Leakes married NeNe, a former star of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, in 1997 before getting divorced in 2010. They later remarried in 2013.

Leakes is survived by his six children: Daryl, Damian, Dexter, Denton, Katrina and Brentt. He was also a stepdad to NeNe’s son, Bryson, whom she had from a prior relationship.

Leakes’ publicist Ernest Dukes shared a statement about the news.

“Today the Leakes family is in deep pain with a broken heart. After a long battle with cancer, Gregg Leakes has passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by all of his children, very close loved ones and wife NeNe Leakes,” Dukes wrote. “We ask that you pray for peace and strength over their family & allow them to mourn in private during this very very difficult time.”

NeNe first announced Gregg was battling cancer in 2018 and later said he was cancer-free in May 2019. This past summer, she announced that his cancer had returned.

A video was shared on social media in late August in which Leakes made allusions to her husband’s declining health. Speaking to customers at her Duluth club The Linnethia Lounge, NeNe said in the video, “My husband is transitioning to the other side.”

Andy Cohen, whose Bravo show Watch What Happens Live featured appearances from Gregg and NeNe, shared his condolences on Twitter.

Cynthia Bailey also tweeted about Gregg’s passing. Bailey joined The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2010 and maintained a close friendship the Leakes.

Bailey later wrote a lengthier message that shared a fond memory of Gregg on her Instagram account.

Bailey’s husband, Black News Channel host Mike Hill, joined his wife in offering kind words about Gregg. Hill said, “Sad to hear the news of Greg Leakes passing. When I first started dating Cynthia he always had supportive words. In fact he was the 1st person to pray for us in our relationship. I’ll never forget it or the tips he passed down as to how to navigate #RHOA.”

Porsha Williams, another cast member of the Housewives, posted of Gregg’s passing on Instagram. She wrote: “Truly heartbreaking news 💔 Love and prayers for dear Nene & the Leakes family 🙏🏾”

Former Housewives star Shereé Whitfield sent her love as well.

The cable channel Bravo, home to The Real Housewives of Atlanta, acknowledged Gregg’s passing with a note about his “kind spirit.”

Update 09/01/21 5:51 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include more social media posts from those who knew Gregg Leakes.