Dancer DaKayla Wilson, whose parents are Jamal Hamilton and the late Dena Wilson, is dating JoJo Siwa who made public their relationship in August 2024. Dena has shared about losing her mother at a young age and her father who was absent most of her life.
But let’s learn more about the dancer’s parents in this short piece below. We attempt to unravel all that we know about DaKayla Wilson’s parents Jamal Hamilton and Dena “DenaBug” Wilson.
Who Are DaKayla Wilson Parents?
DaKayla Wilson was born to her parents Dena Ann Wilson and Jamal Hamilton. DaKayla, an 18-year-old dancer, performer, artist, Instagram star, developer of online content, and social media celebrity, was born on October 11, 2005. She is well-known for finishing second in season 18 of So You Think You Can Dance.
Following her audition, which aired on Fox on March 4, Bloomingdale High School 2023 alumnus Dakayla Wilson won three resounding “yeses” from the judges on the television program So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD). Dancers compete in rounds of competition on the reality television program SYTYCD in an attempt to become “America’s favorite dancer.”
Additionally, DaKayla commenced her gymnastics training at Golden City Gymnastics in Brandon, which marked the beginning of her journey to appear on the 18th season of the show. To improve her floor routine, she signed up for dance courses, but soon after, dancing became her passion. She began training at the 5th Dimension Dance Center off of Lithia Pinecrest Road during her freshman year at Bloomingdale.
Wilson said her style is a fusion of jazz and contemporary dance mixed. In May 2024 episode, DaKayla performed in front of her estranged father and this caused fans to enquire about her parents.
Meet Dena Ann Wilson, DaKayla Wilson Late Mother
DaKayla Wilson’s late mother is named Dena Ann Wilson. Dena was born on July 7, 1982 in Tawas City, Michigan to Debra Wilson and Edward Cossey. Very little information about Dena’s career is available.
Although a native of Socastee, South Carolina, Dena lived most of her life in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Sadly, she passed away on October 21, 2012, at the age of 30.
Dena was survived by her parents Debra and Mark Wilson, and her siblings, Emma Wilson-Chambers, Eddy Wilson, Melissa Wilson-Scales, and Shari Lin Cossey.
Furthermore, in Dena’s obituary, the family also stated, “Thank you for all your kind thoughts and prayers. Dena was loved by so many there is no way to count. Her beautiful smile was contagious and left an imprint on everyone she met. We are so blessed that her spirit lives on in her beautiful daughter. Difficult decisions were made by us for private reasons. There is no shame or mystery surrounding her death; she is just in the next place waiting to meet us again. She is at peace now.”
In part of the post, they added, “For those who would like to memorialize Dena, please consider making a donation in her name to a reputable substance and/or alcohol abuse program. We recommend Shoreline, Narc-Anon, or Al-Anon.”
Meet Jamal Hamilton, DaKayla Wilson Father
DaKayla Wilson’s father is named Jamal Hamilton. While competing on So You Think You Can Dance 2024, she shared about her estranged father in the show. “I did not think I was going to make it to the semifinals or top four at all,” Dakayla shared. “I think I’m going to invite [my dad] to the upcoming show.”
DaKayla has reportedly not seen her father since she was two years old. “I think this will be a really big moment in my life and in his to see me dance for the first time,” DaKayla shared at the time.
Later, DaKayla met her dad who reached out to her on social media when she was about 13. “Emotionally, this is a lot,” she said before meeting her father. “But my ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ journey has taught me to be emotional and confident and not to hide anything. He’s never seen me dance. Hopefully, I get to stay longer and develop more of a relationship with him.”
Fans of the dancer got to meet her when DaKayla was performing on Top 4 of So You Think You Can Dance 2024. He was in the audience cheering for his daughter with googly eyes.
Related FAQs
-
How Long Were DaKayla Wilson Parents Married?
It remains obscure if DaKayla Wilson’s parents were ever married.
-
How Many Kids Did DaKayla Wilson Parents Have?
DaKayla Wilson is the only child Dena and Jamal share.
