D.C. Young Fly and Ms. Jacky Oh: A Look Back at Their Enduring Love, Family, and Her Lasting Legacy
- Ms. Jacky Oh, whose real name was Jacklyn Smith, was a vibrant TV personality and entrepreneur.
- She and her longtime partner, D.C. Young Fly (John Whitfield), were beloved figures on Nick Cannon’s hit reality series Wild ‘n Out.
- The couple shared a deep, committed relationship since 2015 and were proud parents to three children, Nova, Nala, and Prince.
- Tragically, Ms. Jacky Oh passed away suddenly on May 31, 2023, with the news confirmed on June 1, 2023, sending shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among her many fans.
The entertainment world was plunged into mourning on June 1, 2023, with the heartbreaking news of Ms. Jacky Oh’s unexpected passing. A shining star and a cherished member of the Wild ‘n Out family, Jacklyn Smith, known affectionately to millions as Ms. Jacky Oh, left an indelible mark on those around her. Her vibrant personality, entrepreneurial spirit, and loving dedication as a mother resonated deeply with her audience. Her death, confirmed by TMZ, occurred on May 31, 2023, at the age of 32. While an official cause of death has not been released, earlier reports from the outlet suggested she was allegedly in Miami for a “mommy makeover,” a detail that was later removed from social media posts. Amidst this profound sorrow, the focus turns to her longtime partner, fellow *Wild ‘n Out* star D.C. Young Fly, 31, and the beautiful family they built together. Their journey, marked by love, laughter, and shared success, is a testament to a powerful bond that captivated many.

D.C. Young Fly: Ms. Jacky Oh’s Longtime Partner and a Versatile Entertainer
While many affectionately referred to D.C. Young Fly as Ms. Jacky Oh’s husband, it’s important to clarify that the couple was not formally married. Their bond, however, was as strong and committed as any marital union, a partnership that had blossomed since they began dating in 2015. Their nearly eight-year romance was a cornerstone of both their public and private lives, building a foundation of mutual support and deep affection that was evident to all who followed their journey. The tragic news of Jacky’s passing in June 2023 brought an abrupt and painful end to their beautiful chapter together.
D.C. Young Fly, born John Whitfield, is a formidable talent in his own right. Like Jacky, he gained significant recognition as a dynamic cast member on Wild ‘n Out, Nick Cannon’s iconic improv comedy show. His quick wit, sharp comedic timing, and charismatic stage presence quickly made him a fan favorite, establishing him as a prominent voice in contemporary comedy. Beyond the laughter, D.C. Young Fly’s career is remarkably multifaceted, demonstrating his passion for various forms of entertainment.
His rise to prominence began even before his *Wild ‘n Out* days, primarily through his innovative and hilarious videos on the now-defunct social media platform, Vine. Starting in 2013, D.C.’s unique brand of internet comedy quickly went viral, attracting a massive following and laying the groundwork for his extensive career. This initial success catapulted him into the digital spotlight, where he cultivated a loyal fanbase and developed his distinctive comedic persona. He seamlessly transitioned from internet sensation to television star, further cementing his place in the industry.
In addition to his comedic prowess and television work, D.C. Young Fly is also a respected and prolific recording artist. His music career showcases a different facet of his artistic expression, often delving into themes of faith, perseverance, and daily life experiences. In February 2023, he excitedly announced his latest tour via Instagram, illustrating his dedication to connecting with his audience through music. “Ain’t never worried wat the next man doin!!! I stay prayed up and work on the mission #NoDayzOff #CominToACityNearYou,” he captioned the post, embodying his relentless work ethic and spiritual grounding. His discography includes popular tracks such as “24 Hrs,” “Faith and Hope,” and “Good Thang,” which resonate with his listeners and highlight his versatile talent. This blend of comedy, acting, and music truly defines D.C. Young Fly as a comprehensive entertainer, committed to his craft and his family.
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Ms. Jacky Oh & D.C. Young Fly’s Beautiful Family
Beyond their individual successes in entertainment, Ms. Jacky Oh and D.C. Young Fly built a beautiful family that was central to their lives. The “2 Shots” singer and his partner were incredibly proud parents to three children, who were the absolute joy and light of their nearly decade-long romance. Their family-of-five was completed by their eldest daughter Nova, 6, their middle daughter Nala, 2, and their youngest, son Prince, who was 11 months old at the time of his mother’s passing. The couple frequently shared glimpses of their loving family life on social media, radiating happiness and showcasing their deep commitment to parenting.
