Have you ever heard the name Tanya Hijazi and wondered, “Where is she now?” She was once married to the famous funk singer Rick James, known for his wild lifestyle and hit songs like Super Freak. Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, Tanya was often in the news—but not always for good reasons.
Today, many people are still curious about her. What happened after her high-profile marriage? Where did she go after the headlines faded? In this article, we’ll take a deep look at Tanya Hijazi’s full story, from her early life and rise to fame, to the ups and downs of her life with Rick James, and where she is now in 2026.
Tanya Hijazi Quick Bio
| Full Name | Tanya Anne Hijazi |
| Known As | Rick James’ ex-wife |
| Born | 1972 |
| Age (2026) | 54 years old |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American, possibly Dominican) |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Weight | 121 lbs (55 kg) |
| Mother | Suzzane Shapiro |
| Father | Not publicly known |
| Siblings | 1 sister (Tashia) |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | Rick James (m. 1997–2002) |
| Children | 1 son (Tazman James) |
| Job | Actress, Costume Designer |
| Famous For | Marriage to Rick James |
| Net Worth (2026) | $4–5 million |
| Social Media | Not active |
| Lives In | United States (Private life) |
| Current Work | Behind the scenes in Hollywood |
Who Is Tanya Hijazi?
Tanya Hijazi is an American actress and costume designer. But most people know her as Rick James’ ex-wife. She became famous in the 1990s after her relationship with the music star made headlines.
She wasn’t always in the spotlight, though. Tanya lived a very different life before she met Rick James. After her time in the public eye, she stepped away from fame and built a more private life. But her name still comes up today when people talk about Rick James’ past, especially during documentaries and music specials.
Tanya Hijazi’s Early Life and Family
Tanya was born in 1972, which makes her 54 years old in 2026. She grew up in the United States, and her background is a mix of African-American and possibly Dominican roots. She has always been proud of her mixed heritage.
Her mother’s name is Suzzane Shapiro, who once spoke in court to support Tanya during a difficult time. Tanya also has a sister named Tashia. Not much is known about her father, and Tanya has never shared much about him publicly. From a young age, Tanya seemed to have a creative spark, which later helped her in her work in fashion and costume design.
How Tanya Hijazi Met Rick James
Tanya Hijazi met Rick James in 1989. She was only 17 years old at the time. Rick, on the other hand, was already 41. That’s a 24-year age difference, which raised a lot of eyebrows.
They met at a time when Rick James was still very famous. He had money, fans, and a wild lifestyle. Tanya, being so young, was pulled into this fast-moving world. But instead of it being just a short fling, their relationship kept going strong for years. It started as a friendship, then turned into a full romance.
Tanya Hijazi and Rick James’ Big Age Difference
When people first learned about their relationship, the age gap became a big topic. Tanya was a teenager. Rick was already in his 40s. Many felt the difference was too big, while others believed love has no age limit.
Still, it wasn’t easy. The media often pointed out the gap in their ages. Some believed Tanya was too young to be in such a serious relationship, especially with someone like Rick James, who was known for his wild behavior. But Tanya stayed with him, showing loyalty through the good and bad times.
Tanya Hijazi’s Life With Rick James
Being with Rick James meant living a fast and often crazy life. He was a big star, and everything around him was loud, exciting, and sometimes dangerous. Tanya found herself right in the middle of that world—parties, fame, and drama.
They dated for a few years and were often seen together at events and parties. But behind the scenes, life wasn’t always perfect. Rick was known for using drugs, getting into legal trouble, and being unpredictable. Tanya stood by him through many of those hard times, even when the public judged them.
Tanya Hijazi and Rick James’ Marriage
After years of dating, Tanya and Rick got married on December 24, 1997, just a day before Christmas. It was a big step in their relationship. Some people thought the marriage would help settle Rick down.
They stayed married for five years. But even after tying the knot, their problems didn’t go away. They continued to face personal struggles and public issues. In 2002, they finally ended the marriage and got divorced.
Even though the relationship ended, Tanya didn’t go to the press or try to get attention. She kept her distance and stayed quiet. That showed a lot about her personality—she preferred privacy over more drama.
Tanya Hijazi’s Son, Tazman James
During their relationship, Tanya and Rick had a son named Tazman James, born in the early 1990s. Tanya was only around 21 years old when she became a mother. For her, it was a big turning point.
Tazman grew up surrounded by music and creativity. As he got older, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became an underground rapper. He may not be as famous as Rick James, but he’s still building his path in music.
Tanya has always been protective of her son. After Rick passed away in 2004, Tanya focused more on raising Tazman and staying away from public life. Being a mom became her number one priority.
