Nia Long has always been dedicated to her role as a mother. The actress, known for her work in Fatal Affair, has two sons. She welcomed her first son, Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, with her former fiancé Massai Z. Dorsey in November 2000. Eleven years later, in November 2011, she gave birth to her second son, Kez Sunday Udoka, with her fiancé, NBA coach Ime Udoka.
In a 2009 interview, Long shared her perspective on parenting as a single mother. Reflecting on her own upbringing, she emphasized the importance of patience. “As a single mother, patience is crucial,” she said, advising other parents to ask for help when needed.
Describing herself as “very hands-on,” Long has always been involved in her children’s lives, ensuring she is the primary influence in their upbringing. She believes in prioritizing “mommy time” once the household responsibilities and work-related tasks are handled.
Nia Long’s role as a mother has always come first, balancing her career with hands-on parenting
The actress met Ime Udoka in Boston in 2010, and their relationship blossomed, leading to an engagement in 2015. Despite their demanding careers, Long noted in 2014 that her busy schedule only deepened her appreciation for family moments. She remarked that being a committed mother was key to enjoying the time spent with her children.
After over a decade together, Long and Udoka faced challenges when the news of Udoka’s affair surfaced in September 2022. In a statement to PEOPLE, Long requested privacy, expressing gratitude for the support she had received and reaffirming her dedication to her children. “Above all, I am a mother and will continue to focus on my children,” she stated.
In October 2022, Long shared a photo of herself with both of her sons, marking her first public appearance since the scandal. A source close to her revealed that her primary concern at the time was her younger son’s well-being, ensuring his routine remained uninterrupted.
Despite the turmoil, Long found comfort in motherhood. She has always believed that while raising children is challenging, it is also instinctive. “I’ve worked hard for my career, but I’ve been equally intentional about my personal life,” she said in 2012. “None of this is a mistake.”
Massai Zhivago Dorsey II, now 23, was born in Los Angeles on November 20, 2000. Long co-parents him with her ex, actor Massai Z. Dorsey, whom she met in 1999 on the set of Third Watch. They were briefly engaged but separated in 2001. Long has always expressed how Massai’s birth transformed her life. In a Mother’s Day post in 2021, she wrote on Instagram, “His birth was easy and quick. He changed my life… now I’m Mommy.”
When Massai was eight, Long discussed the importance of spending quality time with him as a single mother. She often prioritized bonding over activities like morning television. “It’s about balancing exposure to new experiences and showing him where I came from to inspire greatness,” she shared in 2009.
Long also spoke fondly of their nighttime routines. She revealed that despite her busy days, she cherished the moments when Massai would sleep beside her, sharing quiet, intimate moments. “Every now and then, I get a foot in my neck or an elbow in my back, but it’s the best time. It’s awesome.”
In 2019, Massai graduated high school with honors and pursued a career in baseball, first at Eastern Kentucky University and later at New York University, as noted on his Instagram. Long, ever supportive, proudly watches him transition into adulthood. She celebrated his graduation in May 2024, posting a heartfelt message on Instagram.
Kez Sunday Udoka, born on November 7, 2011, is Long’s second son. Despite medical advice that it might be difficult for her to conceive again, Long and Udoka were blessed with Kez. In a 2011 interview with EBONY, Long expressed gratitude for the pregnancy, saying, “I honestly asked God for this.”
Nia Long’s parenting philosophy revolves around being patient, hands-on, and present for her children
Reflecting on her second pregnancy, Long spoke to The Cut in February 2023, recalling how her calm and patient approach helped her enjoy the experience. “When it happened, it was pretty exciting,” she shared.
Around Kez’s birth, Long reconciled with her father, an event that helped her reassess her approach to parenthood. “I’m a lot calmer now. When Ime was away, I took the time to nest and reconnect with my new role as a mom,” she explained in an interview with Essence.
Kez, whom Long lovingly calls her “juicy baby” and “mini me,” has always been her joyful travel companion. On his ninth birthday, Long expressed her appreciation for him on Instagram, calling him her “good vibration baby.”
In May 2021, Long shared an emotional Mother’s Day post for Kez, recalling the difficult nature of his birth. “Your birth was long and difficult. I asked you why… you said you felt safe and warm and didn’t want to leave my womb,” she wrote.
Often seen courtside at Celtics games, Long and Kez have supported Udoka throughout his NBA career. During the 2022 playoffs, she posted a photo of Kez at the season opener, captioning it, “Win or lose, he’s proud!”
In a December 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Long revealed the impact of Udoka’s affair on Kez. “When the situation became public, it was important to me to be there for my son,” she explained. She also shared how difficult it was to see her son’s distress when the Celtics made a private matter public.
After their engagement ended in December 2022, Long and Udoka continued to co-parent Kez. In August 2023, Long filed for full custody of Kez, requesting that Udoka have reasonable visitation rights in line with what was best for their son.