Just one week before Jacky’s tragic death, D.C. Young Fly took to his Instagram to share a heartwarming carousel of photos featuring his beloved children. The caption, “Best part about comin home,” accompanied by heart-eye emojis, beautifully encapsulated the profound joy and comfort he found in his family. These posts served as a touching reminder of the loving home Jacky and D.C. created, a sanctuary filled with warmth and affection for their little ones.
Ms. Jacky Oh herself celebrated Mother’s Day 2023 with a poignant photo shared on May 7, featuring her three children. “Mother’s Day is next weekend! Look at these beautiful babies that came straight out my [cat emoji],” she captioned the touching image, expressing her immense pride and love for her kids. Her social media was a testament to her devotion as a mother, often featuring sweet moments and milestones with Nova, Nala, and Prince. These heartfelt posts, now imbued with a somber significance, highlight the deep bond she shared with her children and the joy they brought into her life.
The couple also thoughtfully shared their journey as parents with their fans. Nearly a year prior to her passing, Jacky and D.C. utilized her YouTube channel to introduce their son, Prince, to the world. In the video’s caption, Jacky wrote, “It’s been an amazing 5 months keeping our baby boy all to ourselves, but I know my Youtube family been eager to meet baby boy! Thank you for respecting our space, y’all know I couldn’t go into 2023 without introducing you to him!!” This act underscored their appreciation for their fans’ support while also carefully guarding their precious family moments. Their openness about their family life allowed fans to connect with them on a deeply personal level, admiring their commitment as parents and their loving dynamic.
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The Tragic Passing of Ms. Jacky Oh: Details and Tributes
The news of Ms. Jacky Oh’s untimely death, which circulated widely on June 1, 2023, left countless fans and colleagues reeling in disbelief and sorrow. As of now, an official cause of death has not been publicly released, adding to the mystery and heartache surrounding her passing. However, earlier reports from *TMZ* cited a now-deleted social media post that suggested Jacky was in Miami for an alleged “mommy makeover” procedure shortly before her death. This detail, while unconfirmed as the direct cause, fueled speculation and concern among her followers and the wider public.
In the wake of this profound loss, the official Twitter account for Wild ‘n Out, the show where Jacky Oh rose to prominence, released a heartfelt statement sending their deepest condolences to D.C. Young Fly and their family. The statement, spread across multiple tweets, eloquently captured the collective grief of the *Wild ‘n Out* community. The initial tweet read, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacklyn Smith, known to the world as Jacky Oh, a talented Wild N’ Out family member whose impact will be forever treasured and missed.” This sentiment underscored her importance not just as a cast member, but as an integral part of their creative family.
The tribute continued, emphasizing her warm spirit and profound role as a mother. “Jacky Oh was a loving friend & beloved colleague of the Wild N’ Out cast throughout five seasons. More importantly, she was a tremendous mother to three beautiful children,” the statement affirmed. This highlights her multifaceted identity: a cherished professional and, more significantly, a devoted matriarch. Her ability to balance a public career with such a loving commitment to her family earned her widespread admiration and respect.
The BET Media Group, the network behind Wild ‘n Out, concluded their statement by extending their sincere sympathies to D.C. Young Fly and all those who knew and loved Jacky. “The BET Media Group extends our sincere condolences to the Smith family, DC Young Fly, B Simone, Nick Cannon, and all friends who loved and cared for Jacky Oh during this difficult time,” the final tweet expressed. This broad outpouring of grief and support from the network and her peers speaks volumes about the impact Jacky Oh had on everyone she encountered. At this incredibly sensitive time, D.C. Young Fly has maintained a private stance, understandable given the immense personal tragedy. He has not yet released a public statement about his beloved partner’s passing, leaving many to imagine the depth of his sorrow as he navigates this challenging period and cares for their three young children. The world continues to mourn Ms. Jacky Oh, remembering her vibrant life and sending strength to D.C. Young Fly and their family as they grapple with this irreplaceable loss.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacklyn Smith, known to the world as Jacky Oh, a talented Wild N’ Out family member whose impact will be forever treasured and missed. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/aAirfRC5Tc
— Wild ‘N Out (@WildNOut) June 1, 2023