It looks Apollo Nida fans are deeming the former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star father of the year.
Nida, the ex-husband of “RHOA” alumna Phaedra Parks, shared a photo of himself with their two sons for the first time since being released from prison in July. He took to Instagram on Sunday, Jan. 12, and posted a photo of himself standing near sons Dylan Nida, 9, and Ayden Nida, 6, as they unwrapped their apparent Christmas gifts.
In the photo, Apollo stood by his children like a proud parent as they beamed over their bounty.
“I love these two amazingly smart young men,” Apollo wrote in his caption. “Life is only going to get better for US. THANKS FOR REMAINING STRONG WHILE DADDY WAS AWAY. LOVE YOU SO MUCH.”
He added in a separate post, “The positive energy you two have is so awesome. Love you.”
Fans gushed over Apollo’s pic with his kids and doused him with compliments.
“I’m happy for you and your boys enjoy being blessed and many many blessings to come 🙌🏽”
“Rooting for you❤️ @apollonida03 y’all triplets 🥰 you’re a super dad 👍👌don’t care what anyone says ❤️your kids adore you”
“This is awesome! ❤️ One day at a time. The Smiles on their faces are Priceless & that’s what matters most ❤️🐨 “
“I’m so happy for you dads rock! Enjoy time with them. Yes….no matter what. Children…especially African American boys need there father. ♥️ this.”
In 2010, Nida and Parks welcomed their eldest son Dylan, followed by their youngest in 2013.
The former couple tied the knot in the early 2000s and divorced in 2017, years after Apollo was sentenced to spend 96 months in federal prison in 2014. He pleaded guilty to charges of conspiring to commit mail, wire and bank fraud at the time.
Despite their differences, the two have an amicable co-parenting relationship.
Parks confirmed with Bravo on Dec. 20 that Ayden and Dylan spent time with their father Apollo on Thanksgiving Day. She also hoped her ex-husband would join her and the boys on Christmas Day and said, “The one thing that will be different about this year is that my sons’ father is home from being incarcerated, so hopefully he will be able to join us for some of the festivities.”
