Jordyn Woods And Karl-Anthony Towns: A Look At Their Four-Year Relationship

Jordyn Woods and Karl Anthony Towns' relationship is a living testament to the age-old phrase that true love conquers all. The model and NBA star, who have been together for over four years, have captivated the public and fans alike with their social media posts, lavish lifestyle, and transparency regarding their personal lives.
Throughout their romance, Woods and Towns have showcased a deep appreciation for one another through their unwavering support during their triumphs and tribulations.
These include the star launching her clothing brand WOODS by Jordyn in 2023, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, and his team's elimination from the 2024 Western Conference Finals. This comes after the Minnesota Timberwolves' historic advance to the finals for the first time in over twenty years.
In tribute to Woods and Towns' resilient partnership, xoNecole looks back at their love story.
2020: Woods and Towns Began Dating
The couple started dating in May 2020, years after they met through a mutual friend. Woods and Towns' relationship didn't initially start romantically.
Although the exact timeline of when the pair initially met is unclear, Towns shared in 2021 during Woods' Instagram series Regular-ish that they were friends for a while before it blossomed into something more.
"Me and Jordyn met years ago, knowing common people, and just became friends. And ever since then, our relationship grew where we became more than friends," he said, "I'm not saying in that way, but just best friends. And then we started having a deeper relationship."
Towns added that the challenges they encountered during the global pandemic made the duo evaluate their platonic relationship before taking the next step. In 2020, the basketball player lost eight family members, including his mother, Jacqueline Towns, to COVID-19.
"It just so happened, the COVID came and kind of brought its challenges, and it kind of forced us to either pick where our relationship was going to go as friends or something more. And we chose the latter," he stated.
Woods and Towns’ Relationship Become Instagram Official
In September 2020, a few months into their budding romance, the couple became Instagram official after sharing photos on their respective accounts as they celebrated Woods' 23rd birthday in Mexico.
Woods' post featured the pair posing on the beach in matching Versace swimsuits. In addition to the upload, Woods penned a sentimental caption.
"I found you, then I found me," she wrote. Towns followed suit by posting similar photos and expressing how Woods has positively impacted his life. "There are darknesses in life and there are lights," he said. "You are one of the lights, the light of all lights."
That same month, during an interview with Extra TV, Woods opened up about her relationship with Towns and how the pair bonded over their similarities in life, including losing their parents at a young age.
The entrepreneur’s father, John Woods, passed away in 2017 following a brief battle with cancer.
"I just think that when you find the right one, you can really learn a lot more about yourself. It's about learning to evolve with someone," she said. "The right person will bring a lot out of you. I think that we have been friends for a long time, and naturally, we really connected over the both of us losing a parent at a very young age, so it was a very organic relationship."
2021: Woods Extends Her Support To Towns Following His COVID-19 Diagnosis
In January 2021, Towns revealed on his social media platforms that he had tested positive for COVID-19 and planned to follow every protocol as he attempted to regain his health. In the upload, the NBA star explained how this diagnosis had affected his immediate family after losing loved ones to the virus.
"It breaks my heart that my family, and particularly my father and sister, continue to suffer from the anxiety that comes along with this diagnosis as we know all too well what the end result could be," he wrote. "To my niece and nephew, Jolani and Max, I promise you I will not end up in a box next to grandma, and I will beat this."
Immediately after his posts, Woods took to her respective Twitter account to support Towns.
"Praying for you babe. I know you're going to pull through. God's got you and your most powerful guardian Angel up there," she said while referring to Towns' mother.
Towns Praises Woods For Holding Him Down
Following his recovery from COVID-19, Towns took to his Instagram story to shout out Woods for her love and guidance as he overcame various hardships.
"My woman has held me down more than the world knows. From my mother and family members dying (1 on her bday in Cabo), getting hit by a drunk driver (was 2pm in the afternoon FYI) in LA this Off-Season and staying with me in the hospital for the night and helping me in rehab, to this stint with COVID she has been there with me every step of the way and stayed ten toes down," he wrote.
The Minnesota Timberwolves forward added that his love for Woods had deepened as she had seen him through those moments. "My love for her knows no bounds and I would be remiss if I don't acknowledge the power a good woman can have in your life," he stated. "Men, treat your woman like a Queen so she can treat you like a King."
Woods and Towns Shut Down Cheating Allegations
In March 2021, Towns was accused of cheating on Woods with an unidentified woman after screenshots of an alleged conversation between the NBA star and the individual began to circulate online.
