January 17, 2026
Read the Letter Dwyane Wade’s Mom Jolinda Wrote to Him on TODAY Show


Dwyane Wade’s mom surprised her son on TODAY with a gift of special significance in their relationship: her words.

Jolinda Wade penned a letter to her son, which she read in a special video message for Dwyane Wade during his stint as a guest co-host with Jenna Bush Hager on July 7.

The two previously communicated through letters when Jolinda Wade was incarcerated in the ’90s, which is something she touches on in this note to Dwyane Wade.

He wrote about his mom’s struggle with addiction in his 2012 book, “A Father First.”

โ€œThere is no question I worried about my mother when she was out at night, and loved her so much I couldnโ€™t sleep because I wanted her to come home and let me know she was okay,โ€ Dwyane Wade wrote in his book.

โ€œBut there is also no question that JoLinda Morris Wadeโ€™s love for her children and her desire to see us achieve our dreams was the most important truth of my early years,โ€ he added.

Jolinda Wade turned her life around. She is now a pastor and runs a church her son purchased for her in 2008.

New York Liberty v Chicago Sky
Dwyane Wade and his mother, Jolinda Wade, at a game between the WNBA’s Chicago Sky and New York Liberty at Wintrust Arena on May 22, 2025.Michael Reaves / Getty Images

Read the Letter Jolinda Wade Wrote to Son Dwyane Wade on TODAY

My love,

On Jan. 17, 1982, you were born. God knew!!

I heard the nurse say, โ€œItโ€™s a boy!โ€ and I remember uttering the word, โ€œWow!โ€

I thought I wouldnโ€™t have a son because I already had three beautiful daughters โ€” your sisters: Deanna, Keisha and Tragil.

After you were born and I first held you, in my Spirit mind I heard the word โ€œblessing,โ€ though I did not understand its meaning at the time.

But as my life has journeyed on, I can finally say, โ€œI got it now!โ€

You are and have always been just that โ€” a blessing. A blessing definitely to me and to so many others whose lives you have touched.

You are a history maker.

There is a saying, โ€œThe mind is a terrible thing to waste.โ€

You, my son, definitely do not waste your mind. You do not squander your dreams or your lifeโ€™s purpose.

I love that about you.

I remember how we became โ€œpen palsโ€ when I was incarcerated. Your letters got me through each day and enabled me to be a part of all the wonderful things that were happening in your life.

When you sent me pictures of my grandson Zaire, I was able to tell from your letters how very proud you were. You made up your mind that you were going to be the best dad you could be. And, that is exactly what you have become.

Son, you are simply one of the best dads a child could have. Just like everything else in your life, you give fatherhood your all!

My love, I admire how you embrace your beautiful child Zaya, my granddaughter, and encourage her to be who she is. What a dad!! You protect her; speak with her to understand who she is. You donโ€™t judge or condemn.

In our family, you are the first to win on so many levels.

I am blessed to watch your life unfold before my eyes.

From Day 1, I loved you and knew you were special. I thank God for your grandmother, my mom, helping establish God in your life.

Son, I know God is not through with molding and guiding the best son in the world.

I love you more with each passing second, minute and hour of your life.

Kisses, kisses, hug, hug.

My son. I am proud and elated to be your MOM!



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