Who Has Destiny’s Child Member, Michelle Williams, Dated?

Michelle Williams is most known as a beloved member of the greatest-selling girl group, Destiny’s Child. The Masked Singer competitor has also had a successful solo singer in gospel and pop music – as well as through performing in Broadway productions. Williams has used her celebrity platform to bring awareness to mental health and wellness, as she’s struggled with depression since she was a child. 

She’s been open about depression stifling her both personally and professionally, including her romantic relationships. While she’s kept her private life out of the spotlight, fans were happy when she announced she was dating sports chaplain, Chad Johnson. The two became engaged but they broke it off months later.

Michelle Williams and Chad Johnson’s relationship

Johnson and Williams first met at a spiritual retreat in March 2017. The retreat was held in Arizona run by Johnson, who is a life coach in addition to his work as a chaplain. 

Williams attended the retreat to rejuvenate her spirits after a bad breakup. “I was in a horrible, dark place,” she told PEOPLE in April 2018. “I just needed to go somewhere where I could get a message of hope and restoration, rejuvenation — get connected to God.”

They hit it off immediately but kept their distance while at the retreat to focus on their individual goals. When the retreat ended, a friend of Johnson’s encouraged him to pursue Williams. They connected on social media and spoke to through FaceTime for three months before going on their first date.

They kept their relationship under wraps for about two months before telling their friends and family and an official introduction to their inner circles. Much of their initial dating was long distance as Johnson was traveling as a chaplain with The Pittsburgh Steelers and Williams was busy traveling as a motivational speaker.

They debuted their love shortly before Williams reunited with Destiny’s Child at Coachella. Johnson proposed in March 2018 in Pebble Beach, California. The proposal was magical and included video footage of a secret trip to Williams’ hometown in Illinois of Johnson asking her family for their blessing. A tearful Williams said yes to Johnson and a beautiful 5-carat ring.

Johnson moved to Los Angels to be with Williams. Their road to the altar was documented on an OWN reality series, Chad & Michelle. 

Michelle Williams and Chad Johnson end engagement 

Williams was over the moon but her depression soon sank in. While in the middle of wedding planning, she began to feel uneasy about all aspects of her life, including her future with Johnson. 

She later revealed to PEOPLE that she ended the engagement twice due to depression, one was just a few weeks after Johnson proposed. While she loved Johnson, she was open about not knowing how to handle conflict well and often ran from any issues in her relationship with Johnson.

Williams entered a treatment facility with Johnson by her side to support her as she worked to get her mental health back on track. They reconciled and underwent individual and couple’s premarital counseling. They committed to remain abstinent until they wed. 

Things seemed better until Williams revealed in an Instagram story that she was single. “I still remain fearless,” she wrote in simple white text on a black background. “I guess I still remain single! Things didn’t work out. The healing that needs to take place is a must! I don’t wanna destroy another relationship. Blessings to him, his family and ministry. #FEARLESS.”

Their struggles were later shown on their docuseries, which included cultural differences and Williams feeling pressured to schedule a wedding date. 

She and Johnson both wiped their pages clean of images of each other and confirmed their relationship was over. Both later revealed that they wish one another the best and were photographed together at the 2019 Kentucky Derby, sparking rumors of a reconciliation.

Williams has chosen to focus on her career and advocacy work for mental health and wellness since her split with Johnson. She’s said that she’s open to love again. Hopefully, she finds the partner she yearns for one day!