Jo Koy’s ex-wife is Angie King, a Filipino-American singer-songwriter who performs under the stage name Nura Luca. The couple married in 2003 and divorced in 2013, but what makes their story unusual is what happened after the split—they remained remarkably close friends and dedicated co-parents to their son, Joseph Herbert Jr.
While many celebrity divorces end in bitterness and silence, Jo Koy and Angie King built something different: a partnership that evolved rather than ended.
Who Is Angie King?
Angie King is a singer and artist who has carved out her own creative path independent of her famous ex-husband.
Early Life and Background
King was born on May 28, 1979, in the Philippines, and her family immigrated to the United States when she was a child. She grew up in California alongside her brother, David King Jr.
Raised Catholic, King credits singing in her church choir as the spark that inspired her to pursue music professionally. Her late father was a professional opera singer who heavily influenced her eclectic sound.
Musical Career as Nura Luca
Performing under the stage name Nura Luca, King has released music that blends dreamy, atmospheric melodies with introspective lyrics. In 2020, she released an album titled Pipe Dreams, and her first single dropped in 2019.
Her official bio describes her sound as “dark and dreamy melodies” that convey “a time of romance, mystery, and illusion”.
How Jo Koy and Angie King Met and Married
Jo Koy and Angie King met in the early days of his comedy career. According to reports, they started dating while Koy was still grinding through open mic nights and small gigs, and they married not long after meeting.
The exact date of their wedding remains unclear, but their son, Joseph J. Herbert Jr., was born on April 21, 2003. At the time, Koy was working multiple jobs to support his young family while chasing his comedy dreams.
The marriage lasted roughly a decade before the couple separated in 2013.
The Divorce and Their Unconventional Friendship
When Jo Koy and Angie King divorced in 2013, they made a conscious decision that would define their relationship for years to come: they chose to remain friends.
Learning from His Parents’ Divorce
Koy has been open about how his own parents’ divorce shaped his approach. His father left when Koy was a child, and he lost contact with his entire paternal side of the family. That experience left a mark.
“I learned a great deal from my mom and dad’s mistakes,” Koy told The Breakfast Club. Instead of repeating that pattern, he and King built something new: “We’re divorced for a reason, but we’re great friends”.
Living in the Same Neighborhood
One of the most striking aspects of their post-divorce relationship is how close they stayed—literally. Koy and King chose to live in the same neighborhood, with their homes just a short distance apart, to make co-parenting easier.
Koy even bought King a house directly in front of his own. “I love her. I bought her a house right in front of my house. It’s amazing,” he told The Jennifer Hudson Show. “We have such a great relationship. She’s my best friend, she’s my ride or die”.
Quarantining Together During COVID
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Koy invited King to stay in his guest house so their son wouldn’t be separated from either parent during lockdown restrictions.
“She’s the best. In the beginning, it was rough, and that’s fine. But the older we got, we understood that we’re best friends, and this is the best thing that we could do for our kid,” Koy explained on Windy City LIVE. “He is so happy because of it”.
Angie King’s Support for Jo Koy’s Career
King has been one of Koy’s most vocal supporters, even after their divorce.
Celebrating His Milestones
When Koy hosted the 2024 Golden Globes, King threw a party to celebrate and publicly congratulated him on Instagram. “He is the first Filipino/Asian American to ever host the Golden Globes,” she wrote. “We are so proud of him!”
On Koy’s 50th birthday in 2021, she penned a heartfelt tribute: “Today is the big 5-0 for the most genuine, giving, hard-working, and funniest guy I know. My best friend and baby daddy lol. Cheers to another year of success, happiness, good times, and great things ahead! Mahal Kita!”.
“Mahal Kita” is a Filipino phrase meaning “I love you.”
Creative Collaborations
The two have even worked together creatively. In 2019 and 2020, they teamed up for a comedic soap opera series called “Bahay Ko Ito”, poking fun at quarantine life and their shared Filipino heritage.
Jo Koy and Angie King’s Son: Joseph Herbert Jr.
The couple’s son, Joseph J. Herbert Jr., was born in 2003 and has grown up with parents who prioritized his happiness above their own differences.
In 2020, Joseph posted a photo of his dad performing at the Forum with the caption: “Still can’t believe this happened. So proud and so happy u lived out one of ur dreams”.
King has also spoken about the joy of watching her son grow. On his 19th birthday, she wrote: “Being your Mom is my greatest accomplishment in life. I love you beyond words, sweetheart”.
What Angie King Is Doing Now
King continues to pursue her music career and remains active on social media, where she shares updates about her creative projects and her son.
She has not remarried and appears to have focused on her art and her role as a mother. Koy has also moved on romantically—he dated fellow comedian Chelsea Handler from 2021 to 2022, and the two remain friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jo Koy’s ex-wife?
Jo Koy’s ex-wife is Angie King, a Filipino-American singer who performs under the stage name Nura Luca. They were married from 2003 to 2013.
Why did Jo Koy and Angie King divorce?
The specific reasons for their divorce have not been publicly detailed. Koy has said they are “divorced for a reason,” but both have emphasized that they remain best friends and dedicated co-parents.
Do Jo Koy and Angie King have children?
Yes, they share one son, Joseph J. Herbert Jr., born on April 21, 2003.
Are Jo Koy and Angie King still friends?
Yes, they are remarkably close. Koy has called King his “best friend” and “ride or die,” and they live in the same neighborhood to co-parent their son.
What is Angie King’s stage name?
Angie King performs under the stage name Nura Luca.
Who did Jo Koy date after his divorce?
Jo Koy dated fellow comedian Chelsea Handler from 2021 to 2022. They announced their breakup in July 2022 but remain friends.
A Divorce That Redefined Family
Jo Koy and Angie King’s relationship is a reminder that divorce doesn’t have to mean the end of a family. Through conscious effort, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to their son, they’ve built something that works—and their son is thriving because of it.
As Koy put it: “We’re a team. We made this kid, so let’s share this as a family”.
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