66th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on February 4, 2024. Outside these events, Ally uses Instagram to share information about her yoga classes and workshops.

Interesting Facts

  • Ally met Billy Strings while working at Ore Dock Brewing Co. in Michigan.
  • Billy described their first meeting as love at first sight.
  • She worked as Billy Strings’ tour manager before becoming a yoga instructor.
  • She moved to Nashville with Billy in 2016.
  • She completed her 200-hour yoga teacher training in June 2022.
  • She is the founder and lead teacher of Ally Flows Yoga.
  • Her yoga business offers virtual and remote classes.
  • She co-led a sold-out yoga session at Billy Strings Renewal in September 2023.
  • Bob Weir performed at her wedding in Michigan.
  • Her son, River Roy Apostol, was born on September 29, 2024.

Read more: Gia Olimp: Anthony Carrigan’s Wife and Separation Rumors

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Who Is Svani Quintanilla? Meet A.B. Quintanilla III’s Son

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Who Is Svani Quintanilla? Meet A.B. Quintanilla III’s Son

Svani Quintanilla is an American DJ, music producer, and sound engineer best known as the son of musician A.B. Quintanilla III and nephew of late singer Selena Quintanilla. Born in Texas, he performs under the name Principe Q.

Svani co-founded the music duo Royal Highness and helped develop Screwmbia, a mix of cumbia and electronic beats.

Svani also has a daughter named Yvie, born in 2017. He shares music and family photos on Instagram, but his current relationship status remains unclear.

Quick Facts

DetailInformation
Full NameSvani Quintanilla
Also Known AsSavani Quintanilla
Stage NamePrincipe Q
Former Stage NamesDJ Moonpie, Principe Cu
Date of BirthNovember 27, 1991
Age (2026)35 years old
BirthplaceTexas, United States
NationalityAmerican
Zodiac SignSagittarius
ProfessionDJ, music producer, sound engineer
Famous ForBeing A.B. Quintanilla III’s son
FatherA.B. Quintanilla III
MotherEvangelina “Vangie” Almeida
SisterMartika Quintanilla
GrandfatherAbraham Quintanilla Jr.
GrandmotherMarcella Samora
Famous AuntSelena Quintanilla
EducationAttended The Art Institute of Austin
Field of StudyAudio engineering
Musical DuoRoyal Highness
Music PartnerLuis Espada (DJ King Louie)
ChildrenOne daughter: Yvie Quintanilla
Daughter’s BirthSeptember 2017
Instagram@principe_q

Age and Early Life

Svani Quintanilla was born on November 27, 1991, in Texas and grew up in a family known for Latin music. His father worked with Selena y Los Dinos, while his aunt Selena became a famous Tejano singer.

He developed an interest in music during childhood and joined a band in middle school. A childhood photo also shows him posing with the Latin pop group Barrio Boyzz.

Svani Quintanilla’s Parents

Svani’s parents are A.B. Quintanilla III and Evangelina “Vangie” Almeida. They married in 1988 and divorced in 2000. His father is a singer, songwriter, and producer who worked with Selena y Los Dinos, Kumbia Kings, and Kumbia All Starz.

Siblings and Family

Martika Quintanilla, the older sister of Svani, was born on September 21, 1989. He also has younger paternal half-siblings, including Gianni Mio, Abraham Isaac IV, Elijah Jae, Elrey, and Justin Quintanilla.

His grandfather, Abraham Quintanilla Jr., managed Selena y Los Dinos, while his aunt Suzette played drums in the band. His other aunt, Selena Quintanilla, died on March 31, 1995, at age 23.

Education

Svani attended The Art Institute of Austin, where he studied audio engineering. He left before completing his degree.

In an interview, he explained that he preferred learning through practical work rather than following a classroom system. He continued developing his recording, mixing, and music production skills through his projects.

Music Career

Svani Quintanilla began performing as a DJ at small clubs and events. He first used the name DJ Moonpie, reportedly suggested by his father. He later performed as Principe Cu before adopting the name Principe Q.

His music combines cumbia, hip-hop, and electronic sounds. He has worked on tracks such as SurNorte and Tequila and created remixes inspired by Selena’s music.

