When basketball legend Michael Jordan married Cuban-American model Yvette Prieto in 2013, the wedding drew global media attention. Yet, unlike her husband, who spent decades under the intense glare of the NBA spotlight, Prieto has carefully maintained a low profile. She is far more than just the spouse of a billionaire sports icon; her background spans international roots, business management studies, high-fashion modeling, and quiet philanthropy.
Understanding who Yvette Prieto is requires looking past the tabloid headlines of their multi-million dollar wedding. From her upbringing in Miami to her career in fashion and her life as a mother, this profile explores the journey of the woman standing beside one of the most famous athletes in history.
Early Life and Background
Born in Cuba on March 26, 1978, Yvette Prieto is the daughter of Carlos and Maria Prieto. While she was still young, her family moved to the United States, settling in the vibrant cultural hub of Miami, Florida. Growing up in South Florida shaped much of her early life and perspective.
Before pursuing a career in the entertainment and fashion industries, Prieto focused on academics. She attended college and earned a degree in business management. Initially, she applied her education in the corporate world, working in real estate management and spending time helping run operations within her family's business enterprises in Miami. However, corporate offices didn't hold her long-term interest, prompting a shift toward creative fields.
Modeling Career and Life in Miami
Prieto transitioned into modeling, leveraging her striking look and poise. Over the years, she worked in commercial print campaigns and made notable appearances in the fashion industry, including modeling for luxury designer Alexander Wang. Beyond traditional print modeling, she expanded her creative footprint by appearing as herself in the 2015 biographical documentary Cuba: An Island Apart, which explored the complex cultural tapestry of her birth country through the lens of prominent Cuban-Americans and artists.
Living in Miami also placed her within high-profile social circles. In the early 2000s, she dated singer Julio Iglesias Jr., the son of legendary Spanish artist Julio Iglesias. Her lifestyle revolved around Miami's dynamic social and nightlife scene, which ultimately paved the way for a life-changing encounter.
How Yvette Prieto Met Michael Jordan
The path of Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto crossed in 2008 at a crowded Miami nightclub. According to accounts from friends and public profiles, the two hit it off immediately while dancing. At the time, Jordan was newly separated from his first wife, Juanita Vanoy, with whom he shared a high-profile divorce finalized in 2006.
What started as a casual meeting quickly blossomed into a serious relationship. By 2009, Prieto moved into Jordan's Miami home, and the couple integrated their lives. After dating for nearly three years, Jordan proposed over the Christmas holidays in 2011 while vacationing in Monaco.
The Palm Beach Wedding
On April 27, 2013, the couple made their union official in a lavish ceremony. They wed at the Bethesda-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Palm Beach, Florida—the same historic church where Donald and Melania Trump were married.
The wedding was an extravagant, star-studded affair. Prieto wore a custom-made, silk-net gown designed by J'Aton Couture, featuring handmade lace and Swarovski crystals. Following the church ceremony, roughly 300 guests gathered at the Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida, for a massive reception housed inside a massive tent structure. A-list musical acts, including Usher and Robin Thicke, performed for the newlyweds and their guests, which included sports legends like Patrick Ewing and Tiger Woods. Estimates placed the total cost of the wedding near $10 million.
Family Life and Raising Twins
Following their marriage, the couple expanded their family quickly. On February 9, 2014, Prieto gave birth to identical twin daughters, Ysabel and Victoria.
In addition to raising her twin daughters, Prieto stepped into the role of stepmother to Jordan's three adult children from his previous marriage: Jeffrey, Marcus, and Jasmine. Despite the immense wealth and fame surrounding the Jordan family, Yvette and Michael have fiercely protected their twins from the public eye, keeping photographs and personal details scarce to ensure the children experienced a relatively normal childhood.
The family primarily resides in a sprawling, custom-built 28,000-square-foot mansion in Jupiter, Florida, located within an exclusive golfing community. Prieto also maintains close ties with her relatives, including her brother Carlos Prieto, a prominent sneaker store owner in Miami.
Philanthropy and Community Involvement
While Michael Jordan has donated heavily to major educational, medical, and social initiatives—including historic gifts to Novant Health and the Make-A-Wish Foundation—Yvette Prieto often works behind the scenes on charitable endeavors. She has participated in various local South Florida charity events and supports children's healthcare initiatives, preferring direct, hands-on community engagement over self-promoting public campaigns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the age difference between Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto?
Michael Jordan was born in February 1963, while Yvette Prieto was born in March 1978. This places an age gap of roughly 15 years between the couple.
Does Yvette Prieto use social media?
No. Unlike many spouses of prominent athletes and celebrities, Prieto maintains no public accounts on Instagram, X, or Facebook, choosing instead to keep her personal and family life entirely private.
What was Yvette Prieto's profession before meeting Michael Jordan?
Before her marriage, Prieto worked as a commercial model—notably collaborating with designer Alexander Wang—and studied business management, working in real estate and her family's commercial enterprises.
How many children do Michael Jordan and Yvette Prieto have together?
The couple shares two children: identical twin daughters, Ysabel and Victoria, born in February 2014.
