Carolyn Moos-Hardinformer fiancee of the late NBA trailblazer Jason Collinsspoke after his death from brain cancer this week.
“How precious life is and how precious life is – I wish everyone a long life. I pray for peace and that the ways we leave a positive impact on people's lives will be eternal,” said Moos-Hardin, 47, in a special statement. Us Weekly. “My heart goes out to Jason's family and those closest to him. We have accepted the gift, he has given us our presence and you know that time is our greatest gift.”
After meeting as student athletes at Stanford, Collins and Moos-Hardin dated for eight years and eventually got engaged.
Collins came out publicly in 2013 Sports Illustrated Cover story, making him the first openly gay player in NBA history.
His death was announced by his family on Tuesday, May 12, five months after he revealed that he was diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma. He was 47 years old.
“Jason changed lives in an unexpected way and was an inspiration to all who knew him and those who admired him from afar,” said the family's statement. “Thank you for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past eight months and the exceptional care Jason received from his doctors and nurses. Our family will miss him dearly.”
At the time of her death, Collins was married to her husband, Brunson Greenhe started dating her as soon as he came out. The couple got married in May 2025.
Moos-Hardin and her husband married in May 2025 and welcomed their daughter, Chaysa, in December 2025.
Collins' death brought a surprising response from the NBA community, including the league's commissioner Adam Silver.
“Jason Collins' impact and influence extended beyond basketball as he helped make the NBA, WNBA and the greater sports community inclusive and welcoming for generations to come,” Silver, 64, said in a statement. He has shown outstanding leadership and professionalism throughout his 13 years in the NBA and in his dedicated work as an NBA Cares Ambassador.”
Silver added, “Jason will be remembered not only for breaking barriers, but for the compassion and humanity that defined his life and touched so many others.” On behalf of the NBA, I send my heartfelt condolences to Jason's husband, Brunson, and his family, friends and colleagues across our organizations.”
An NBA legend Charles Barkley boasted of Collins' legacy and impact on Wednesday, May 13, in between ESPN Inside the NBA.
“When he came out, man, I thought it was amazing to put myself under the microscope and the scrutiny and the hate and the vitriol that was going to happen,” said Barkley, 63. “But man, I hate the way the story ended because he was such a role model.” [of]'You too, man.' Obviously for anyone out there who is struggling with their sexuality, you are too. Gay people have the right to do what they want to do. It's nobody else's business at all.”
He continued, “His coming out was very nice. It's clear that many times, especially in the Black community, if you're gay, you're treated badly. And that upsets him, but I was proud of him for coming out. When I got the news yesterday, it just blew me away.”
