After a marriage of 20 years, Dakota’s mother Melanie Griffith, and Antonio Banderas decided to end their relationship in 2015. Dakota had a nickname for Antonio Banderas which she always used. The nickname with which she addressed Antonio is Paponio revealed Banderas who is now 62 to E! News. He further says that the name is a combination of Papi as the father and Antonio. However, even after the divorce of Dakota’s parents took place in 2015, the stepfather-daughter duo has managed to nurture a close connection with each other.
On winning the Hollywood Actor Award by Antonio in 2019 at the Hollywood Film Awards where Dakota, 33 presents him with the award and also a tribute that he still fondly looks back at as he tells the outlet.
Antonio Banderas’ Love For The Family
He says that the award is presented to him by his daughter and the speech that was delivered was way too beautiful and he was very grateful that she thought so highly of her Papi. Though both the stars hardly cross their ways but Antonio says that they would always remain a family. Also, he feels a similar manner to his second wife. As told to PEOPLE by Antonio in 2019 that Melanie is no longer his wife but would always remain his best friend. He claims to love Melanie forever till his death. He regards her as his family.
Banderas and Griffith share a daughter Stella and helped Griffith raise Dakota who is shared between Griffith and Don Johnson, her first partner). Further Banderas also helped Griffith raise a son named Alexander Bauer who was conceived by Griffith with Steven Bauer, her second partner. Antonio Banderas says further that he was always there because of his love for their mother and most importantly what came along with her.
