Overview

• Wade revealed that Union prefers the nickname ‘Nickie’—drawn from her middle name Monique—and firmly rejects being called ‘Gabby’.
• He described introducing Union to his children as the “biggest step” in their relationship and admitted the initial blending phase was “rough”.
• Union has forged a particularly close bond with Zaya, who was three when they first met and is now 18.
• As father or guardian to five children—including two with his ex, a son from another relationship, a nephew and daughter Kaavia via surrogacy—Wade said Union had to define her stepmother role without replacing any biological parent.
• These candid reflections were shared on July 9 during Wade’s guest-hosting stint on Today with Jenna & Friends.