Keke Palmer has never been married. The constant search for “Keke Palmer husband” stems from her high-profile relationship with Darius Jackson, a fitness trainer and social media personality who fathered her son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson, born February 25, 2023. Palmer and Jackson were together from mid-2021 through late 2023 — a stretch that included a pregnancy announced on Saturday Night Live, a viral Twitter controversy over an Usher concert outfit, domestic violence allegations, a temporary restraining order, and a custody battle that played out across tabloid headlines.
By May 2024, both parties dropped their legal actions and reached a joint custody agreement. Jackson enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2024 at age 30. Palmer, meanwhile, released her visual album Just Keke in June 2025 and continued building a career that spans acting, music, and television hosting. As of early 2026, they co-parent Leodis successfully, and Palmer remains single.
Is Keke Palmer Married or Single?
Keke Palmer is not married and has never been married. She and Darius Jackson were romantic partners — not spouses. No engagement ring, no wedding ceremony, no marriage certificate ever existed between them. The confusion is understandable: they shared a child, lived together, and were one of the most talked-about celebrity couples of 2023. But “Keke Palmer husband” is technically a misnomer.
Palmer herself has been clear about her relationship status in multiple interviews since the breakup. Speaking with the Los Angeles Times in November 2024, she described the relationship as “unhappy and unhealthy” by the end, and framed the split as necessary for both her safety and her son’s stability. As of March 2026, Palmer has not publicly confirmed any new romantic partner.
Who Is Darius Jackson? Age, Career, and Background
Darius Daulton Jackson, born January 21, 1994, is a fitness trainer, podcast host, and media personality from Pennsylvania who relocated to Los Angeles. He is 32 years old as of early 2026. Before his relationship with Palmer made him a household name, Jackson worked as a production supervisor at Inspire Fitness US and hosted a show on the Bleav Podcast Network. He also held earlier positions at KBCH Internet Radio, Lawndale City TV, and iHeartMedia.
Jackson attended Roosevelt High School and Fresno State University, where he played football on a scholarship. He graduated with a certificate in broadcasting and pursued work in sports media, content production, and journalism before pivoting to fitness training.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Darius Daulton Jackson |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1994 |
| Age (2026) | 32 years old |
| Ethnicity | African American |
| Profession | Fitness trainer, podcast host, U.S. Army servicemember (enlisted November 2024) |
| Education | Fresno State University (broadcasting certificate, football scholarship) |
| Brother | Sarunas J. Jackson, actor (HBO’s Insecure, Freeform’s Good Trouble) |
| Son with Palmer | Leodis Andrellton Jackson (born February 25, 2023) |
| Estimated Net Worth | $500,000 – $1 million |
| @dvulton |
Darius Jackson’s Brother: Sarunas Jackson
Darius Jackson’s most notable family connection is his older brother, Sarunas J. Jackson, an actor known for playing Alejandro “Dro” Pena on HBO’s Insecure and Isaac Hall on Freeform’s Good Trouble. Sarunas grew up in Philadelphia and later moved to Los Angeles, building an acting career that gave the Jackson family a foothold in entertainment circles well before Darius’s own name went viral. Sarunas has faced his own legal issues — The Root reported in 2023 that he was involved in a separate legal dispute around the same time Darius was dealing with Palmer’s restraining order filing.
Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson: Complete Relationship Timeline
Palmer and Jackson’s relationship lasted roughly two and a half years, from a Memorial Day party introduction in May 2021 to a restraining order filing in late 2023. The arc moved fast: public debut, pregnancy, parenthood, viral controversy, abuse allegations, legal battle, and eventually a co-parenting truce.
