The Wives Of Prince: Unsealed Secrets And The Extravagant Life Of The Music Icon's Two Marriages
The question of "Prince was married" is more complex than a simple yes or no, as the legendary musician Prince Rogers Nelson, who passed away in 2016, experienced two high-profile yet intensely private marriages that defined key periods of his life and career. These relationships, one a fairytale romance that ended in tragedy and the other a luxurious union detailed in recently unsealed court documents, offer a rare glimpse into the guarded world of the artist known for his enigmatic persona.
As of December 23, 2025, new details and the enduring legacies of his former wives continue to keep the story of Prince's marital life current, particularly through the ongoing philanthropic work of one ex-wife and the candid memoir of the other. His history with both Mayte Garcia and Manuela Testolini reveals a side of the Purple One that few ever saw, mixing profound love, devastating loss, and an extravagant lifestyle befitting a music icon.
Prince Rogers Nelson: A Complete Biography of His Marriages
Prince Rogers Nelson (1958–2016) was a musical prodigy, known mononymously as Prince. While his musical genius is undisputed, his personal life, especially his marriages, remained fiercely private. He was married twice, both times to women involved in his professional world.
- Full Name: Prince Rogers Nelson
- Born: June 7, 1958, in Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Died: April 21, 2016, in Chanhassen, Minnesota (Age 57)
- Cause of Death: Accidental fentanyl overdose
- First Wife: Mayte Garcia (Dancer, Actress, Author)
- First Marriage Date: February 14, 1996 (Valentine's Day)
- First Divorce Date: 2000 (Annulled/Divorced in 2000/2001)
- Child with Mayte: Amiir Nelson (Born: October 16, 1996; Died: One week later from Pfeiffer syndrome)
- Second Wife: Manuela Testolini (Businesswoman, Philanthropist)
- Second Marriage Date: December 25, 2001 (Christmas Day)
- Second Divorce Date: July 2007 (Filed in 2006)
- Key Residence: Paisley Park, Chanhassen, Minnesota
- Religion: Became a devoted Jehovah's Witness in the early 2000s
The First Princess: Mayte Garcia and the Valentine's Day Wedding
Prince's first marriage was to Mayte Garcia, a professional dancer and choreographer whom he met in 1990 when she was just 16. Their relationship evolved into a creative partnership, with Garcia becoming a key muse and collaborator.
The couple married on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1996, in a lavish ceremony at the Park Avenue United Methodist Church in Minneapolis. Prince, who was 37, and Garcia, who was 22, appeared to be living a fairy-tale romance.
The Tragedy of Amiir Nelson
The marriage was soon struck by tragedy. Garcia became pregnant, and their son, Amiir Nelson, was born on October 16, 1996. Tragically, Amiir suffered from Pfeiffer syndrome, a rare birth defect, and died just one week after his birth. This profound loss put an immense strain on the couple's relationship and mental health, leading to a period of deep grief and isolation at their Paisley Park compound.
The couple annulled their marriage on their third anniversary in 1999, though the divorce wasn't finalized until 2000 or 2001. Garcia later candidly detailed the heartbreak and complexities of their union in her 2017 memoir, The Most Beautiful: My Life with Prince.
Manuela Testolini: The Christmas Day Union and Unsealed Records
Prince's second marriage was to Manuela Testolini, a Canadian businesswoman and philanthropist. They first met while Testolini was working as a consultant for Prince's charitable foundation, Love 4 One Another. Their wedding took place privately on Christmas Day, December 25, 2001, in what was described as a low-key affair.
This marriage lasted significantly longer than his first, spanning five years before Testolini filed for divorce in May 2006, with the divorce finalized in July 2007. Prince, a devoted Jehovah's Witness by this time, reluctantly agreed to the breakup.
The Shocking Details of the Unsealed Divorce File
In a major development following Prince's death, a Minnesota judge ruled to unseal the divorce records from his marriage to Testolini. These documents provided an unprecedented look into the couple's highly private life and revealed an "extravagant lifestyle" that few could have imagined.
The unsealed file revealed that the couple lived a truly luxurious life, with spending habits that included:
- Maintaining multiple residences, including a home in Toronto, Canada.
- Spending an estimated $50,000 US per party after major events.
- Employing extensive staff, including a personal chef and assistants.
- A reported annual income for Prince of $22 million in 2004.
The records confirmed that Testolini ultimately received a significant settlement, though the details remain private. These documents are considered the most revealing public information about Prince's life inside Paisley Park during that era.
Where Are Prince's Ex-Wives Now? Their Enduring Legacies
Both of Prince's ex-wives have gone on to build successful careers and lives, with their work often reflecting the philanthropic spirit that initially connected them to the music icon.
Mayte Garcia: The Author and Animal Activist
Since the end of her marriage, Mayte Garcia has continued her career as a multi-talented professional dancer, actress, and singer. Her memoir, *The Most Beautiful*, offered a raw and honest account of her time with Prince, particularly focusing on the joy and sorrow of their son's brief life. Garcia is also a passionate animal activist and philanthropist, often using her platform to advocate for animal welfare.
Manuela Testolini: The Philanthropist and Educator
Manuela Testolini has dedicated her life to philanthropy. She is the founder and head of the In A Perfect World Foundation, an organization focused on mentoring youth and providing educational resources. Philanthropy was a shared passion with Prince, who encouraged her to start her own charity.
Testolini married R&B singer-songwriter Eric Benet in 2011 and has two daughters. In a touching tribute to her ex-husband, she announced plans to build a school in his honor through her foundation, ensuring that Prince's legacy of giving back continues to impact young lives globally.
The two women, Mayte Garcia and Manuela Testolini, stand as the only individuals to have officially held the title of "Prince's wife." Their stories, now more public than ever, complete the portrait of a complex and brilliant artist whose private life was as dramatic and unforgettable as his music.
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