Doja Cat, born Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, has audiences worldwide with her unique blend of rap, pop, and R&B since bursting onto the music scene. The Grammy-winning artist, known for hits like “Say So,” “Paint the Town Red,” and “Woman,” has maintained a relatively private personal life despite her massive public presence. Born on October 21, 1995, in Los Angeles, California, the 29-year-old artist has consistently deflected interest in her romantic relationships, preferring to keep fans focused on her music and artistic evolution.
Throughout her career, Doja Cat has been linked to several high-profile relationships, though she rarely confirms details publicly. Her approach to dating and relationships reflects her philosophy of maintaining boundaries between her public persona and private life. The artist has openly discussed her views on love and relationships, describing herself as someone who has evolved in how she approaches romantic connections. In recent interviews, she’s revealed a more mature perspective on love, stating that she’s “learning to love myself, so the way that I love other people is very different.”
Currently, Doja Cat is not married, though she has been in a relationship with British actor Joseph Quinn since 2024. Their relationship became public in August 2024 when they were spotted together in London, marking a significant moment for fans who had been speculating about their connection since 2022. This relationship represents the most serious and public romantic involvement Doja Cat has had in recent years, though both parties maintain a relatively low profile about their personal lives.
Current Relationship Status
Doja Cat is currently dating Joseph Quinn, the 30-year-old British actor best known for his role as Eddie Munson in Netflix’s “Stranger Things” and his recent appearance in “Gladiator II.” Their relationship became public knowledge in August 2024 when paparazzi captured them holding hands during a romantic stroll through London streets. The couple was photographed displaying public affection, with Quinn’s arm around Doja Cat and their hands intertwined.
The relationship sparked significant media attention, particularly because of their previous connection dating back to 2022. Doja Cat had initially expressed interest in Quinn through Instagram DMs to his “Stranger Things” co-star Noah Schnapp, asking him to facilitate an introduction. This led to some controversy when Schnapp publicly shared their private conversation, which Doja Cat later addressed as “socially unaware” behavior.
In September 2024, engagement rumors swirled when Doja Cat was spotted wearing a ring on her left hand during her performance at the iHeartRadio Music Festival. However, she quickly dispelled these rumors through a since-deleted social media post, clarifying that it was simply “a David Yurman ring with no rocks in it” and that she was not engaged.
Recent reports from April 2025 have raised questions about the stability of their relationship, as Quinn was reportedly seen on Raya, a celebrity dating app, suggesting he may be “ready to date again” despite being with Doja Cat for eight months. This development has led fans to speculate about their current status, especially considering Doja Cat’s previous openness about non-monogamous relationships.
Dating History and Past Relationships
Jawny (Johnny Utah) – 2019-2020
Doja Cat’s most publicly documented relationship was with American musician Jawny, formerly known as Johnny Utah. They dated from August 2019 to February 2020 in what was described as a brief open relationship. The relationship ended amicably, with Doja Cat confirming their split during an Instagram Live session in February 2020. This relationship was significant as it represented one of the few times Doja Cat openly acknowledged a romantic partnership.
J. Cyrus – 2022-2024
Following her split from Jawny, Doja Cat was linked to comedian Jeffrey “J” Cyrus. They were first spotted together in New York City in November 2022, leading to speculation about their relationship status. During a 2023 interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Doja Cat hinted at being in a serious relationship, stating she was “very committed and very much in love in a different way than before,” though she never explicitly confirmed it was with Cyrus. Their relationship reportedly lasted until February 2024.
Other Rumored Connections
Throughout her career, Doja Cat has been linked to several other celebrities, though most of these connections remain unconfirmed. She was rumored to have had a brief connection with rapper Quavo in September 2023. Additionally, there were rumors about a relationship with British rapper Bree Runway in July 2021, though neither party confirmed any romantic involvement. Doja Cat has also clarified that, despite rumors, she was never romantically involved with French Montana, maintaining they were simply friends and collaborators.
Personal Philosophy on Love and Relationships
Doja Cat has been refreshingly honest about her approach to dating and relationships. In her 2023 Harper’s Bazaar interview, she described herself as “possibly a serial dater,” acknowledging that she had that tendency in the past. However, she emphasized her evolution in how she approaches romantic connections, stating that she feels “like a woman who is coming into her own” rather than “a lost little teen.”
The artist has also hinted at her openness to different relationship structures. She’s made statements suggesting comfort with non-monogamous arrangements, noting that she likes “people [she] can have sex with. And you can kinda have sex with anybody.” This openness aligns with her general philosophy of authenticity and refusing to conform to traditional expectations.
Regarding her sexual orientation, while Doja Cat has never formally come out or explicitly stated her sexual orientation, she has incorporated queer themes into her music and public statements, suggesting a fluid approach to attraction and relationships.
Family Background and Personal Challenges
Understanding Doja Cat’s approach to relationships requires context about her family background. Raised primarily by her mother, Deborah Sawyer, a painter and clothing designer, and her grandmother, Doja Cat grew up without significant involvement from her father, Dumisani Dlamini, a South African actor and dancer. The two have never met in person, though they have corresponded virtually, which has influenced her perspective on relationships and trust.
Recent family challenges have also impacted her personal life. In January 2024, her mother filed for a restraining order against Doja Cat’s older brother, Raman, due to alleged physical and verbal abuse toward both Doja Cat and their mother. This family trauma has likely influenced her desire for privacy and her careful approach to public relationships.
Health and Personal Growth
Doja Cat has been open about her personal struggles, including past addictions to alcohol and nicotine. She’s described quitting cigarettes as “one of the biggest challenges of [her] life” and has dealt with health issues related to vaping, including an infected tonsil that required medical intervention in 2022. These experiences have contributed to her personal growth and evolved approach to relationships.
Her journey toward self-love and personal development has clearly influenced her romantic relationships. She’s emphasized the importance of learning to love herself first, which has changed how she loves others. This maturity is evident in her more recent relationships, particularly with Joseph Quinn, where she appears more grounded and intentional.