| Date | Event | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| May 2021 | Met at Memorial Day party hosted by Issa Rae and Diddy | First meeting; relationship begins |
| August 2021 | Palmer posts birthday tribute to Jackson on Instagram | Couple goes “Instagram official” |
| December 2022 | Palmer reveals pregnancy on Saturday Night Live | Baby bump reveal during monologue becomes viral moment |
| February 25, 2023 | Son Leodis Andrellton Jackson born | Palmer and Jackson become co-parents |
| July 2023 | Jackson tweets criticism of Palmer’s Usher concert outfit | Viral backlash; first public sign of tension |
| October 2023 | Couple splits | Relationship ends after escalating conflict |
| November 2023 | Palmer files TRO and requests sole custody | Domestic violence allegations go public |
| December 2023 | Jackson files counter-restraining order | Denies allegations; accuses Palmer of abuse |
| May 2024 | Both drop restraining orders; joint custody reached | Legal battle ends via mediation |
| November 2024 | Darius Jackson enlists in U.S. Army | Career pivot; describes it as path to “redemption” |
| November 2025 | Jackson debuts new relationship on social media | Signals personal chapter has moved forward |
How Keke Palmer Met Darius Jackson
Palmer and Jackson met at a Memorial Day party in May 2021, co-hosted by actress Issa Rae and music mogul Diddy. The event was a typical Hollywood networking affair where entertainment industry figures mixed with creators and athletes. Jackson’s brother Sarunas already operated in these circles through his acting career, which gave Darius a natural entry point. By August 2021, Palmer posted a birthday tribute to Jackson on Instagram, making the relationship public.
The Usher Concert Outfit Controversy
The relationship’s first major public fracture came in July 2023 when Darius Jackson posted a now-deleted tweet criticizing Keke Palmer’s outfit at an Usher concert in Las Vegas. Jackson wrote that Palmer should dress more conservatively as a mother. The backlash was immediate and fierce — thousands of social media users, including extensive Reddit threads, characterized the comment as controlling and possessive. Palmer never directly responded to the tweet, but she posted photos of herself in the same outfit with captions that made her position unmistakable. Multiple media outlets, including Rolling Stone, later cited this incident as the beginning of the end.
Why Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson Broke Up
The couple officially split in October 2023. Palmer later described the relationship to the Los Angeles Times as one that “had become unhappy and unhealthy.” The Usher concert tweet was the visible catalyst, but Palmer’s subsequent legal filings and interviews painted a picture of deeper, longer-running issues — including allegations of controlling behavior and physical abuse that predated the Twitter controversy. Palmer told Rolling Stone in October 2024: “There was a lot going on. The relationship had become unhappy and unhealthy.”
The Domestic Violence Case and Restraining Order
Keke Palmer filed for a temporary restraining order against Darius Jackson on November 9, 2023, alleging physical and emotional domestic abuse and requesting sole custody of their son Leodis. According to court documents reported by Rolling Stone, Palmer stated: “It is because of our son, Leo, that I was finally able to end my relationship with Darius once and for all and escape the abuse.” The California court granted the emergency TRO and awarded Palmer temporary sole custody.
Jackson denied all allegations. In December 2023, he filed his own restraining order request against Palmer, accusing her of verbal and physical abuse and claiming she restricted his access to Leodis. According to NBC’s Today, Jackson’s counter-filing contested Palmer’s version of events and requested joint custody.
Custody Battle and Resolution
Despite widespread searches for “Keke Palmer husband divorce,” no divorce proceedings ever took place — the couple was never married. The custody battle between Palmer and Jackson lasted approximately six months. Court hearings were scheduled throughout early 2024, but neither case proceeded to trial. On May 22, 2024, both Palmer and Jackson requested the court drop their respective cases, according to documents obtained by Entertainment Tonight. A court-mandated mediation session reportedly helped the two reach a private agreement. They established joint custody of Leodis, with Palmer retaining primary physical custody.
| Legal Event | Date | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Palmer files TRO + sole custody request | November 9, 2023 | Granted on emergency basis |
| Jackson files counter-restraining order | December 2023 | Denied Palmer’s allegations; requested joint custody |
| Both parties drop cases | May 22, 2024 | Mediation reached; joint custody agreement |
| Palmer retains primary physical custody | Mid-2024 | Jackson granted visitation rights |
Their Son Leodis, Co-Parenting, and 2026 Updates
Palmer and Jackson are co-parenting their son Leodis Andrellton Jackson successfully as of early 2026, a dramatic shift from the legal warfare that defined late 2023. Palmer has shared videos and photos of Leodis with Jackson, including a beach outing and a Fourth of July celebration in 2024, signaling a cooperative dynamic that prioritizes their child’s wellbeing over past grievances.
