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Charles Barkley declined an invitation to the wedding everyone wanted to attend: Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s.
Why? The NBA legend’s reasoning is very simple. He doesn’t go to weddings.
“I don’t go to weddings. I love Travis. Him and Jason are great friends of mine. I got a lot of love and respect – I’ve only met Taylor one time, she’s an awesome person from a distance, and I’m happy for them. But I’m like, ‘Nah, I’m gonna politely decline,’” Barkley said during a recent appearance on Barstool Sports’ “Pardon My Take.”
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Former Phoenix Suns player Charles Barkley attends an NBA Cup game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
“Because I love both of those guys, Jason and Travis, a lot. I got a lotta love and respect for them, but like, nah, I’m not going to that zoo.”
When asked by host Dan Katz, better known as “Big Cat,” why he doesn’t attend weddings, Barkley said he doesn’t want to overshadow the bride on her day.
“That’s the bride’s special day, let her enjoy herself,” Barkley said. “It’s your special day.”
NFL LEGEND ROB GRONKOWSKI DETAILS TRAVIS KELCE AND TAYLOR SWIFT’S ‘MAGNIFICENT’ WEDDING
Charles Barkley on air before the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Michigan Wolverines and the Connecticut Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
“I want her to have all the shine.”
Roughly 1,000 people attended Kelce and Swift’s wedding at Madison Square Garden on July 3. Yet despite the surreal setting and a star-studded guest list, Barkley chose not to attend.
In addition to not attending weddings, Barkley does not attend funerals either. The Basketball Hall of Famer said he will only attend a funeral if it’s somebody special.
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Former Phoenix Suns player Charles Barkley sits courtside during an NBA Cup game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on Nov. 21, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas/Imagn Images)
“If somebody is really special, I’ll make an exception. But I’m not going to somebody who is a casual friend of mine’s funeral. They don’t know I’m there, they’re dead.”
“If somebody is special to me, I will go. But I don’t really want to go and see somebody who I like, last time I saw them they was dead.”
Barkley played in the NBA for 16 seasons and was an 11-time All-Star. He won the MVP in the 1992-93 season. He currently is a basketball analyst on “Inside the NBA.”
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