The key to a successful relationship all comes down to the assist, according to Dwyane Wade.
The retired basketball star said makes his marriage to Gabrielle Union so great is that they are persistent in facing whatever life brings their way together as a family, which includes his nephew Dahveon Morris, 21, and kids Zaire Wade, 21, Zaya Wade, 16, Xavier Wade, 10, and Kaavia Wade, 5.
"Success is waking up everyday, doing it again and again," he exclusively told E! News' Francesca Amiker at the 2023 GQ Men of the Year party on Nov. 16. "It's hard out here."
Calling his family "the most important thing," Dwyane continued, "We love each other, and that's forever."
In fact, the 41-year-old can't wait to bring his relatives and loved ones together for Thanksgiving.
"It's my favorite holiday," he shared. "It would be about 70 people in my house and we getting it in."
Indeed, family is a top priority for the former Miami Heat player. When he was inducted into Basketball Hall of Fame earlier this year, Dwyane made it a point to thank them for being his "lifeline" throughout his NBA career.
"Y'all are my safe haven—a place where I can always retreat to with minimum fear of judgment," he said during his enshrinement ceremony in August. "I've laughed with you. I've cried with you. I've been saved by you. I'm protected by you and I'm loved by you. I am who I am because of all of you. You're the embodiment of unconditional love, and that's all I ever wanted and needed. That's all I ever wanted to show in return."
He also showed his appreciation to Gabby, who he married in 2014.
"Thank you for making sure our kids feel seen, heard and protected when I'm not around," he told the Bring It On actress. "Thank you for learning to love my imperfections just as much as we've enjoyed and loved the moments of perfection. I love you."
To see their sweetest family moments, keep reading.
All in the Family
Dwyane Wade celebrated the final game in his NBA career with Gabrielle Union and their daughter Kaavia Wade in 2019. The Miami Heats player was also joined by his nephew Dahveon Morris, his kids Zaire Wade and Zaya Wade (with ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches) and son Xavier Wade (with ex Aja Metoyer) for the momentous occasion.
Perfect Match
Gabrielle and Dwyane proved they go together like peanut butter and jelly on Halloween 2023. Meanwhile, their daughter Kaavia dressed up as Cinderella.
Bring On the Silly
The Bring It On actress snapped silly selfies with Kaavia on Mother's Day 2023.
Like Father, Like Son
Dwyane's oldest son Zaire captioned this 2022 photo of his dad holding up his Salt Lake City Stars jersey: "Leave a legacy."
Teenage Milestones
Dwyane and Gabby send Zaya, who the former NBA star shares with ex Siovaughn Funches, off to her school's winter formal in January 2023.
"Supporting each other for life’s big moments is key," the couple wrote in an Instagram post. "All the nerves, all the anxiety, all the fear… With loved ones by your side, no matter the challenge, we 10 toes down. Always."
"See @kaaviajames mama's got hair like yours," Gabrielle shared on Instagram in 2020. "When I took my braids out she was like... now mom & baby both rocking their natural curls."
While attending the 2019 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards, the couple's daughter Kaavia made her award show debut. Spoiler alert: She was a total pro.
After celebrating Thanksgiving as a family, Dwyane took to Twitter to slam Internet trolls who had some not-so-nice comments.
"I've seen some post-thanksgiving hate on social about my family photo," he shared online. "Stupidity is apart of this world we live in—so i get it. But here's the thing—I've been chosen to lead my family not y'all. So we will continue to be us and support each other with pride, love & a smile!"
Snuggle Season
Gabrielle rang in her 50th birthday in 2022 with snuggles from Dwyane and Kaavia.
Sweet 16
The couple are all smiles as they celebrate Zaya's 16th birthday in May 2023.
When it was time to celebrate Halloween 2019, Gabrielle and Dwyane knew just the look to pull off with their baby girl.
But wait, there's more! The proud parents also transformed into another theme with their daughter Zaya.
Dwyane praised Zaya amid criticism from online trolls.
"First of all, if you want to talk about strength and courage, my 12-year-old has way more than I have," he shared on the All the Smoke podcast in 2019. "You can learn something from your kids. In my household, man, that's all we talk about. We talk about making sure our kids are seen by each of us, me and my wife, We talk about making sure our kids understand the power in their voice."
Ultimate Defenders
After Gabrielle was fired from America's Got Talent in 2019, Dwyane absolutely had his wife's back. "'Men lie, Women lie, numbers don't,'" he shared on Twitter after the news broke. "Over this past year I've been approaching by many people saying that my wife @itsgabrielleu is the main reason they've started watching #AGT or that they love her insight and sincerity on the show."