Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary 7-foot German power forward who spent his entire 21-year NBA career with the Dallas Mavericks, has a family life as remarkable as his basketball legacy. His wife, Jessica Olsson, is a Swedish-Kenyan art enthusiast and philanthropist who has been by his side since they met in 2010.
Born on July 12, 1982, in Gävle, Sweden, Jessica is the daughter of a Swedish father and a Kenyan mother. She grew up alongside her twin brothers, Marcus and Martin Olsson, both professional soccer players who have represented Sweden internationally. Standing at 5 feet 1 inch, Jessica’s height is a stark contrast to Dirk’s towering 7-foot frame, but their connection goes far beyond physical differences.
Dirk Nowitzki’s Married Life With His Wife, Jessica Olsson
They first crossed paths at a charity event for the Sports for Education and Economic Development Project (SEED) in Dallas, where Jessica worked at an art gallery and was part of the host committee. Dirk was immediately smitten, later admitting he was drawn to her intelligence, love for art and sports, and shared values like family and travel.
The couple dated for two years before tying the knot in 2012 with not one, but three wedding ceremonies, each reflecting their multicultural roots. The first was a traditional Kikuyu wedding in Kenya, complete with vibrant garments, dances, and even a dowry payment. Dirk had to prove he could recognize Jessica from a group of women covered head to toe, a test he passed with flying colors. The second ceremony took place in Germany, Dirk’s homeland, and the third was a private celebration at their Dallas home.
Their interracial marriage sparked curiosity early on, especially after their first public appearance at the 2011 ESPYS, where Dirk kissed Jessica on camera after accepting an award. Social media buzzed with race-related comments, but Dirk shrugged it off, saying color never mattered to him. Growing up in Germany and playing basketball with diverse teammates shaped his perspective. “We’re a team, just like in marriage,” he once said. “You pull in the same direction.”
The Couple Shares 3 Kids
Jessica Olsson and Dirk Nowitzki have three children, all raised in a trilingual household where English, German, and Swedish are spoken fluently. Their eldest, Malaika, was born on July 24, 2013, followed by their first son, Max, on March 24, 2015, and their youngest, Morris, in November 2016. The young ones have been exposed to their parents’ cultures through annual trips to Sweden, Kenya, and Germany.
Dirk has joked about Malaika entering the “everything Papa does is embarrassing” phase, especially when she refused to join him on stage during the unveiling of his statue at the American Airlines Center in 2022. Max, however, was eager to help his dad with the ceremony, while Morris, the youngest, is still discovering his interests. Dirk, who retired in 2019, cherishes the extra time with his little ones, whether it’s watching Max get into basketball or keeping up with Malaika’s tennis games.
Jessica has played a pivotal role in balancing their family life, especially during Dirk’s playing days when he was constantly on the road. She handled most of the parenting solo but never resented it, knowing his career wouldn’t last forever. Now, Dirk is fully present, whether it’s helping with homework or teaching the kids about their heritage.
The family’s commitment to cultural openness is intentional. They want their children to grow up with “an open mind,” as Jessica puts it, so they can make informed decisions about their identities. The Nowitzki household is a blend of Swedish, Kenyan, and German traditions, from the food they eat to the music they listen to.
Jessica and Dirk are also deeply involved in philanthropy. Jessica serves as president of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which focuses on children’s health, education, and well-being. She describes the work as “part of our family,” not just a job. The couple also co-chaired the 2019 North Texas Giving Day, encouraging community support for local nonprofits. Dirk’s foundation, established in 2001, has donated millions to causes worldwide, including disaster relief and youth programs. Their charitable efforts are a team effort, much like their marriage.
