Gregg Leakes, the husband of Real Housewives of Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes, has passed away. E! News reported the 66-year-old staple on RHOA succumbed to colon cancer on September 1. The couple shared two adult sons.

“Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart,” a spokesperson for the Leakes family told E! News. “After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife NeNe Leakes.”

The statement continued, “We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very, very difficult time.”

NeNe had been forthcoming about her beloved husband’s condition previously. 

In June, NeNe confirmed that Gregg’s cancer returned after being in remission since 2019. Last month, she announced to patrons at her popular Linnethia Lounge that Gregg was dying after someone asked her to wish her a “Happy Birthday!”

“When you see me, and you see my son, give us a lot of love, okay? My husband is transitioning to the other side. I’m not in the mood to say, ‘Happy Birthday’ to you. You don’t know what we’re dealing with right now,” she continued.

NeNe added, “This is our business, so when people approach us and say, ‘you’re rude,’ because you don’t want to say ‘happy birthday,’ my husband is at home dying. So, please give us some respect. Give us some love, okay? You see, my son, right here, he’s hurting, I’m hurting. We walked in here because we have to walk in here ‘cause we have this business, but my husband is losing his life at this very moment.”

Her castmates sent heartfelt condolences via social media. 

Porsha Williams wrote, “Truly heartbreaking news 💔 Love and prayers for dear Nene & the Leakes family 🙏🏾 #Speechless 💔 🥺We love you Greg #FuckCancer.”

 

Kandi Burruss also posted about her friend’s passing, writing, “My prayers go out to @neneleakes & her family. @greggleakes was an amazing man who always brought love & great energy to any room he walked into. I’m thankful for the great memories I have of him. Rest in peace Gregg ❤️🙏🏾.”

 

Former castmate and friend Sheree Whitfield wrote a post as well. 

“I’ve known Gregg for 20+ years. He has always been so kind, funny, a complete gentleman, and just a good guy. From sitting at the Falcons games together, to concerts, and joining #RHOA together…@greggleakes you will be so terribly missed. My heart goes out to @neneleakes and the entire family. Losing someone u love is always heartbreaking. May u find comfort, my heart and prayers r with u in this time of sorrow. ❤🙏🏾❤🙏🏾”

 

Even her estranged friend Kim Zolciak posted about Gregg’s death. 

“So heartbreaking 💔 I’m so sorry for this tragic loss @neneleakes . I am sending you and your entire family lots of love and prayers. Gregg was literally one of kind. Never waivered amongst the drama ❤️ Gregg was ALWAYS kind, considerate, and the calm in any storm. He was the peaceful voice of reason and will be greatly missed by so many. His legacy lives on in you and the boys. Until we meet again, may you rest in Paradise, Gregg ❤,” she  wrote. 

 

NeNe’s former best friend Cynthia Bailey sent her condolences as well. 

“Heartbroken.💔💔💔. This is one of my favorite photos of us. It brings back such fond memories. It was @itsmikehill birthday & we invited a few of our friends over for a last minute gathering at Lake Bailey. Out of nowhere, Gregg asked to pray for Mike and I. For our love & our relationship. He was first person to actually pray for us as a couple,” she  wrote. “ It was so heartfelt and so beautiful. We were all so touched and blown away by his words. I think Mike & I both teared up. There was sincerely a ministry inside of him. He truly blessed us that night & we will never forget it. That was one of the many things that Gregg did to bless my life. I am so saddened to hear of his passing. My heart and prayers go out to @neneleakes and her family. Gregg was a good man, so kind & so loving. I will miss him, and will always honor his memory with love.🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽

#RIP #greggleakes #heartbroken.”

As NeNe Leakes and her family attempt to get through this difficult time, our heartfelt prayers go out to them.