The Women Of R&B Royalty: Who Is Babyface’s Wife Now? A Look At His Three Marriages And New Partner
Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, the legendary R&B singer, songwriter, and 12-time Grammy winner, has had a professional career defined by timeless love songs. However, his personal life has been just as captivating, marked by three significant marriages and, as of late, a high-profile divorce settlement and a new relationship. As of late 2024, the question "Who is Babyface's wife?" has a nuanced answer: he is currently divorced, but he is in a serious, publicly acknowledged partnership with a woman who also works closely within his professional empire.
The music icon, known for shaping the sound of modern R&B, finalized his divorce from his third wife, Nicole Pantenburg, following their separation announcement in July 2021. This recent development, coupled with his new relationship, has brought fresh attention to the women who have shared his life. This deep dive explores the full timeline of his relationships, focusing on the most recent and relevant details surrounding his ex-wives and his current partner.
Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds: A Complete Relationship Biography
Kenneth Brian Edmonds, universally known as Babyface, has been married three times, with each relationship forming a major chapter in his life. While the search for his current "wife" leads to an ex-wife, the story of his partners is rich with high-profile careers, blended families, and a significant divorce settlement.
- Full Name: Kenneth Brian Edmonds
- Stage Name: Babyface
- Born: April 10, 1959 (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Profession: Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer, Entrepreneur
- Grammy Awards: 12 Wins (33 Nominations)
- First Wife: Lynelle Edmonds (m. 1979; div. 1991)
- Second Wife: Tracey Edmonds (née McQuarn) (m. 1992; div. 2005)
- Third Wife: Nicole Pantenburg (m. 2014; div. 2021/Finalized Recently)
- Children: 3 (Brandon, Dylan Michael, Peyton Nicole Edmonds)
- Current Partner: Rika Tischendorf
The End of an Era: The Divorce from Nicole Pantenburg
The most recent and significant update to Babyface’s marital status involves his former wife, Nicole Pantenburg. Their relationship began years before they officially tied the knot, with Pantenburg having a career that intersected with the music world long before she became Mrs. Edmonds.
Who is Nicole Pantenburg?
Nicole Pantenburg, often affectionately called Nikki, was born on May 10, 1973. Her career was rooted in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer. She notably worked as a backup dancer for the iconic Janet Jackson and later for Babyface himself, which is how the couple first met and began dating years prior to their marriage.
The couple dated for seven years before Babyface proposed. They married in 2014 in a private ceremony, welcoming their daughter, Peyton Nicole Edmonds, into the world.
The Finalized Divorce and Settlement
In July 2021, the couple released a joint statement announcing their separation, stating, "After much thought and with great sadness, we have decided to end our marriage. We continue to care and have respect for one another and share eternal love for our daughter and her well-being."
The divorce proceedings, which concluded recently, revealed a substantial financial settlement. Reports indicate that Babyface agreed to pay Nicole Pantenburg a significant amount in spousal support, reportedly approaching $40,000 per month. This hefty payment underscores the financial complexities that can accompany the dissolution of a high-net-worth marriage, ensuring the continued well-being of their daughter, Peyton Nicole Edmonds, and Nicole Pantenburg herself.
The Current Partner: Rika Tischendorf
While Babyface is no longer legally married, he has moved into a new, serious relationship. His current partner is Rika Tischendorf, a woman who is not only romantically linked to him but is also an integral part of his professional life. This relationship is the most current answer to the curiosity surrounding the R&B legend's love life.
From German Model to Entertainment GM
Rika Tischendorf is a German native who initially worked as a model. However, she has transitioned into a powerful executive role, now serving as the General Manager (GM) of Babyface Entertainment, the legendary producer's company.
The couple has a notable age difference, with Babyface being significantly older than Tischendorf (who is in her thirties). Despite the age gap, they have been seen together at numerous high-profile events, solidifying their status as a couple.
Public Appearances and Professional Collaboration
Rika Tischendorf has become a fixture by Babyface’s side on the red carpet, a clear sign of their committed partnership. They attended the 2023 Grammy Awards together, where Babyface openly referred to her as his "partner." They have also been photographed at prestigious events like New York Fashion Week (NYFW), showcasing their shared presence in the entertainment and fashion worlds.
Tischendorf’s role as GM of Babyface Entertainment means their personal and professional lives are closely intertwined, giving her a significant influence on the business and creative direction of the artist. Her involvement was noted during Babyface's signing with Capitol Records, where she was listed as a key executive from Babyface Entertainment.
The Legacy of Tracey Edmonds: A High-Profile Marriage
Before Nicole Pantenburg, Babyface's most public and long-standing marriage was to businesswoman and producer Tracey Edmonds (née McQuarn). This union was a true Hollywood power couple pairing that lasted over a decade.
- Marriage Timeline: 1992 to 2005 (13 years)
- Tracey Edmonds' Career: A highly successful television producer and businesswoman, known for her work on films and TV shows like *Soul Food*.
- Children: They share two sons, Brandon Edmonds and Dylan Michael Edmonds.
Despite the divorce, the two maintained a respectful and co-parenting relationship for their sons. Tracey Edmonds went on to date and marry other high-profile figures, but her time with Babyface remains a significant part of the pop culture landscape. Interestingly, Babyface later confessed in an interview that he was never actually "in love" with Tracey, a candid and somewhat shocking revelation about their marriage that provided a new perspective on their split.
The First Chapter: Lynelle Edmonds
Babyface's first marriage is the least publicized but represents the earliest chapter in his adult life. He was married to Lynelle Edmonds from 1979 to 1991. This relationship took place before his massive breakthrough as a solo artist and super-producer, keeping it largely out of the intense media spotlight that followed his later relationships.
The women in Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds' life—from his first wife, Lynelle, to the high-profile producer Tracey Edmonds, the former backup dancer Nicole Pantenburg, and his current executive partner, Rika Tischendorf—are entities that have profoundly shaped his personal narrative. While he is currently divorced, the focus remains on his evolving relationship with Rika Tischendorf, marking a new, integrated chapter where love and business blend seamlessly at the heart of Babyface Entertainment.
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