Mario Dewar Barrett — the R&B icon whose voice defined an era with songs like “Let Me Love You” — is stepping into one of the happiest chapters of his life. In 2025, the 39-year-old singer confirmed that he and his girlfriend, Esmeralda Rios, are expecting their first child together.
For fans who have followed Mario from teenage stardom to modern-day R&B legend, this news feels like a full-circle moment. Let’s dive into Mario’s romantic journey, the excitement surrounding his baby announcement, and the life he’s built in music and beyond.
Mario Barrett’s Girlfriend: Meet Esmeralda Rios
Mario is currently in a committed relationship with Esmeralda Rios, a Mexican-American real estate professional in her 30s.
The couple’s relationship has been low-key for years, but their bond became public when Mario announced that Esmeralda is expecting their first child. Their joyful photos — Mario holding her bump, both of them smiling — quickly spread across social media, with fans celebrating the news.
Esmeralda is described as warm, stylish, and grounded, often attending social events with Mario in cities like Los Angeles and Miami. Her presence brings a balance to Mario’s life, complementing his creative, emotionally expressive personality.
Their partnership, built quietly outside the spotlight, has now become one of the most heartwarming stories in the R&B world.
Who Is Esmeralda Rios?
Although she’s now in the public eye, Esmeralda has largely preferred privacy.
Here’s what fans have learned about her:
- She is Mexican-American and works in real estate.
- She’s known for her calm, radiant personality.
- She and Mario have been together for several years, long before their relationship became widely known.
- Photos from recent years show the couple traveling, attending events, and sharing close moments, hinting at a solid long-term partnership.
With the pregnancy reveal, fans are excited to learn more about the woman who shares Mario’s heart.
The Pregnancy Announcement: A Beautiful Moment
Mario confirmed the baby news in August 2025 through intimate photos with Esmeralda, showing her baby bump and the couple’s joy.
One image captured Mario gently holding her stomach, smiling with pride.
Another showed them laughing together, radiating gratitude and love.
Fans immediately flooded comment sections with congratulations. Many who grew up listening to Mario expressed how surreal — and sweet — it felt to see him becoming a father. Others noted how peaceful and grounded he seems with Esmeralda, calling this his “soft era.”
The announcement marked a rare moment where Mario let fans into his personal life — and it was met with overwhelming support.
Mario’s Past Relationships
Though Mario has always been private about romance, there have been a few public moments:
Jillian Barberie (2004)
At just 18, Mario was briefly linked to TV personality Jillian Barberie. It was short-lived and more of a media moment than a real relationship.
Kris Stephens (2021)
Years later, Mario dated Grammy-nominated songwriter Kris Stephens. Their relationship gained attention when Mario publicly celebrated her birthday with extravagant gifts and affectionate messages. Fans noticed their chemistry, but the relationship eventually faded.
Hints of Esmeralda (2023–2024)
Before the baby announcement, Mario dropped subtle clues about a serious girlfriend in social media posts. Fans now believe these quiet teases were about Esmeralda — long before he revealed her openly in 2025.
Why Fans Are So Happy for Mario
Mario’s fans have watched him grow from a 15-year-old breakout star to a seasoned R&B veteran. His romantic life has always been guarded, so sharing this milestone feels intimate and meaningful.
Many long-time supporters commented that they “feel old” seeing Mario enter fatherhood — but also deeply proud. Others said he looks happier and more settled than ever.
For an artist known for emotional storytelling, fatherhood feels like the next beautiful chapter in his evolution.
Mario’s Music Career: A Legacy Built on Heart
Mario’s journey in music started young:
- Debut (2002): His first album, released at age 15, featured “Just a Friend 2002,” which became a major hit.
- Breakthrough (2004): “Let Me Love You” soared to No. 1 for nine weeks, earning awards and cementing him as an R&B powerhouse.
- Acting: Mario appeared in Step Up, Freedom Writers, and FOX’s live production of Rent, showing his versatility.
- Recent Work: His 2024 album Glad You Came blended modern R&B with his signature soulful style and has been followed by a busy tour schedule in 2025.
Even as trends shift, Mario’s voice remains timeless — and his new chapter in fatherhood may inspire even more heartfelt music.
Overcoming Hardships: Mario’s Resilience
Mario’s path hasn’t been easy.
He grew up in Baltimore, raised mostly by his grandmother due to his mother’s struggles with addiction. Their complicated relationship led to public challenges, including a 2010 incident that he later addressed openly.
In 2011, Mario participated in a documentary about his mother’s recovery, showing maturity and compassion during a difficult period.
Seeing him now, happy and preparing for fatherhood, resonates deeply with fans who know his history of perseverance.
Mario Beyond Music
Outside the studio and stage, Mario leads a multifaceted life:
- He runs an independent music label, New Citizen LLC.
- His net worth, built through music, tours, and acting, is estimated in the multi-million range.
- He is active on social media, sharing glimpses of his career and now his personal joy.
- He often advocates for youth empowerment and music education programs in Baltimore.
Mario’s life today is a blend of creativity, maturity, and renewed purpose.
Mario’s Family Roots
Family plays a meaningful role in Mario’s life.
His father is a gospel singer, and his half-brother is a professional drummer. Over the years, Mario has spoken openly about healing and rebuilding relationships, particularly with his mother.
Now, with his first child on the way, Mario is stepping into a new role — one that fans believe he’ll embrace with love and depth.
Why Mario Keeps His Love Life Private
Mario once joked that social media acts as a “dating app” for celebrities, but he’s always avoided making his relationships public unless he felt the moment was meaningful.
This discretion explains why he and Esmeralda stayed mostly under the radar until the pregnancy announcement.
It isn’t secrecy — it’s protection. And now that they’re expecting, Mario seems ready to share his joy with the world.
Mario in 2024–2025: Music, Touring & New Beginnings
Mario’s 2024 album Glad You Came revived excitement around his artistry, blending nostalgia with fresh production. In 2025, he continued touring, appearing at festivals and R&B showcases.
But the biggest headline of the year is unquestionably his baby news. Fans are already predicting his future music will reflect the tenderness of fatherhood.
Fun Facts About Mario Barrett
- He signed his first record deal at age 14.
- “Let Me Love You” became one of the biggest R&B hits of the 2000s.
- He’s a self-taught pianist.
- He starred in Rent live on FOX in 2019.
- He maintains one of the most respected vocal reputations in modern R&B.
What’s Next for Mario and Esmeralda?
As the couple prepares to welcome their baby, Mario is entering a heartfelt new chapter. Fans expect fatherhood to influence his music, deepen his artistry, and bring even more emotional richness to his performances.
Whether he’s on stage or at home awaiting his first child, Mario’s life in 2025 shines with joy, growth, and renewal.
Conclusion
Mario Barrett’s 2025 love story is one of happiness and transformation.
His longtime relationship with Esmeralda Rios, now highlighted by their upcoming baby, marks a beautiful milestone in his journey.
From R&B stardom to emotional healing to building a family, Mario’s life reflects resilience and evolution. Fans around the world are cheering him on as he embraces fatherhood — a role that promises to inspire his music and deepen his legacy.