Candace Parker, one of the most decorated players in WNBA history, has traded the hardwood for heart emojis and anniversary posts—and the fans are here for it. The two-time MVP and three-time champion has shifted her focus to a different kind of trophy: a happy marriage. Over the weekend, Parker and her wife, Anna Parker, celebrated their five-year wedding anniversary, reminding us all that love and basketball truly go hand in hand.
“My ❤️ Down!”: A Post Worthy of a Championship Banner
Taking a break from her legendary career stats, Candace turned to Instagram to deliver an all-time love assist to her wife. Sharing a touching story, she wrote, “My ❤️ 🥰 🤚🏽 down! I just want to grow old old old wit you and then love you when we are ghosts ❤️❤️.”
This isn’t the WNBA, but Parker’s post surely dunked on the rest of us mere mortals trying to be romantic. The caption was a slam dunk of feels, leaving fans both teary-eyed and laughing at the thought of ghost-Parkers still going strong in the afterlife.
Basketball Legacy Meets Love Legacy
For those keeping score, Candace Parker spent 16 glorious seasons in the WNBA, amassing one of the greatest resumes in league history. With career averages of 16.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game—not to mention a Defensive Player of the Year award—Parker proved she could dominate both ends of the floor. Oh, and did we mention the seven All-Star selections?
But perhaps her greatest off-court achievement has been building a beautiful family. Married in 2019, Candace and Anna kept their relationship under wraps until 2021, dropping a metaphorical buzzer-beater reveal that left fans stunned. Since then, the couple has welcomed two children: Airr Larry Petrakov Parker in February 2022 and a second child in December 2023.
Anna Parker: A Star in Her Own Right
While Candace is the household name, Anna Parker is no rookie when it comes to basketball. A former player for Russia’s national team, she suited up for the 2012 London Olympics, helping the squad finish just shy of a medal. Averaging 5.0 points per game, Anna proved that basketball talent runs deep in the Parker household.
December: The Parker Family’s Championship Month
December in the Parker household isn’t just about Christmas lights and gift wrapping—it’s a full-on endurance test of celebrations. Between their wedding anniversary and Anna’s birthday, it’s safe to say their December calendar is more packed than a playoff schedule.
Earlier this month, Candace set the tone with a heartfelt birthday tribute to Anna, captioning it: “Happy Birthday, my woman! I love you ❤️ actions > words.” Of course, if her Instagram captions are the “actions,” we’re all wondering just how epic the words must be behind closed doors.
Candace Parker: From MVP to Mom, Wife, and GOAT Spouse
As Candace steps into retirement, it’s clear that her competitive edge hasn’t faded—it’s just found new arenas. Whether it’s parenting, marriage, or Instagram love letters, Parker continues to prove she’s a first-ballot Hall of Famer in all aspects of life.
The couple’s milestone anniversary is yet another reason fans adore Candace, not just as a basketball icon but as a person who’s unapologetically living her best life. So, here’s to Candace and Anna Parker, proving that love truly is the ultimate championship.
And in case you were wondering: yes, there’s definitely a statue of Candace Parker’s anniversary post somewhere in the Instagram Hall of Fame.