"Life doesn't ever revolve around a guy": Kimora Lee Simmons opens up about her dating life

2025 CFDA Awards - Arrivals - Source: Getty
Kimora Lee Simmons attends the 2025 CFDA Awards at The American Museum of Natural History - Source: Getty

In an exclusive interview with People magazine, Kimora Lee Simmons opened up about her dating life.

The 50-year-old fashion icon told the outlet that she doesn’t “have any prospects” and that she isn't planning to use dating apps. She explained that she is happily single and embracing independence. Simmons shared that she's enjoying this phase, and emphasized that her life:

“doesn’t ever revolve around a guy, ever.”
Ming Lee Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Aoki Lee Simmons attend Gold House 4th Annual Gold Gala - Source: Getty
Ming Lee Simmons, Kimora Lee Simmons, and Aoki Lee Simmons attend Gold House 4th Annual Gold Gala - Source: Getty

Simmons is a single mother to her five children. Her eldest is her daughter Ming Lee Simmons (25), followed by Aoki Lee Simmons (23). Her third child is her son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou. She adopted her son, Gary Lee (16) in 2020. Her youngest is Wolf Lee (10). She also has a bonus son named Jayden.

The star of Kimora: Back in the Fab Lane has been single since her split from her ex-husband, Tim Leissner.

Continue to read for more details.


All about Kimora Lee Simmons’s past marriages and relationships

Kimora Lee Simmons has been in several high-profile relationships throughout her life.

Her first relationship was with Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Records. They met in 1992 during New York Fashion Week. At that time, Kimora was a 17-year-old high school student and a runway model signed to Chanel, while Russell was 35. She started her modelling career at the age of 13 as the youngest Chanel bride in history.

They dated for about six years. Despite an 18 year age gap (which drew criticism from people) Kimora Lee Simmons went on to marry Russell in 1998 in a ceremony on St. Barthélemy officiated by Russell's brother (Run of Run-D.M.C.). She launched Baby Phat for her ex-husband’s Phat Farm.

They welcomed two daughters, Ming Lee (born in January 2000) and Aoki Lee (born in August 2002). In her recent interviews, Simmons reflected on her relationship with Russell as a “hot mess.” The couple eventually divorced in 2009.

After her first marriage ended in divorce, Kimora Lee Simmons got involved in a relationship with Djimon Hounsou from 2007 to 2012. Hounsou is a Beninese-American actor and former model known for his roles in Amistad, Gladiator, Blood Diamond, and Furious 7.

The duo, however, remained unmarried. During their relationship, the couple welcomed their son, Kenzo Lee Hounsou, in 2009. They reportedly announced their split in 2012.

A representative of Simmons confirmed the news to People magazine, stating:

“Djimon Hounsou and Kimora Lee Simmons have officially separated after 5 years.”

Confirming the split on Twitter (now known as X), Simmons wrote:

“There have been quite a few hurtful rumors circulating. The truth is Djimon+I have been separated for some time. We have remained happy, loving, co-parenting friends+family. We all have much to be thankful for.”

Kimora Lee Simmons married investment banker Tim Leissner for the third time around 2014. He reportedly faked a divorce to marry Kimora Lee Simmons while still legally wedded to his previous wife, Judy Chan Leissner. They welcomed son Wolfe in 2015, and adopted son Gary from Jamaica in 2020 when he was 10 years old.

She also refers Jayden as her “bonus son” who has lived with her family since elementary school. Speaking about her bond with her children, Simmons shared in a recent interview with People magazine that she shares a close bond with them. She told the outlet:

"We're very close, and I try to give them the best advice I can. I've seen a lot of things. We're definitely all learning from each other. It's like the battle of the sexes under one roof.”

In a recent interview with USA Today, Kimora Lee Simmons admitted that she is not in touch with any of her ex-husbands now.

Edited by Aastha Dass