Let’s get something straight—Jayson Tatum isn’t just the face of the Boston Celtics. Sure, he’s got the silky jump shot, the All-Star appearances, and the game-winning moments that make him a staple of NBA highlight reels. But beyond the hardwood, there’s another side to him that fans are falling in love with: the devoted father, the low-key partner, and the young man navigating life, love, and legacy in front of the world. If you’ve only followed his basketball stats, it’s time you met the real Jayson Tatum—the guy who wipes his son’s nose during halftime and whispers goodnight through FaceTime from hotel rooms in Denver.
Deuce Tatum: The Mini MVP
Back in December 2017, when Tatum was still figuring out NBA playbooks and learning the ropes of life as a professional athlete, his world got flipped upside down—in the best way possible. That’s when his first son, Jayson Christopher Tatum Jr., affectionately known as “Deuce,” was born. If you’ve watched a Celtics game in the last few years, chances are you’ve seen Deuce. He’s the energetic little boy waving at the crowd, hugging his dad postgame, and even stealing a bit of the spotlight at press conferences.
“My dad did that!!”
DEUCE watching his pops hit a game winner 🔥
( Jayson Tatum IG ) pic.twitter.com/2G6RKAL6RP
— CELTICS ☘️ BANNER 19 (@BiggLynch) February 1, 2025
Deuce’s mom is Toriah Lachell, Tatum’s high school sweetheart. They were both very young when they had Deuce—Tatum was just 19. But that didn’t stop him from stepping up. He’s openly talked about the challenges of being a teen parent, especially while juggling a skyrocketing career. Still, Tatum didn’t shy away. Instead, he leaned in, often crediting his son as the reason he pushes himself harder every season. Deuce has become more than just a fixture at Celtics games—he’s become a symbol of Tatum’s evolution. The two share a tight bond that’s as heartwarming as it is inspiring. Tatum even had Deuce’s name inscribed on his signature Nike sneakers. Talk about father-son goals.
Toriah Lachell: From Teen Mom to Business Mogul
Toriah might not be in the spotlight as much as her famous co-parent, but she’s carved out a pretty impressive lane of her own. Based in Boston, she’s the founder of The Curl Bar Boston, a natural hair salon that’s gained a loyal following. Her journey from young mom to entrepreneur is just as inspiring as Tatum’s NBA ascent. Despite splitting romantically (she was never his wife), Toriah and Jayson seem to co-parent Deuce with mutual respect. There’s little drama—just two people (who never married) focused on raising their son right. And from all appearances, they’re doing a stellar job.
Ella Mai: The Singer Behind the Scenes
Around 2019, whispers began swirling that Tatum was dating British R&B singer Ella Mai—you know, the voice behind the smash hit “Boo’d Up.” Neither of them confirmed it outright at first, but over time, the clues added up. A social media post here, a joint appearance there—it didn’t take long for fans to put the pieces together. What makes their relationship unique, especially in a world of oversharing, is how intensely private it’s been. No flashy paparazzi shots. No drama. Just two people doing their best to keep their connection sacred.
This new video of Ella Mai &&& Jayson Tatum dancing to Boo’d Up is so cute 🥰 pic.twitter.com/6Tef39XJel
— Celtic pride ☘️ (@celticsjt) December 4, 2024
In 2024, the couple welcomed their first child together, a baby boy named Dylan. Tatum never made a grand announcement, but sharp-eyed fans noticed something different—his sneakers now carried the names “Deuce” and “Dylan.” It was a subtle nod, but one that said everything. For Tatum, family isn’t a PR stunt. It’s personal, sacred, and beautifully understated.
Balancing Stardom with Storytime
Being an NBA superstar is a full-time job. Between the travel, the media responsibilities, and the pressure to perform night after night, there’s not a lot of room left for diaper duty or preschool drop-offs. But Tatum somehow makes it work. He’s often spoken about how becoming a father changed his entire perspective. Suddenly, it wasn’t just about making All-Star teams—it was about setting an example, about legacy, about being someone his kids would be proud of.
He flies back to St. Louis to spend time with his family when the schedule allows. He FaceTimes Deuce before games. He supports his girlfriend Ella Mai’s career while managing his own global fame. He even made headlines for celebrating Father’s Day not with a lavish party, but by spending quiet time at home with his boys.
The Final Word
Jayson Tatum is a lot of things: a top-five NBA player, a Nike athlete, a Celtics franchise cornerstone. But perhaps his most defining role is one we don’t see on ESPN—it’s the man who makes breakfast for his kids, who keeps his love life private, and who reminds us that even the brightest stars need a little grounding.
Because at the end of the day, Jayson Tatum’s legacy won’t just be built on rings and records. It’ll be shaped by the love he pours into his children, the way he honors the women in his life, and the quiet strength with which he builds his world, one family moment at a time.
