Who Is Diana Lasso? The Untold Life Story of Wayne Brady’s First Wife

Diana Lasso is a Colombian-American singer and songwriter who rose to public attention as the first wife of American comedian and television personality Wayne Brady. Born on March 4, 1975, in Jackson Heights, New York, Diana carries a rich Colombian heritage that has deeply shaped her music, her values, and her identity. While many know her simply through the lens of her brief marriage to a celebrity, her life tells a far more layered and compelling story — one built on talent, cultural pride, quiet resilience, and a deep commitment to her art.
Diana Lasso: Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Diana Lasso |
| Date of Birth | March 4, 1975 |
| Age (2026) | 50 years old |
| Birthplace | Jackson Heights, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Colombian-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Parents | Carlos A. Lasso (Father), Inez Lasso (Mother) |
| Siblings | Elena Lasso, Julie Lasso |
| Profession | Singer, Songwriter |
| Known For | “Esta Noche No”, Wayne Brady’s first wife |
| Famous Song | “Esta Noche No”, “Quien Te Vira” |
| Marriage Date | December 31, 1993 |
| Divorce Date | September 21, 1995 |
| Ex-Husband | Wayne Brady |
| Children | None |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1 Million |
| Current Residence | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Social Media | Instagram (@dianalassomusic), X (Twitter) |
Early Life and Family Background
Diana Lasso grew up in Jackson Heights, New York, in a warm and close-knit household. Her parents, Carlos A. Lasso and Inez Lasso — both originally from Colombia — raised her alongside her two sisters, Elena and Julie, in a home filled with culture and music. Her mother, Inez, worked as a lawyer in the South Bronx, and the family maintained strong ties to their Colombian roots while building a life in America.
Music entered Diana’s life early, largely thanks to her grandmother, who held a genuine passion for song and melody. That early influence planted the seeds of a lifelong love for music. As a young girl, Diana dreamed of becoming a singer, and those dreams were nurtured by the cultural richness of her upbringing. Her Colombian heritage gave her a natural connection to Latin rhythms, emotional storytelling, and the kind of soulful music that later defined her style.
Music Career and Artistic Journey
Diana Lasso began her music career in Colombia, where she first stepped into the professional music scene. Working within the Latin urban genre, she developed a sound that blended emotional lyrics with Colombian rhythms and soft melodies. Her voice, described by listeners as calm and heartfelt, set her apart from more commercial artists of the time.
Her most recognised track, “Esta Noche No,” reached audiences in Colombia and earned her a dedicated following. She also released another song titled “Quien Te Vira,” further showcasing her storytelling ability in Spanish. Although her music career did not reach mainstream international fame, Diana’s artistic voice remained genuine and consistent. She chose depth over fame, and her catalogue reflects the honest, introspective qualities that define her as an artist.
Meeting Wayne Brady and Their Marriage
Diana Lasso met Wayne Brady in the United States during the early 1990s, a period when Wayne was just beginning to build his career in comedy and television. The two grew close quickly, and their relationship moved at a rapid pace. On December 31, 1993 — New Year’s Eve — they married in a ceremony that felt symbolic of a hopeful new beginning. Diana was just 18 years old, and Wayne was 21.
Their union attracted public interest, largely due to Wayne’s growing profile in entertainment. However, the pressures of a demanding career and the challenges of building a marriage at such a young age soon took a toll. Wayne was spending long hours working and simultaneously battling depression, which left little room for emotional presence within the relationship. Diana found herself without the love and attention she needed, and the couple separated. Their divorce was finalised on September 21, 1995, after less than two years of marriage.

Why Did Diana Lasso and Wayne Brady Divorce?
The breakdown of their marriage came down to a combination of factors that, individually, might have been manageable but together proved too much for two young people to navigate. Wayne Brady’s relentless career schedule left little time for the relationship, and his personal struggle with depression made emotional connection even harder during that period.
Wayne himself later spoke openly about the marriage, telling interviewers: the lesson he took from it was not to rush into things. He noted that marrying at 20 or 21 means you still do not fully know yourself. He also spoke warmly of Diana, acknowledging her as a great person. The split was mutual and handled with dignity on both sides. Diana did not speak publicly about the divorce, choosing instead to move forward with quiet grace.
Life After the Divorce
Following her divorce from Wayne Brady, Diana stepped away from the spotlight entirely. Rather than chase media attention or use the celebrity connection to further her own profile, she returned to what she had always loved most — her music. She continued writing and performing, focusing her career primarily in Colombia and among Latin American communities in the United States.
She settled in Miami, Florida, a city whose cultural richness and Latin-American energy suited her lifestyle perfectly. There, she found space to grow as an artist and as a person. Her life post-divorce became a quiet but meaningful one, built around creativity, personal passions, and a deliberate distance from public life. She also developed a love for horse racing, a hobby that reflects her adventurous and spirited personality.
Personal Life and Privacy
Diana Lasso has consistently chosen privacy over public exposure. She holds accounts on Instagram (@dianalassomusic) and X, formerly Twitter, but her presence on these platforms remains minimal. She shares glimpses of her world occasionally but does not court attention or engage in the kind of personal disclosure that celebrity culture often demands.
Since her divorce from Wayne Brady, there is no publicly confirmed information about further romantic relationships or whether she has had children. She has kept those aspects of her life firmly private. What is known is that she remains committed to her music and to living on her own terms, unbothered by the expectations placed on former celebrity spouses.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Diana Lasso’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $1 million as of 2026. Her income derives primarily from her music career, including song royalties, performances, and related creative work. While this figure stands at a considerable distance from Wayne Brady’s estimated net worth of $18 million, Diana has built her financial standing independently through her own efforts.
She has not relied on her former connection to Wayne Brady to sustain either her public image or her livelihood. Her financial journey reflects the same quiet self-reliance that defines her personal choices. Diana Lasso built what she has through her own talent and on her own terms.
Conclusion
Diana Lasso is far more than a footnote in someone else’s story. She is a Colombian-American singer with genuine talent, a private woman who chose authenticity over fame, and a person who has navigated public attention with consistent dignity. Her brief marriage to Wayne Brady brought her into the spotlight, but her life before, during, and after that chapter reveals a woman defined by her music, her heritage, and her own quiet strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Diana Lasso?
Diana Lasso is a Colombian-American singer and songwriter, best known as the first wife of comedian and TV host Wayne Brady. She was born on March 4, 1975, in Jackson Heights, New York, and is recognised for her Spanish-language song “Esta Noche No.”
Q2. When did Diana Lasso and Wayne Brady get married?
Diana Lasso and Wayne Brady married on December 31, 1993 — New Year’s Eve. Diana was 18 years old and Wayne was 21 at the time of their wedding.
Q3. Why did Diana Lasso and Wayne Brady divorce?
They divorced on September 21, 1995, after less than two years of marriage. The main reasons were Wayne’s demanding career schedule, his personal struggle with depression, and the challenges of marrying at a very young age.
Q4. Do Diana Lasso and Wayne Brady have children together?
No. Diana Lasso and Wayne Brady did not have any children during their marriage. Wayne’s daughter, Maile Masako Brady, is from his second marriage to actress Mandie Taketa.
Q5. What is Diana Lasso doing now?
As of 2026, Diana Lasso lives in Miami, Florida. She continues to pursue her passion for music and maintains a private lifestyle, away from media attention. She is active on social media under the handle @dianalassomusic but keeps her personal life largely out of the public eye.
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