Empire Star Taraji P. Henson Confirms She’s Dating Kelvin Hayden

Taraji P Henson. Photo by Chelsea Lauren/REX/Shutterstock (9252741dy)

The relationship between Empire star Taraji P. Henson and former NFL player Kelvin Hayden was speculated for some time, but we never got an official confirmation. Finally, Henson decided to spill the beans. While speaking to ESSENCE’s Yes, Girl! Podcast, the actress revealed she and Hayden are in a happy relationship.

“I’m happy in my personal life. Finally, it has happened to me!” said Henson when asked about her relationship.

The news about Henson and Hayden dating first surfaced in 2015, when they photographed holding hands on a beach.

Although the photo became viral, both Henson and Hayden kept their cool and didn’t make any public comments. While we got the confirmation now, don’t expect many more juicy details.

“It was all over The Shade Room anyway,” continued Henson. “You know, I’m not the type to blast my personal business, but you know, I think that it’s important for people to know that I’m happy. I’m very very happy. I just am. We’ve been together for two years. And no one would really know that because I don’t blast my info like that but I’m very happy.”

Taraji P. Henson started her acting career in 1997 with the TV show Smart Guy. She worked her way up, guest starring in numerous high profile TV shows like ER, Felicity, and CSI. She got her breakthrough on the Fox’ hip-hop TV show Empire. The role of Cookie Lyon brought her Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in Television Series Drama. She will star in the upcoming movies Acrimony and Proud Mary while also lending her voice to Yesss in Ralph Breaks the Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2.

Kelvin Hayden spent his NFL career with the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Chicago Bears. He won a Super Bowl in 2007 as the member of the Colts.