Key Points:
- Jussie Smollett proposed to his partner Jabari Redd ahead of his 43rd birthday.
- The actor shared the joyful moment with fans through an Instagram photo carousel.
- Family and celebrity friends, including Taraji P. Henson, celebrated the happy news online.
Jussie Smollett Pops the Question — And He Said Yes!
Love is in the air for actor and director Jussie Smollett! On Friday, June 20, the former Empire star announced his engagement to his partner, Jabari Redd.
Sharing the exciting news on Instagram, Jussie wrote, “I’ll be spending my birthday with my fiancé… He said YES. 💍” He turns 43 on Saturday, June 21.
The post featured a lovely set of pictures showing the romantic proposal. In the first image, Jussie was seen kneeling on one knee on a quiet street near a restaurant. Jabari looked surprised and joyful. In the next photo, he lifted his hands to his face, clearly overjoyed.
Family Cheers On the Happy Couple
After the proposal, Jussie placed a ring on Jabari’s finger. The couple then hugged tightly, full of smiles and love. A few more slides showed them laughing, toasting with champagne, and enjoying the moment together.
One special photo gave fans a close-up look at the engagement ring on Jabari’s hand.
Jussie’s younger sister, actress Jurnee Smollett, couldn’t hold back her joy. “Screaming with tears of joy! My whole heart loves both of you,” she wrote, tagging both men. Their sister Jazz Smollett also joined in: “I was WAITINGGGGGG!!!!!!… I pray blessings cover you as you’ve covered each other.”
Celebrity Friends Send Their Love
Fellow Empire actress Taraji P. Henson also celebrated the news. She commented, “MY BABIES ❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾.” On the show, she played Jussie’s mum, Cookie Lyon.
The couple first met while working on Jussie’s second film as a director, The Lost Holliday. In the movie, Jussie and Jabari acted as a couple. Sadly, Jabari’s character dies, and the story follows how the people he left behind deal with the loss.
A Fresh Chapter of Love and Hope
Although Jussie has faced tough times in the past, he remains hopeful. He told PEOPLE in 2024, “It’s such a hopeful film… it’s about what you do with what tomorrow brings.”
Now, with his engagement to Jabari, Jussie seems to be starting a new and happy chapter in his life. The love and support from his family and friends show just how far he’s come.
Congratulations to the beautiful couple!