Royal Highness

Svani formed Royal Highness with DJ Luis Espada, known as King Louie. Together, they developed Screwmbia, a style that mixes slower cumbia rhythms with trap drums, deep bass, and electronic beats.

On October 1, 2012, Royal Highness released the Screwmbia EP. It included tracks such as Diamante, Magic Carpet, Drop That, and The Driver, along with a remix of Selena’s Bidi Bidi Bom Bom.

The duo discussed its music in a 2013 interview with Houston Press. Their work also received coverage from Remezcla.

Work With Bombón and Kumbia All Starz

Svani worked with Bombón, a Houston-based DJ group known for mixing Latin dance music with electronic sounds. Other members included Gracie Chavez, Bobby Hinojosa, Alejandro Nava, and Melissa Gomez.

He has also been linked to Kumbia All Starz, the group founded by his father in 2006. However, the dates and details of his involvement are not clearly documented.

Svani Quintanilla’s Songs

Svani has released music under the name Principe Q, including SurNorte and Tequila. His work includes original tracks, DJ mixes, and remixes of Latin songs.

He has performed in Houston, Dallas, and Tennessee. His artist profile also lists appearances at Bonnaroo, EDC Orlando, EDC Mexico, and Boiler Room events.

Daughter: Yvie Quintanilla

Svani Quintanilla has a daughter named Yvie Quintanilla, born in September 2017. Her birth was reported by Univision, and his aunt Suzette shared a social media post celebrating her arrival.

Svani has posted photos with Yvie on Instagram, including moments of them wearing matching clothes and spending time together. His current relationship status is not confirmed.

Social Media and Public Appearances

Svani uses the Instagram account @principe_q to share music, performances, and family photos. His work is also available on Spotify, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp.

He appeared in a Houston Chronicle photo session with Bombón in July 2015. His SoundCloud profile also includes tracks from the NECIO HOURS series released in July 2025.

Interesting Facts

  • His birthday is November 27, and Famous Birthdays lists his birth year as 1991.
  • His zodiac sign is Sagittarius.
  • His father reportedly suggested the DJ name Moonpie.
  • He previously performed as Principe Cu.
  • He studied audio engineering at The Art Institute of Austin but did not graduate.
  • He co-founded Royal Highness with DJ King Louie.
  • He helped develop Screwmbia, a mix of cumbia and electronic music.
  • Royal Highness released the Screwmbia EP in October 2012.
  • A childhood photo shows him with the Latin pop group Barrio Boyzz.
  • He appeared in a 2015 photo session with Houston’s Bombón DJ group.

Read more: Deidre Pujols: Biography of Albert Pujols’ Ex-Wife

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Juanita Dorricott: Everything to Know About Bob Seger’s Wife

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Juanita Dorricott: Everything to Know About Bob Seger's Wife

Juanita Dorricott is best known as the wife of American rock singer and songwriter Bob Seger. She reportedly was born in Kent, Ohio, in 1964 and later lived in Michigan. Juanita and Seger married on July 10, 1993, in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. They have two children, Christopher Cole and Samantha Char.

Juanita has appeared with her husband at several public events, including the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors. She has also been described as a lawyer, although reliable details about her education and legal career remain limited.

Quick Facts

DetailInformation
Full NameJuanita Dorricott
Also Known AsNita Seger
GenderFemale
Birth YearReportedly 1964
BirthplaceReportedly Kent, Ohio, USA
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionReportedly a lawyer
Famous ForBeing Bob Seger’s wife
Marital StatusMarried
HusbandBob Seger
Marriage DateJuly 10, 1993
ChildrenTwo
SonChristopher Cole Seger
DaughterSamantha Char Seger
SiblingsFour: Kathryn, Tom, Jill, and Jane
MotherJuanita Marie Dorricott
Reported ResidenceOrchard Lake area, Michigan
Known Public Appearance2016 Kennedy Center Honors
Personal Net WorthNot publicly verified

Age and Early Life

Juanita Dorricott was reportedly born in 1964 in Kent, Ohio, United States. Her exact birthday is unknown. Based on her reported birth year, she would be 61 or 62 years old in 2026.

