7 Shocking Facts About Babyface’s Ex-Wife Nicole Pantenburg And His Younger New Partner In 2025
The question of "Babyface wife" has a complex and up-to-date answer in late 2025. Legendary singer, songwriter, and producer Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds is no longer married to his long-time partner, Nicole Pantenburg. The couple finalized their divorce in early 2023, marking the end of his third marriage. This separation, which followed seven years of marriage and a 14-year relationship, shifted the focus from his ex-wife to his new, significantly younger partner, Rika Tischendorf, who has taken on a prominent role both professionally and personally in his life.
The musical icon, known for shaping the sound of R&B, has a storied romantic history that continues to evolve. While fans may still associate the Grammy winner with Nicole Pantenburg, the newest chapter of his life features a German model-turned-music executive. This article delves into the detailed biography of his most recent ex-wife, the timeline of their relationship, the specifics of their high-profile divorce, and a deep dive into the woman who now stands by his side.
Full Biography of Nicole Pantenburg (Babyface's Most Recent Ex-Wife)
Nicole Pantenburg, often referred to as Nikki, became Babyface’s third wife and a central figure in his life for over a decade. Her journey from a professional dancer to a celebrity spouse is a fascinating story that is often overshadowed by her ex-husband's fame.
- Full Name: Nicole Pantenburg
- Nickname: Nikki
- Date of Birth: May 10, 1973
- Age (as of December 2025): 52 years old
- Place of Birth: United States
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: Caucasian
- Profession: Former Backup Dancer, Actress, Homemaker
- Spouse: Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds (m. 2014; div. 2023)
- Child: Peyton Nicole Edmonds (Daughter, born 2008)
- Known For: Being the third wife of Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds.
- Career Highlights: Pantenburg worked as a professional backup dancer for several high-profile artists, including her future husband, Babyface, and pop superstar Janet Jackson.
Nicole Pantenburg maintained a relatively private life despite her high-profile marriage. She initially met Kenny Edmonds while working as a backup dancer, a common connection point in the entertainment industry. Her career also included some acting roles, though she largely stepped away from the spotlight after her daughter was born to focus on her family life.
The Intimate Timeline: From Backup Dancer to Divorce Settlement
The relationship between Nicole Pantenburg and Kenny Edmonds spanned over 14 years, beginning long before they officially tied the knot. Their story is a testament to a slow-burn romance that eventually culminated in marriage, followed by an amicable split.
The Start of the Romance (2007–2008)
Nicole and Kenny started dating around 2007, shortly after his separation from his second wife, Tracey E. Edmonds. Their professional connection as a singer and his backup dancer evolved into a deep personal bond. The couple welcomed their daughter, Peyton Nicole Edmonds, in 2008, a significant milestone that preceded their marriage.
The Marriage and Family Life (2014–2021)
After seven years of dating and the birth of their child, the couple got engaged in 2013 and married in May 2014. Their wedding was a private, intimate affair. During their marriage, Pantenburg focused on raising their daughter, maintaining a low profile while supporting Babyface’s illustrious career. They were often seen together at red-carpet events, presenting a united front in the public eye.
The High-Profile Split and Divorce Finalization (2021–2023)
In July 2021, the couple released a joint statement announcing their separation after seven years of marriage and over 14 years together. The statement emphasized that they were moving forward with "much thought and great sadness" and that their focus remained on co-parenting their daughter.
The divorce proceedings officially concluded in February 2023. The settlement details revealed that Babyface agreed to pay a substantial amount in spousal and child support. Reports indicated he was ordered to pay nearly $40,000 per month, covering both spousal support and expenses for their daughter, Peyton. This significant figure highlighted the financial complexities often involved in celebrity divorces.
Who is Rika Tischendorf? Babyface’s Current Partner
While Nicole Pantenburg is the most recent "Babyface wife," the current woman in Kenny Edmonds' life is Rika Tischendorf. Their relationship has been public since 2023, offering a fresh, new dynamic to the legendary musician’s personal narrative.
The German Model-Turned-Executive
Rika Tischendorf is a German native whose background includes a career in modeling. However, she is now heavily involved in the music industry, specifically within Babyface's professional circle. She serves as the General Manager (GM) of Babyface Entertainment, making their relationship a mix of personal and professional partnership.
Tischendorf is notably younger than Edmonds, with a significant age gap that has drawn public attention. She was 33 when reports about her role as his partner emerged, while Babyface was 64. Despite the age difference, they appear to be a strong couple, with Tischendorf actively contributing to his recent musical projects.
A Professional and Personal Partnership
Rika Tischendorf’s influence extends beyond a romantic connection. She played a key role in the creation of Babyface’s 2022 album, Girls Night Out. Edmonds himself credited Tischendorf with suggesting the album's title, showcasing her creative input in his work.
The couple made their relationship red-carpet official when they attended the 2023 Grammy Awards together. Since then, they have been seen at several high-profile events, including New York Fashion Week, solidifying her status as his current partner.
A Look Back at Babyface's Full Marital History
To fully understand the context of the "Babyface wife" query, it is essential to look at Kenny Edmonds' entire marital history, which includes three official marriages and his current, ongoing partnership.
1. Lynelle Edmonds (1980–1991)
Babyface’s first marriage was to Lynelle Edmonds. The couple was married for a significant period in the early stages of his career, from 1980 to 1991. Details about this marriage are private, as it occurred before his explosion into superstardom.
2. Tracey E. Edmonds (1992–2007)
Tracey E. Edmonds is perhaps his most well-known ex-wife. She is a successful American businesswoman, television producer, and entrepreneur. They were married from 1992 until their divorce in 2007. They share two sons, Brandon and Dylan. This marriage spanned the height of Babyface's career and was a high-profile union in the entertainment industry.
3. Nicole Pantenburg (2014–2023)
As detailed above, Nicole Pantenburg was his third wife. Their relationship began around 2007, they married in 2014, and their divorce was finalized in 2023. They have one daughter, Peyton Nicole Edmonds.
Current Partner: Rika Tischendorf
As of late 2025, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds is not married, but is in a committed relationship with Rika Tischendorf. Her role as his professional partner in Babyface Entertainment suggests a deep and integrated connection that goes beyond a casual dating arrangement, solidifying her place as the most important woman in his current life.
The journey of Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds' relationships reflects the evolution of his life in the public eye. While Nicole Pantenburg remains his most recent ex-wife, his life with Rika Tischendorf signals a new, exciting chapter for the music legend.
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