Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta didn’t just bring back Porsha Williams and Kenya Moore; the series also brought former Housewife Phaedra Parks back into the mix. The reality TV veteran’s return was a happy one as she’s one of the most beloved Housewives of the franchise.

After a six-season hiatus from the series, Phaedra has been booked and busy, starring in shows like Married to Medicine and The Traitors. And as fans saw in the Season 16 finale of RHOA, she’s also been enamored by a new beau, Cheick “Che Che” Kone. Because Cheick’s time on the series was short, fans wanted to know everything about Phaedra’s new man.

Who Is Phadrea Parks’ New Man, Cheick “Che Che” Kone?

In an episode of Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Phaedra Parks introduced her boyfriend of four months, Cheick “Che Che” Kone. The Housewife shared that her new man is younger, but has never been happier.

In the finale, Phaedra introduced Cheick to the cast, which was met with excitement. “Phaedra[’s] got a cute little boyfriend!” Cynthia Bailey gleefully said to the camera.

How Did Phaedra And Cheick Meet?

Phaedra told the RHOA cameras that meeting Cheick and falling for him was unexpected. “I wasn’t even looking for a man,” she shared in a confessional. “But honey, he showed up and showed out.” According to Bravo, the two met during a round of speed dating on Married to Medicine. In a wild twist, Cheick knew Phaedra’s ex-husband, Apollo Nida.

Bravo reported that Phaedra found out about Cheick and Apollo’s close bond a little too late after falling for Cheick. “Cheick said he knew Apollo from the club. And who doesn’t know people from the club? I didn’t know they’re close friends,” she confessed. At the time, her new boyfriend’s involvement with her ex didn’t bother her in the slightest. “I think being transparent about knowing someone’s wife is very important. But it doesn’t bother me at all. Apollo’s married, I’ve definitely moved on, so I don’t see a problem with it whatsoever.”

And while Phaedra and Cheick are head-over-heels with each other, Phaedra is not interested in marrying again. “At this point in my life, I’m not really interested in marriage,” she said in the Season 16 RHOA finale. “I have never been happier. I like to have a good time. You know, I love a good date.” She reiterated her stance on marriage on the RHOA after show, “I’m not trying to get married…I’ve done that.”

Luckily for Phaedra, Cheick shared the same sentiment on his episode of Married to Medicine: “I’m not necessarily looking for a wife, but I’m open.”

What We Know About Cheick Kone

In an interview with Page Six, Phaedra confirmed she and Cheick were still dating. She shared that the 32-year-old is African but grew up in Paris.

• According to Reality Tea, in 2019, Cheick created CK Medical Supply Company.
• He’s also focused on a business that offers concierge services and luxury cars, Che Che Auto.
• Cheick attended the college at the University of the Philippines, where he also played basketball.

The pair has not gone official on social media, but are in a good place as of this article’s publishing. “He’s a sweetheart,” she said on the aftershow. “I’m having fun! … He is the sweetest, kindest, most generous guy in the world.”

Phaedra Parks’ Addition To RHOA Was Long Awaited

Phaedra Parks joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in Season 3 and quickly became a fan favorite. Bravo audiences saw her have her two sons, expand her entrepreneurial skills, and later, get divorced. Now, almost seven years later, Phaedra has given fans an update on her life.

Unfortunately, Phaedra didn’t leave RHOA on a good note. According to People, the Housewife was accused of making up a dangerous rumor involving her fellow Housewives. The lawyer alleged that Kandi Burruss and her husband, Todd Tucker, were planning on drugging and assaulting Porsha Williams.

Porsha was beside herself after hearing the rumors from Phaedra. Then, at the Season 9 reunion, Phaedra admitted that she lied. When Porsha asked Phaedra why she would lie about something so horrible, Phaedra was caught in the act. “Something was brought to me. I just repeated it. I repeated what someone told me. I’m not saying I didn’t say it. I’m saying I repeated it.”

Porsha was brought to tears after being stuck in the middle between two friends. “Oh Phaedra, that’s awful,” Porsha said at the time. “Oh God, that’s so awful. I swear to God, Kandi — I would never ever say something like that to you if it wasn’t told to me in truth in confidence.”

Phaedra apologized for spreading the rumor, but it was too late. Bravo placed Phaedra on hold, and she left the series. As time went on, Phaedra and Porsha dropped their swords and became friends again. It’s their friendship that makes Phaedra’s addition to Season 16 so memorable.

It’s been refreshing to have Phaedra grace our screens once again. After so many years away from the Real Housewives cameras, her presence was missed.