Tanya Hijazi’s Arrest and Prison Time
Things took a dark turn in 1991. Tanya Hijazi and Rick James were both arrested in a shocking criminal case. Two women accused the couple of holding them against their will and badly hurting them. The news shocked fans and made headlines everywhere.
The charges were very serious. They included assault and kidnapping. At first, the case seemed confusing, and many details were hard to understand. But in the end, the courts made their decision. Tanya pleaded guilty to an assault charge.
She was sent to prison and served about 15 months. For Tanya Hijazi, this was one of the hardest moments of her life. The fame was gone. The parties were over. She had to face her actions and live with the outcome.
What Happened After Tanya Hijazi Went to Jail
After getting out of prison, Tanya Hijazi chose a different path. She did not run to the media. She did not give big interviews. Instead, she quietly stepped away from public life.
Many people expected her to disappear forever. But Tanya didn’t give up. She focused on rebuilding her life slowly. She stayed out of trouble and avoided the wild lifestyle that once surrounded her.
This time changed her deeply. Friends and people close to her say she became calmer and more focused. She wanted peace, not fame. And she worked hard to move forward.
Tanya Hijazi’s Career in Movies and Fashion
After prison, Tanya Hijazi returned to what she loved most—creative work. She started working behind the scenes in Hollywood. Instead of acting in front of cameras, she focused on design.
Her most known project is the movie The Unseen (2005), where she worked as a costume designer. She also appeared in music and TV documentaries that talked about Rick James’ life. These included Behind the Music, Unsung, and Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James.
Through this work, people saw a new side of Tanya Hijazi. Not just Rick James’ ex-wife, but a woman with real skills and real experience. She proved she could build a career quietly and honestly.
Tanya Hijazi’s Divorce From Rick James
Tanya Hijazi and Rick James divorced in 2002, after five years of marriage. Their split was quiet. There were no public fights or loud interviews.
Many believe the divorce happened because of stress, legal issues, and years of chaos. Living that kind of life can break even strong relationships. For Tanya, walking away may have been the healthiest choice.
After the divorce, she stayed private. She focused on her son and her work. She didn’t try to stay famous by using Rick James’ name. Instead, she moved on silently.
Did Tanya Hijazi Remarry After Rick James?
Many fans still ask this question. Did Tanya Hijazi ever remarry after Rick James?
As of 2026, there is no public record of her getting married again. She has never shared details about her love life. She is not on social media. She does not talk to tabloids.
It seems clear that Tanya Hijazi chose privacy over romance in the public eye. After everything she went through, that choice makes sense.
Tanya Hijazi’s Net Worth and Income
Even though she lives quietly, Tanya Hijazi is still financially stable. Her estimated net worth in 2026 is between $4 million and $5 million.
This money comes from several places. Part of it is linked to her divorce settlement. Another part comes from her steady work in costume and production design. Some reports say she earns around $80,000 per year from her behind-the-scenes work.
She may not live a flashy life, but she lives a secure one. And that shows how far she has come.
Where Is Tanya Hijazi Now?
So, where is Tanya Hijazi today?
As of 2026, she is believed to still live in the United States. Some sources mention Los Angeles, while others say Minnesota. Wherever she is, one thing is clear—she likes to stay out of sight.
She still works quietly in Hollywood. She helps create shows and films from behind the scenes. She lives a calm life and stays close to her family. Fame is no longer her goal.
Final Thoughts
Tanya Hijazi’s story is not simple. It is full of highs and lows. Fame and silence. Mistakes and growth.
She was once known only as Rick James’ ex-wife. But today, her life is about survival, change, and peace. She faced serious trouble and still managed to rebuild herself.
Her story reminds us of something important. People can change. And sometimes, the quietest lives are the strongest ones.
(FAQs)
What is Tanya Hijazi’s background?
Tanya has a mixed background. She’s part African-American, and some people believe she also has Dominican roots. She’s never talked much about it, which makes it even more interesting.
How old is Tanya Hijazi now?
Tanya was born in 1972, so she’s about 54 years old in 2026. No one knows her exact birthday — it’s one of those little details she’s kept private.
How much is Tanya Hijazi worth today?
Even though she’s stayed out of the spotlight, Tanya is doing well. Her net worth is around $4 to $5 million. That comes from her work in movies and fashion, and possibly from what she got after her divorce from Rick James.
Who are Tanya Hijazi’s parents?
Her mom is Suzzane Shapiro. She stood by Tanya during the hard times. As for her dad, his name is still a mystery — Tanya has never talked about him publicly.
Where is Tanya Hijazi now in 2026?
Tanya lives a quiet life somewhere in the U.S., maybe in Los Angeles or Minnesota. She works behind the scenes in Hollywood and keeps her personal life completely private. No social media, no interviews—just peace.
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