
Who Is Ice Cube's Wife? Meet Kimberly Woodruff, His Partner of over 30 Years – Inside Their Love Story
Few celebrity relationships stand the test of time, but Ice Cube's wife has been part of his journey for over 30 years. Their love story began long before the spotlight—and it's still going strong.
Ice Cube is a name that echoes through hip-hop history. As a founding member of N.W.A., a solo rap icon, and a Hollywood star, his career spans decades. But away from the spotlight and behind the music, there’s someone who’s been there through it all.

Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff attend the LA Family Housing 2017 Awards on April 27, 2017, in West Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Ice Cube’s wife, Kimberly Woodruff, has been by his side since the earliest days of his career. Their relationship stretches back over 30 years — a rarity in both the entertainment industry and modern life. While Ice Cube's public persona is known for intensity and edge, his private world tells a story of lasting love and partnership.
This isn't just a celebrity marriage. It's a bond built on time, trust, and shared values. Let’s take a closer look at Ice Cube, his wife, and their enduring love story.

Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff at the London Hotel on February 16, 2018, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images
How Ice Cube's Wife Kimberly Woodruff First Met the Rap Icon
Before the fame, the platinum records, and the Hollywood blockbusters, Ice Cube was just a young artist with big dreams. It was during those early days that he laid eyes on Woodruff for the first time.
In a 2022 interview, Ice Cube shared that their first encounter was at a shopping mall. He spotted her coming down an escalator, and something clicked. "When I saw her, something automatically went through my head that said, either that could be your woman or that should be your woman," he recalled.
But the timing wasn't right. Woodruff was in another relationship and not interested. Ice Cube admitted she turned him down. Fate, however, had other plans. Six months later, their paths crossed again.
This time, Woodruff was single. They began dating in 1989, marking the start of a connection that would grow stronger with each passing year. From that moment on, Ice Cube's wife became a constant presence in his life, standing with him through every chapter.

Ice Cube and Kimberly Woodruff at the premiere of Universal Pictures' "Ride Along" in January 2014. | Photo: Getty Images
How Ice Cube's Wife Said Yes – The Proposal and Wedding
By 1992, after years of dating, Ice Cube decided it was time to take the next step. But he didn’t just want to propose—he wanted to make it unforgettable. He came up with a dual-purpose plan: celebrate Woodruff’s birthday and pop the question all in one go.
"I bought her a BMW and I pulled it in there, and I had the ring sitting on the seat," he revealed. The car alone was a showstopper, but the ring sealed the moment. "When she saw the ring, it just went to another level," he said.

Ice Cube and wife Kimberly Woodruff arrive for the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' "Fist Fight" | Photo: Getty Images
Woodruff said yes, and the couple tied the knot that same year. For Ice Cube, it wasn't just about love — it was about building a future. "I was happy that she said yes… I always felt like I wouldn't be nowhere near as successful as I am without her," he reflected.
What Ice Cube's Wife Means to Him – Secrets Behind Their Lasting Marriage
While Woodruff has stayed largely out of the public eye, Ice Cube has never hesitated to speak about her impact on his life. Over the years, he’s opened up about their relationship, offering glimpses into what keeps their marriage strong.

Kimberly Woodruff and Ice Cube at the Orleans Arena on July 24, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nevada. | Source: Getty Images
In a 2014 interview with talk show host Bethenny Frankel, Ice Cube called it a "true partnership." He emphasized mutual respect as the core of their connection. "I respect my wife and she respects me," he said. "We really want to be around each other."
That desire to be together has remained constant—even decades after they first met. When asked if he still gets butterflies, he said, "Definitely."
Ice Cube and Woodruff have now been married for 32 years. On the "Funky Friday" podcast, he revealed the mindset that helps their marriage thrive: choice. "We want to be [married]. You've got to want it," he said. He spoke candidly about commitment and loyalty. "I don't want nobody to have my woman. She's mine. I'm hers."
However, Ice Cube also acknowledged that real relationships aren’t always easy. “Every day ain’t gonna be roses,” he said. "You can't expect that from your spouse. It’s all about, are y’all a family or not?"
That family-first attitude has helped him and Woodruff navigate decades of change and pressure in the public eye. According to Ice Cube, love is about showing up—giving your time, effort, and energy to someone worth it.
Their Journey as Parents to Four Children
In November 2023, Ice Cube and Woodruff reached another major milestone—31 years of marriage. To mark the occasion, the rapper took to Instagram, sharing a heartfelt tribute to his long-time partner.
He posted throwback photos from their wedding day alongside candid moments from over the years. The caption read, "31 years of marriage. 34 years of love. Happy Anniversary."
Together, Woodruff and the rap icon have built more than a marriage. They've built a family. The couple has four children. Their first son, O’Shea Jackson Jr., was born in 1991 and followed in his father's footsteps into acting and music.
Their second son, Darrell, was born in 1992, followed by daughter Kareema in 1994, and their youngest son, Shareef, in 2000. Through fame, fatherhood, and decades of evolution, Ice Cube’s wife has remained a steady force—supporting her husband and raising a close-knit family largely out of the public eye.