Keke Palmer’s Son: Leodis Andrellton Jackson
Leodis “Leo” Andrellton Jackson was born on February 25, 2023. Palmer announced his arrival on Instagram and has since made him a regular feature on her social media — sharing milestones, travel moments, and parenting reflections. The name “Andrellton” is a nod to baseball shortstop Andrelton Simmons, reflecting Jackson’s sports background. Leodis is Palmer’s only child as of January 2026, according to TheGrio.
Darius Jackson’s Military Career
Darius Jackson enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 2024 at age 30 — a decision he publicly described as “random but much needed.” In an Instagram post, Jackson wrote: “The more I pray, the more God has given me the clarity that this has been the best decision I have made for myself.” He acknowledged the difficulty of being away from Leodis during training. Palmer expressed support for the move, telling interviewers she felt “very at ease” knowing Jackson was on a path toward personal growth and calling his transformation a “redemption” arc.
Is Keke Palmer Back With Darius Jackson?
No. Palmer and Jackson are not back together. In November 2025, Jackson debuted a new relationship on social media, posting a video with another woman captioned “The season of being thankful.” Palmer, for her part, has not publicly confirmed any romantic partner since the split. Their relationship is strictly co-parenting focused. Palmer told the Los Angeles Times in late 2024 that after establishing joint custody, she gained “a new different perspective on the relationship” — one rooted in moving forward, not looking back.
Keke Palmer’s Relationship History and Boyfriend List
Darius Jackson was Keke Palmer’s most significant public relationship, but he was not her first. Palmer has been notably private about her romantic life throughout her career, which stretches back to childhood stardom on Nickelodeon’s True Jackson, VP.
- Rodney King (rumored, 2013) — Palmer was linked to a young man named Rodney, though neither confirmed a formal relationship.
- Quincy Brown (rumored, 2013-2014) — The son of Al B. Sure! and Kim Porter, Brown and Palmer were frequently seen together and sparked dating speculation, but both kept the nature of their relationship ambiguous.
- Elijah Johnson (rumored, 2017) — Brief tabloid speculation with no public confirmation from either party.
- Darius Jackson (2021-2023) — Palmer’s only confirmed long-term boyfriend. They went public in August 2021 and share a son, Leodis.
Palmer appeared on the BET comedy series Real Husbands of Hollywood, which occasionally leads to confusion in searches mixing her TV credits with her actual relationship status. The show was a scripted comedy — Palmer’s role had nothing to do with her personal life. Separate rumors linking Palmer to Tia Mowry’s husband or other celebrities have no basis in public evidence. Palmer’s sister, L’Oreal “Loreal” Palmer, has also drawn occasional tabloid attention, but Loreal’s personal life is entirely separate from Keke’s relationship with Darius Jackson. For a different celebrity’s full relationship history, see Sam Heughan’s complete relationship timeline. Fans curious about a rising entertainer’s dating life can also explore Tyriq Withers’ girlfriend and relationship history.
Keke Palmer: Career Highlights and What She’s Famous For
Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer, born August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, is an actress, singer, television host, and activist who has been in the entertainment industry since age nine. Her parents, Larry and Sharon Palmer, moved the family to California to support her early acting career. By 2006, at age 12, Palmer starred in the film Akeelah and the Bee — a breakout role that launched two decades of continuous work in Hollywood.
Key accomplishments include hosting her own Nickelodeon series True Jackson, VP (2008-2011), becoming the youngest talk show host in television history with Just Keke on BET at age 20, starring in Jordan Peele’s horror blockbuster Nope (2022), and hosting the 2024 Saturday Night Live episode where she revealed her pregnancy. Palmer has been open about living with vitiligo, a skin condition that causes loss of pigmentation, and has used her platform to advocate for self-acceptance and body positivity.
