Dwyane Wade may be Jenna Bush Hager’s friend this week, but his BFF is still his daughter, Kaavia.
As the former pro basketball player began his week co-hosting Today’sfourth hour Jenna & Friends, Jenna had a special surprise to share, telling Dwyane, “There’s somebody that loves you that sent you this little message.”
His daughter—who he shares with wife Gabrielle Union—appeared on-screen, and the video began rolling with the sweet message. “Hi Daddy! I love you so much that you’re my favorite friend ever I ever met,” the 6-year-old said, “and I also wanted to thank you and good luck. I love seeing you on TV and I love you so much.”
With a smile across his face, Dwyane, 43, said, “That’s my twin right there.”
To which Jenna responded, “I love that she just said, ‘You’re my favorite friend.'”
He went on the explain their dynamic, adding “we’re friends,” but he emphasized that he has to “be daddy sometimes.” And Dwyane is a seasoned pro when it comes to parenting, as he also shares two children, Zaire, 23, and Zaya, 17, with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, a son Xavier, 11, from a previous relationship, and and helped raise his nephew Dahveon.
“We’re friends, you know what I mean? And, then, I be daddy sometimes, and she gets to see that side,” he shared. “Her eyes get big when she sees that, when I get strict.”
This isn’t the first time fans have seen a precious glimpse of Dwyane and Gabrielle’s daughter as an adorable 2023 video of Gabrielle and Kaavia exchanging positive affirmations captivated the internet.
“Tell me what you love about your hair,” Gabrielle asked, to which Kaavia replied, “I love my beautiful hair.”
They continued, with Gabrielle sharing, “I am brave…I am scared sometimes,” as her little one added, “I am strong. I am worthy. I am silly.”
For more sweet Kaavia moments, read on.
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Auntie Time
Queen Latifah gave Kaavia some one-on-one pool lessons.
Camera Ready
The father-daughter duo have a little fun during their photoshoot for Kaavia James Union-Wade x Janie and Jack’s collaboration.
Special Gift
Gabriel Union presents her daughter with a special gift ahead of the late rapper’s 50th birthday.
Daddy & Me
“Sunday Sweetness. For the most part. #ShadyBaby @dwyanewade,” read a video post shared on the child’s Instagram page on June 6, 2021.
Soccer Star
“1st day of soccer practice and I CANNOT take it!!!” Gabrielle Union wrote on Instagram about her daughter in May 2021. “She didn’t wanna put on her cleats but I’m hopeful that will change when she sees her friends. Trust and believe there will be updates.”
Bath Fun
“Best Mother’s Day yet,” Gabrielle Union wrote on Instagram in May 2021. “Somehow my relaxing bubble bath party for 1 got crashed by Baby Shark (aka @kaaviajames #ShadyBaby).”
Supporting Dad
The tot joins mom Gabrielle Union and brother Zaire Wade at her dad’s NBA jersey retirement ceremony in Miami in February 2020.
Family Fun But Make It Fashion
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade appear with their daughter at a New York& Company store in Burbank, Calif. in May 2019. The actress launched a branded collection.
Special Family Sports Night
The child joins parents Dwayne Wade and Gabrielle Union, brothers Zaire Wade and Xavier Wade, sister Zaya Wade and cousin Dahveon Morris after dad’s final career home game in Miami in April 2019.
2019 Kids’ Choice Sports Awards
Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade appear with their daughter at the 2019 Kids’ Choice Sports Awards.
Mini Me
“Soooo that’s a “no” from us, dawg,” her parents caption her hilarious Instagram.
Mommy & Me
Gabrielle has a fan in her baby daughter, who is clearly glowing with delight.
Magical
Sugar, spice and everything nice is the recipe for creating Kaavia the baby unicorn.
Sunny Days
Judging by her look, Kaavia doesn’t seem to be a fan of dips in the pool.
“Shady Baby”
Kaavia has clearly mastered the “shady” glance, hence her nickname “Shady Baby.”
Queen of the Castle
The little one is totally “unbothered” while perched atop her throne in the Union-Wade household.
Say Cheese!
Kaavia gives the camera a rare smile while in the arms of her papa.
En Vogue
In the words of the baby, through her parents, who double as translators: “I live for a stunt as you can see.”
Opposites Attract
“Unbothered. Well one of us,” Gabrielle jokes of her selfie.