Woods immediately cleared up the rumors on Twitter by informing fans not to believe everything they read online.
"So crazy how someone can make fake screenshots and send it to blogs and y'all believe it my relationship is more than solid and I put that on everything," she wrote. Towns weighed in on the allegations on his Twitter account by denying any wrongdoing.
"So I got the baddest girl in the game and you think I'm gonna waste my energy with anyone else gtfoh," he said. "Same haters we got now are gonna be the same ones we have when I put that ring on her finger."
Woods and Towns Celebrate Their First Year Anniversary
In May 2021, Woods and Towns commemorated their first year anniversary in Saint Lucia.
Woods shared a series of photos from their vacation that displayed the decorations that were plastered around their hotel room and the gift she received for the special occasion, a Hermès Birkin bag.
Towns Defends Woods From Body Shamers
Later that year, Towns stood ten toes down for Woods when she faced backlash online after posting a before-and-after weight loss photo to promote her fitness app.
As speculators claimed that the star's slim figure was due to cosmetic procedures and not diet and exercise, Towns fired back on Twitter in a series of posts denying the plastic surgery accusations.
"I've SEEN the hard work and I've seen the results and trust me, this is all natural. Since she was 10 years old, people been calling this woman vile things because of her weight and instead of letting the Internet run her life, she went out the put the damn work in and changed her whole life. FITNESS SAVED HER LIFE!" he said.
The basketball player also professed his admiration for Woods' willingness to rise above the hate she receives on social media. "I love you babe,” he added. “Every day you make me so proud to call you my Girl, my Queen, my Rock, my everything."
Towns Opens Up About How Woods Helped Him Deal With The Loss Of His Mother
In an appearance on Taraji P. Henson and Tracie Jade's Facebook Watch talk show Peace of Mind with Taraji in October 2021, Towns explained that he felt his late mother, Jacqueline Towns, had a hand in his relationship with Woods because it began shortly after her passing.
"A woman that meant so much to me in my life left my life to be replaced by another woman who took that spot," he said. “I feel, in a way, when my mom passed, she's like, 'I'm not going to leave you alone. I'm going to make sure you know who you are supposed to be with.'"
Further into the conversation, the basketball player disclosed that he leaned on Woods for support during that trying moment in his life because she experienced a similar hardship.
"You know she lost her father four years ago, I believe, he added. “So I leaned on her because she's one of those only people who actually knew how I was feeling and what I was going through."
2022: Woods Denies Pregnancy Rumors
In January 2022, Woods and Towns found themselves in the rumor mill once again. This time, social media users were alleging that the couple could be expecting their first child after Woods uploaded a miniature Nike shoe box photo. After receiving numerous comments regarding her pregnancy status, the model shut down the allegations on her Instagram story.
"It was a gift card box. And no I don't want kids right now nor am I pregnant," she said. "I've been wearing baggy clothes because it's cold AF!!!"
Woods Cheers Towns On After Timberwolves Wins Game On A Significant Day
A few months later, in April 2022, Woods celebrated Towns' and his Minnesota Timberwolves teammates' victory against the Los Angeles Clippers by sharing an Instagram post. In addition to the upload, the star highlighted the importance of the date they won.
"This moment was so special to us because today is the 2 year anniversary of Jackie passing,” she said. “I know how tough it's been doing all of this without her so proud of you @karltowns … it's deeper than basketball!!"
Woods And Towns Celebrate Two-Year Anniversary
The following month, Towns surprised Woods with a getaway trip to Mexico in honor of their anniversary.
In an Instagram post, the model shared that the NBA star took her to the same resort where President John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie Kennedy, spent their honeymoon.
Woods’ upload also showcased the many activities the couple participated in, including a dinner on the beach, couples massage, and lavish gifts.
Towns Finances Woods Businesses For Her 25th Birthday
In September of that same year, on her 25th birthday, Woods revealed on her Instagram story that Towns had funded two of her prospective businesses by sharing a heartfelt note he wrote.
The note read, "To My Birthday Girl, Happy 25th Birthday! After this, you get to say you 18 every year like your moms lol … I know every year I have showered you with material gifts that people wish they could to (King S—) but this year, your 25th year walking this earth, it's time to go from that girl to a full woman. You pick two businesses you want to start, and I will fund them. It's time to take that next step in this thing we call life. Te Amo Mucho, let's take over the world…together. Love, KAT."
