Carmelo Anthony and his girlfriend, Racquel “Rockie” Smith, celebrated her 44th birthday at a private bash last weekend.
Racquel shared photos from her big celebration on Instagram. She captioned the post:
“This birthday feels different, 8/23. I’ve lived enough life to know that peace is a blessing, love is a gift, and happiness should never be taken for granted. I’ve been through seasons that changed me, stretched me, and taught me just how strong I could be. But through it all, one of my greatest blessings has been being a mother…loving my children, watching them grow, and becoming the woman I needed to be for them and for myself. A genuinely happy mom…
And somewhere along the way, life became soft again. I found happiness. I found a version of myself that no longer feels the need to explain, prove, compete, or carry everything. These days, I just want to love my family, protect my peace, mind my business, laugh a little louder, travel a little more, and enjoy this beautiful life God has blessed me with.
I’m not asking this next chapter for much… just a soft life, a peaceful mind, genuine love, healthy and happy children, and the freedom to enjoy everything I once prayed for. Happy birthday to me. I’ve earned this smile
If you recall, Carmelo, 42, and Racquel hard launched their relationship in June. She shared photos from their romantic getaway in in Saint-Tropez, France, on her @rockie91 Instagram page.
Racquel’s Instagram post read: “We not here long enough to be living unhappy. “None of us sit high enough to look down on anybody. Be humble.”
She also shared video of her and the former NY Knicks star getting on an elevator at a hotel.
Carmelo was previously married to socialite and former radio DJ La La Anthony, 44. They share a son, 6-ft-5, 19-year-old Syracuse basketball player Kiyan Anthony.
‘Melo and LaLa were married in 2010, but split in April 2017 after she caught him cheating on her. She filed for divorce in June 2021, citing irreconcilable differences.
Racquel and her late husband, NFL player Will Smith, shared two children together. He also had a daughter from a previous relationship.
Will Smith was fatally shot on April 9, 2016 during a road rage incident after a Hummer crashed into the back of his Mercedes-Benz G Wagon. Smith then left the scene of the crash.
The other driver, 28-year-old Cardell Hayes, followed Smith and intentionally rammed the back of the G Wagon with his Hummer. Racquel and two passengers were in the G Wagon with him at the time.
Hayes opened fire on Smith, killing him. Racquel was also shot during the incident.
Hayes was arrested at the scene. He was later convicted of manslaughter and attempted manslaughter and sentenced in 2017 to 40 years in prison.