When Bronny James made an appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics to cheer on his dad, LeBron James, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice the mystery woman by his side
She was later revealed to be Parker Whitfield, daughter of Hollywood power couple Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Dondré Whitfield – here’s what we know about the ultra-private college student

When Bronny James made an appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympics to cheer on his dad LeBron James, eagle-eyed fans were quick to notice that there was a mystery woman by his side.

Photos showed Bronny, 19, snuggling up with a brunette while sitting courtside with his brother Bryce at Team USA’s match against Serbia in the men’s basketball semi-finals. She was later revealed to be Parker Whitfield, the daughter of American actors Salli Richardson-Whitfield and Dondré Whitfield.

According to Sports Illustrated, they were first spotted together in the US men’s national team’s basketball win against Brazil earlier this month. Bronny is said to be following Parker on Instagram, though it’s unclear whether they are romantically involved or just friends.

“In Madrid with my bestie/daughter,” Salli Richardson-Whitfield captioned this June 2023 photo of herself and her daughter, Parker Whitfield. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

Parker has not been seen much in public, but fans quickly observed that she’s the spitting image of her gorgeous mum in her youth.

Here’s what we know about Parker Whitfield.

Parker Whitfield has famous parents

The Whitfield family on Father’s Day last year: Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Parker Whitfield, Dre Whitfield and Dondré Whitfield (far right). Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

Like Bronny, Parker hails from a famous family. Her mum is a well-known American actress and TV director who rose in the industry during the 1990s, starring in films like The Great White Hype with Samuel L. Jackson, Antwone Fisher with Denzel Washington, and I Am Legend with Will Smith, and the TV show Eureka. As a director, she has worked on TV series like See with Jason Momoa, Dear White People, Altered Carbon, The Gilded Age and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, which covers the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers – the same team that LeBron plays for.
Parker’s father Dondré Whitfield is also a seasoned actor, having worked with Hollywood heavyweights like John Travolta, Helen Mirren, David Oyelowo, Michael B. Jordan and Kevin Hart over the years, per his IMDB page. He’s also scored roles in TV series like All My Children, The Event and Mistresses.

Per Essence, Salli and Dondré met in 1997, and have been married since 2002. They also share a son, Dre Whitfield.

She’s attending Spelman College

Salli Richardson-Whitfield shared a photo accompanied by a loving caption for her daughter Parker Whitfield’s high school graduation in May 2023. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

According to various sources, Parker is currently studying at Spelman College. In 2023, her dad Dondré took to Instagram to share the joyous news. “We are so excited that Parker has chosen @spelman_college as her ‘great experience’!” he wrote in a post alongside a family pic. “It will undoubtedly offer her a top tier education, sisterhood and citizenship.”

Parker Whitfield in a holiday snap in Madrid, in June 2023. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

That same year, her mum also cheered her on ahead of her new chapter in life. “@parker.whitfield your mum and dad are so proud of you,” she stated in a joint Instagram post with her husband in May 2023. “Enjoy your time in college. We couldn’t have asked for a better daughter.”

She’s very private

Parker Whitfield sporting a glamorous look in May 2022. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

Despite having Hollywood parents, it seems like Parker prefers to keep it low-key. At the time of writing, her Instagram account is private and not much is known about her in the public sphere.

She’s close with her family

“And just like that, my beautiful baby is 17 and has her driver’s license,” Salli Richardson-Whitfield captioned this photo of herself and Parker Whitfield in September 2021.Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

It’s clear that the Whitfields are tight-knit, often sharing pics together with sweet captions on social media.

Parker Whitfield is close with her family, with her mum Salli Richardson-Whitfield frequently sharing social media pics with loving messages. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

In May 2022, Salli expressed her love for her daughter in an Instagram post, writing, “So this happened while I was asleep, my baby @parker.whitfield grew up. I love her to the moon and back. #proudmom #workingmom”

Who has Parker Whitfield dated?

Salli Richardson-Whitfield posted this pic of her daughter Parker Whitfield and her apparent date, Brando Fuqua, in May 2023. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram

Although Parker is very private, her mum does occasionally share milestones in her daughter’s life, including her prom pics – and possible prom date – back in 2023. As seen in Salli’s Instagram posts, she appeared to attend the event with Brando Fuqua, the son of film director Antoine Fuqua. “One prom down and one to go. @iamlelarochon Happy Mother’s Day, and thank you and your hubby @antoinefuqua for raising such a magnificent young man,” she wrote.

Brando Fuqua and Parker Whitfield. Photo: @sallirichwhit/Instagram