Alongside the photo, Woods shared in a caption why this gift was extremely sentimental to her. "He knows how hard I have been working on these projects, and this is the last step," she wrote. Although it has yet to be confirmed if the funds were used, Woods' clothing line was one of the businesses she opened shortly after.
2023: Woods Shares The Key To Her Successful Union With Towns
In late 2023, Woods disclosed during an interview with PEOPLE magazine that her relationship with Towns was a success because they were genuinely friends first.
"Friendship and trust,” she said. “We were really good friends before we started dating, and COVID gave us that free time to really get to know each other."
Woods added that their union grew stronger over the years because they have overcome so much together. "We've been through a lot together,” she stated. “We've seen each other at all different ways, times, phases, so I think we have a very strong foundation.”
February 2024: Towns Raves Over Woods
During the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, Towns gushed about Woods during his conversation with PEOPLE magazine and explained the importance of having a good partner.
"She is truly special to me. You know, with my mom and my sister, I’ve seen the impact that good women have on men’s lives,” he said. “I'm just blessed that I saw that firsthand before I got with Jordyn so that I could learn to appreciate her."
May 2024: Woods Celebrates Towns After Timberwolves NBA Playoffs Victory
The Minnesota Timberwolves made history in May 2024 when they progressed to the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Denver Nuggets in a seven-series game.
This event was monumental because this was the team's first time going to the finals in twenty years. Woods basked in the moment by praising Towns on Instagram for his resilience.
"Couldn’t be happier for this team and most importantly Karl," she wrote "He has overcome so much adversity to get to the point in his career, let alone knee surgery earlier this season. I am so proud and in awe of him."
On May 21, Woods and Towns celebrated four years together. In honor of the special day Woods uploaded a video collage of their adventures over the years with a song she wrote.
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This Is How To Keep 'Holiday Season Stress' From Infecting Your Relationship
Hmph. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like there is something really weird happening in the fall season air (because winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21) that cuddle season is in full swing while break-up season is as well. In fact, did you know that break-ups are so popular during the holiday season that December 11 is deemed Break-Up Day?
The reasons why relationships shift around this time vary; however, I did both roll my eyes and chuckle when I read that a very popular one is because it’s an easy way to get out of getting one’s significant other a Christmas present. SMDH.
Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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Whew. Did you know that somewhere around 122 million Americans travel during the holiday season? Listen, I went to see my godbabies this past September and got caught up in a crazy ass traffic jam at BNA (the Nashville airport) that damn near has me considering air travel ever again — especially during this time of the year.
Besides, it’s not like it’s a written rule that you have to travel over the holidays. In fact, if you want to play it chill this year, why not enjoy a staycation instead? Although it might seem like it’s a “poor man’s compromise,” as you’re about to see, it actually…isn’t.
1. Go All Out with the Christmas Décor
GiphyThere is someone I know who is so obsessed with Christmas, she’s damn near annoying-borderline-terrifying. I’m. Not. Kidding. Yet hey, if you’re going to do a holiday-themed staycation (emphasis on “holiday-themed”), that’s kind of how you’ve got to be. Some décor ideas include:
- A fresh Christmas tree (is the most ideal) that is ultimately decorated
- Wreaths on outside and inside doors
- Garland (with twinkle lights) in predictable and unpredictable places
- Poinsettias
- Mistletoes
- Snow globes
- A stocking (with some of your favorite things in it)
- Fake snow
- Stars
- Angels
- Candy canes
- A BLACK Santa (LOL)
I mean, since you are going to be spending a lot of time at home, it can feel like a mini-winter wonderland if you are intentional about doing more decorating to your living space than you ever have before!
2. Buy a Couple of Christmas-Themed PJs
GiphyWhile I was doing some research on a totally different topic, I happened upon an article that talked about the psychology behind why we should be intentional about what we wear to bed. When you stop to think about the fact that (hopefully) you are sleeping somewhere between 6-8 hours every night, it would make sense that things like the color and fabric of your sleepwear would have a real impact on you — even subconsciously.
Well, when it comes to Christmas décor, specifically, not only does it take you back to nostalgic memories, it can also boost your moods. So, aside from being on-10 with your Christmas décor, also invest in some Christmas-themed PJs. Since you’re going to be doing a lot of lounging around (RIGHT?), do it in something that makes you think about all of your favorite things about this time of year.