Her family reportedly moved to Troy, Michigan, when she was around ten years old. She is the youngest of five children, with four siblings named Kathryn, Tom, Jill, and Jane.

Her mother, Juanita Marie Dorricott, died in May 2025. Her obituary listed Nita, her husband Bob, and their children Cole and Samantha among the surviving family members.

Juanita Dorricott’s Career

Juanita Dorricott is often described as a lawyer in online biographies. However, there is no clear public record of where she studied law, when she earned her degree, or where she worked.

Her school, college, and legal work history have not been independently confirmed. Her current profession is also unknown.

How Did Juanita Dorricott Meet Bob Seger?

Juanita Dorricott and Bob Seger reportedly met around 1990 or 1991. Some reports say they met through a mutual friend, but the details of their first meeting remain unconfirmed.

At the time, Seger was already a successful rock musician known for albums such as Night Moves, Stranger in Town, and Against the Wind.

Before marrying Juanita, Bob Seger was married to Renee Andrietti from 1968 to 1969. He later married actress Annette Sinclair in 1987, but they divorced the following year. He also had a long relationship with Jan Dinsdale.

Wedding

Juanita Dorricott married Bob Seger on July 10, 1993, at The Village Club in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. It was Seger’s third marriage.

Their son, Christopher Cole Seger, was born in November 1992, about eight months before the wedding. As of October 2026, Juanita and Bob have been married for more than 33 years.

Juanita Dorricott’s Children

Juanita and Bob Seger have two children. Their son, Christopher Cole Seger, was born in November 1992, and their daughter, Samantha Char Seger, was born in 1995.

Cole has been described as a filmmaker and writer. Some reports say he attended Oakland Community College and Oakland University. Samantha has also been linked to Oakland University, although details about her education and career remain limited.

Juanita Dorricott’s Family Life

After his 1996 tour, Bob Seger took a long break from major tours to spend more time with his children. The family has long been linked to the Orchard Lake area of Michigan.

In December 2016, Juanita attended the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., with Bob, Cole, and Samantha.

Song Dedicated to Juanita Dorricott

Bob Seger dedicated the song “You Take Me In” to Juanita Dorricott. It appeared on his 2014 album Ride Out. He kept the song a secret from her for about three years.

Juanita first heard it while driving with Bob. When she asked about the song, he told her it was written for her. She became emotional and reached for tissues.

Seger also told TIME that Juanita enjoyed country music. He said country songs were often played at home, which led him to listen to more of that style.

Juanita Dorricott’s Public Appearances

Juanita Dorricott has attended several public events with Bob Seger. In December 2016, she joined him and their children at the Kennedy Center Honors.

On December 21, 2025, Juanita and Bob were photographed at Ford Field in Detroit before a football game between the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Charity Work

The couple has supported youth programs. In 2016, they helped bring a Dale Carnegie Teen Workshop to Oakland County Children’s Village in Pontiac, Michigan. The program taught young people communication skills, confidence, and ways to handle stress.

A message signed by Nita and Bob explained that their son had taken the same course and found it helpful.

Is Juanita Dorricott Still Married to Bob Seger?

Juanita Dorricott and Bob Seger are still publicly identified as married in 2026. They married on July 10, 1993, and there has been no credible public report of a divorce or separation.

The couple was photographed together at a Detroit Lions game in December 2025. It is one of their more recent documented public appearances.

Bob Seger began his farewell tour in 2018, with his final scheduled tour performance taking place in 2019. He had previously taken a long break from touring to help raise their children.

Interesting Facts

  • Juanita is commonly known as Nita Seger.
  • She is the youngest of five children.
  • Her son Cole was born before her 1993 wedding.
  • Bob Seger dedicated his 2014 song “You Take Me In” to her.
  • She first heard the song while driving with Bob.
  • She enjoys country music, according to her husband.
  • She attended the 2016 Kennedy Center Honors with her family.
  • She and Bob supported a youth workshop in Michigan.
  • She appeared with Bob at a Detroit Lions game in December 2025.

Read more: Tim Mynett: Everything About Ilhan Omar’s Husband

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