Nicole Young has lived quite the extraordinary life, transitioning from practising law to becoming one of hip-hop’s most enigmatic figures. Best known as Dr. Dre’s ex-wife, this remarkable woman has managed to maintain her privacy whilst being married to one of music’s biggest moguls for over two decades. Her story is one of love, legal battles, and a divorce settlement that made headlines.
Quick Facts About Nicole Young
| Full Name | Nicole Kendra Plotzker (née) |
| Date of Birth | 1st January 1970 |
| Age | 55 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Attorney, Socialite |
| Net Worth | Estimated $100+ million |
| Children | Truice Young (27), Truly Young (23) |
| Ex-Husbands | Sedale Threatt, Dr. Dre |
Biography
Born Nicole Kendra Plotzker on New Year’s Day, 1970, Nicole’s early years remain shrouded in mystery – a fact she has maintained throughout her public life. What we do know is that she’s of mixed ethnicity with both African American and Caucasian heritage, and she was raised alongside her brothers Daniel Thygesen and Derek Akers by parents Lynda Deanna and Kenneth.
Despite being thrust into the spotlight through her high-profile marriages, Nicole has consistently chosen privacy over publicity – a refreshing approach in today’s social media-obsessed world.
Nicole pursued higher education with determination, earning her law degree from an undisclosed institution. She worked as an attorney before her life took a dramatic turn, though the specifics of her legal practice remain private. Interestingly, whilst she holds the qualifications to practice law, she’s never formally worked as a practising solicitor in the traditional sense.
Her legal background would later prove invaluable during her highly publicised divorce proceedings with Dr. Dre – showing that her education was far from wasted!
The Sedale Threatt Chapter
Before becoming Mrs. Dre, Nicole was married to former NBA player Sedale Threatt in 1992. Sedale, nicknamed “The Thief” for his basketball prowess, played professionally in the NBA and was born on 10th September 1961, in Atlanta, Georgia.
Their marriage lasted four years, ending in 1996. Whilst the details of their relationship remain private, it’s clear that Nicole wasn’t entirely happy in this first marriage. Little did she know that her next chapter would change everything.
Nicole Young & Dr. Dre’s Love Story
How They Met
Nicole’s life changed forever when she met Andre Romelle Young – better known as Dr. Dre – in the mid-1990s whilst still married to Threatt. The legendary producer didn’t hold back in his pursuit, famously writing her a rather bold letter in 1995 that read: “Hopefully, you’re doing well and you realise you need to quit f**ing with Sedale and come home to your doctor. I will take care of you, baby girl.”*
Talk about making intentions clear! This wasn’t your typical romantic gesture, but it certainly got Nicole’s attention.
A Whirlwind Romance
After Nicole left her basketball-playing husband, she and Dre moved quickly. They dated for just four months before tying the knot in 1996 in an intimate Hawaiian ceremony with only 15-20 guests present. It was the same year Dre made a pivotal career move, leaving Death Row Records to establish Aftermath Entertainment.
Coincidence? Dre certainly doesn’t think so – he’s often called Nicole his “lucky lady,” crediting her with bringing positive energy to his life and career.
Family Life and Children
Nicole and Dre’s marriage blessed them with two beautiful children:
- Truice Young (born 1997) – Now 27 years old
- Truly Young (born 2001) – Now 23 years old
Nicole also became stepmother to Dre’s children from previous relationships, including Marcel Young (whose mother is R&B singer Michel’le) and several others. Despite the blended family dynamics, Nicole embraced her role as a devoted mother and stepmother.
The family lived in a stunning contemporary mansion situated on a gated promontory above LA’s famous Sunset Strip – Nicole’s idea to accommodate their luxurious lifestyle.
Divorce That Shook Hollywood
After 24 years of marriage, cracks began to show. In June 2020, Nicole filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and alleging abuse. What followed was an 18-month legal battle that became one of Hollywood’s messiest and most expensive divorce proceedings.
The Settlement Breakdown
The divorce settlement was nothing short of astronomical:
- Total Settlement: $100 million
- Immediate Payment: $50 million (paid in 2021)
- Remaining Amount: $50 million (paid the following year)
- Dre’s Assets Retained: Seven properties, including homes in Malibu, Calabasas, and Los Angeles
This settlement represented roughly a fifth of Dre’s estimated $820 million fortune and nearly half of his liquid assets at the time. Nicole’s legal team successfully argued against the validity of their 1996 prenuptial agreement, claiming it was signed “under duress.”
Current Net Worth and Financial Status
Nicole’s current net worth is estimated to exceed $100 million following her divorce settlement. Whilst she previously had an estimated worth of $13 million during her marriage (largely attributed to her association with Dre), the divorce settlement has significantly boosted her financial independence.
Her wealth now positions her among the wealthiest celebrity ex-wives in Hollywood, though she continues to maintain her preference for privacy over publicity.
Physical Appearance and Personal Style
Standing at 5’5″ (1.65m) and weighing approximately 60kg, Nicole maintains an elegant appearance with dark hair and striking black eyes. She’s known for her sophisticated style and preference for staying out of the paparazzi’s lens – a skill she’s mastered over decades in the public eye.
What’s Next for Nicole Young?
Since her divorce was finalised in 2021, Nicole has largely retreated from public view. However, her name occasionally surfaces in relation to ongoing legal matters involving Dr. Dre, including recent lawsuits involving their former divorce therapist, Dr. Charles Sophy.
At 55, Nicole appears focused on enjoying her newfound financial independence whilst maintaining the privacy she’s always cherished. She’s successfully navigated life as both a celebrity wife and now as a wealthy independent woman.
With her children now adults and her financial future secured, Nicole Young has the freedom to pursue whatever path she chooses. Whether she returns to law, continues as a socialite, or ventures into business, one thing’s certain – she’ll do it on her own terms, away from the glare of public scrutiny.