Palmer’s estimated net worth is $7.5 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. In June 2025, she released her visual album Just Keke, which addressed the emotional aftermath of her breakup with Jackson. Her memoir, Master of Me: The Secret to Controlling Your Narrative, published in 2024, covers her experiences navigating fame, relationships, and motherhood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Keke Palmer’s husband’s name?
Keke Palmer does not have a husband. The man commonly referred to as her “husband” is Darius Daulton Jackson, born January 21, 1994 — her former boyfriend and the father of her son, Leodis Andrellton Jackson. Palmer and Jackson were never engaged or married.
Is Keke Palmer married to Darius Jackson?
No. Palmer and Jackson were romantic partners from 2021 to 2023 and share a son, but they never married. Palmer has been single since the couple split in October 2023, and Jackson debuted a new relationship in November 2025.
How old is Keke Palmer’s ex Darius Jackson?
Darius Jackson was born on January 21, 1994, making him 32 years old as of early 2026. Palmer was born on August 26, 1993, making her roughly five months older than Jackson.
What does Darius Jackson do for a living?
Jackson has worked as a fitness trainer, podcast host on the Bleav Podcast Network, and production supervisor at Inspire Fitness US. He also has a background in sports journalism and broadcasting. In November 2024, Jackson enlisted in the U.S. Army, describing the decision as a path toward personal growth.
What is Darius Jackson’s ethnicity and race?
Darius Jackson is African American, born in Pennsylvania to a family with athletic roots. His brother Sarunas J. Jackson is a well-known Black actor who starred on HBO’s Insecure. Jackson is not white — this common search query appears to stem from confusion or curiosity about his background.
Who is Keke Palmer’s baby daddy?
Darius Jackson is the father of Keke Palmer’s son, Leodis “Leo” Andrellton Jackson, born February 25, 2023. Palmer and Jackson co-parent Leodis under a joint custody arrangement reached in mid-2024 after dropping mutual restraining orders.
What disease does Keke Palmer have?
Palmer has vitiligo, an autoimmune condition that causes loss of skin pigmentation in patches. She was diagnosed in 2017 and has spoken publicly about how the condition affected her confidence before she embraced it. Palmer has become a visible advocate for skin condition awareness and self-acceptance.
Is Keke Palmer married to Usher?
No. Palmer and Usher have never been in a romantic relationship. This misconception stems from the July 2023 Usher concert incident — Palmer attended an Usher show in Las Vegas, and Darius Jackson publicly criticized her outfit, sparking a viral controversy. Palmer’s connection to Usher is purely as a concertgoer, not a romantic partner.
What is Darius Jackson’s net worth?
Darius Jackson’s estimated net worth is between $500,000 and $1 million, according to multiple entertainment finance outlets. This figure reflects his pre-Army income from fitness training, podcast hosting, and media production work. For comparison, Palmer’s estimated net worth is $7.5 million.
Who are Keke Palmer’s parents?
Keke Palmer’s parents are Larry Palmer and Sharon Palmer, both originally from Illinois. They relocated the family to California to support Keke’s acting career when she was a child. Larry worked as a polyurethane plant worker and Sharon was a high school teacher before supporting their daughter’s entertainment career full-time.
Conclusion
Keke Palmer has never had a husband. Darius Jackson — fitness trainer, Army servicemember, and father of their son Leodis Andrellton Jackson — was her long-term partner, not her spouse. Their relationship burned through every stage of modern celebrity drama in just over two years: romance, pregnancy, public shaming, abuse allegations, a legal battle, and eventually a co-parenting truce.
As of 2026, Palmer is focused on raising Leodis, advancing her entertainment career, and speaking openly about the lessons she took from the relationship. Jackson is serving in the U.S. Army and has moved on personally. The “Keke Palmer husband” search will likely persist for years — but the answer has always been the same. There was never a wedding. There was a relationship, a child, a very public reckoning, and two people figuring out how to parent separately after a painful split.