3. Cop Some Christmas-Scented Candles
GiphyThere really is no telling how many articles that I’ve written where I am singing the praises of scented soy candles. Candles are soothing, comforting and a very easy way to reduce stress. Also, since it gets darker quicker and for a longer period of time around this time of the year, candles provide a relaxing vibe to your home. Since it is Christmastime, go with scents that are reminiscent of the season:
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Cranberry
- Apple
- Pine
- Frankincense and Myrrh
- Peppermint
- Cashmere
- Ginger(bread)
- Orange
- Sugar Cookies
- Sandalwood
- Cloves
- Cedarwood
- (Hot) Chocolate
Personally, one of my favorite candle companies is Goose Creek. Their signature collections will have your entire house smelling like a high-end bakery. No exaggeration.
4. Play Some Winter-Themed ASMR Sounds
GiphyI’m from Nebraska and my mother was a New Yorker. So, if there is one thing that I like, it’s seasons and that includes snow during wintertime. Unfortunately, Nashville is cray-cray when it comes to that. If, where you live, the weather is all over the place too (which is why I think it’s insane that some people still give pushback to global warming) and you would like for it to at least seem like you are in your own winter wonderland — invest in some fake snow to strategically place around your home.
Oh, and don’t forget to turn on some winter-themed ASMR sounds too. YouTube has videos that run for hours on end that feature blizzards and howling winds that really can make you feel like you are in the midst of an ice storm.
5. Host a Holiday Movie Marathon
GiphyOne thing to remember about a staycation is it doesn’t mean that you have to be alone or that the only people who can participate are the ones who live with you. Since a staycation is simply about staying close to home instead of traveling afar — absolutely consider having some of your favorite people over for a holiday-themed movie marathon. Shoot, Black America Web even did you a solid by publishing “25 Best Black Christmas Movies Of All Time;” plus, Tubi has a Black holiday hits section of indie films too.
Oh, and make sure to get creative with the Christmas-themed snacks. Some ideas? Some Kentucky-fried turkey tenders with cranberry hot sauce (recipe here), some Holiday Hot Spinach Dip (recipe here), some Grinch Kabobs (recipe here), some roasted pecans (recipe here) and some Pomegranate Guacamole (recipe here).
6. Spend a Night (or Two) at a Hotel or Vacation House
GiphyJust like you don’t have to be alone during a staycation, you also don’t have to be cooped up in your house the entire time. Get a change of scenery in your own city by spending the night in a hotel that you’ve always wanted to try out or renting a vacation house for you and some of your folks to hang out in during the time between Christmas and New Year’s Day. I have a “love little sister” who does this randomly when she needs a break from her work as a therapist. She says that it’s damn near like taking a trip (and she has PLENTY of passport stamps; trust me).
7. Have Brunch or Dinner at a Christmas-Themed Restaurant
GiphyIf nothing puts a bigger smile on your face than the thought of DoorDashing meals and barely even touching your stove during your staycation — hey, I am right there with you. Do consider going out to brunch or dinner during your chill time, though. It’s another way to bond with people and create some current holiday memories. And if you’ve got a bae and you opt for dinner, it can be a wonderful type of Christmas-themed date.
8. Go to a Holiday-Themed Concert
GiphyBeing that I got my start as an entertainment writer, hear me when I say that I’m not someone who just has to go to a live concert every chance that I get. Oh, but baby, when I saw that El DeBarge was doing a City Winery tour and he was going to be here right before Christmas — I booked myself a ticket quick, fast and in a super-duper hurry! Shoot, I didn’t even want to go with someone because I plan to give him and that falsetto voice of his my complete and undivided attention. LOL.
I don’t know what it is about the holiday season that makes live music that much more enjoyable — but if there is a concert that features one of your favorite artists happening right through here, consider that to be a cool way to “tour your city” while cultivating a really awesome memory at the same time.
9. Also, Go Ice Skating
GiphyOne of my fondest memories of time with my father is going ice skating. We actually would do it in the summer (because that is when I would visit him) and, every year, he would get me a new ice skating outfit. Even now, when I watch someone ice skate (even in movies; like in the classic movie Garden State), I will have warm fuzzies.
Anyway, if you’ve never been before, go. If it’s been forever since you have, also go. There is something that is very sweet and so signature Christmas about it. Plus, it’s a top-tier form of exercise.
10. Take a Christmas Lights Tour
GiphyAnother one of my favorite Christmas memories is driving through neighborhoods and looking at the Christmas lights. And just like a Christmas concert can be a form of hometown touring, so can doing this if you decide to choose a couple of areas where you’ve never really been or rarely frequent.
Now are you excited about the thought of experiencing a holiday-themed staycation?
I thought you would be. ENJOY!
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