What happened to Mary Lou Retton and husband?

November 14, 2023 Asa Kim

Table of Contents

What happened to Mary Lou Retton and husband?

Event	Mary Lou Retton	Husband
Marriage	Married in 1990	Shannon Kelley
Children	4 daughters	Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma
Divorce	Divorced in 2018	Shannon Kelley
Post-Divorce	Continues to be active in the gymnastics community	Unknown

Mary Lou Retton: A Brief Biography

Retton’s success at the Olympics propelled her into stardom and made her an instant national icon. Her energetic personality and infectious smile endeared her to audiences around the world. Following her Olympic triumphs, she went on to have a successful career in television broadcasting and motivational speaking.

Early life and gymnastics career

Mary Lou Retton was born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia. She began gymnastics at the age of four and quickly displayed natural talent and dedication to the sport. Her early training took place at a local gym where she honed her skills under the guidance of renowned coaches.

Retton’s exceptional abilities soon caught the attention of Bela and Martha Karolyi, who would become her longtime coaches.
At just 14 years old, Retton made her mark on the national stage by winning the American Cup in 1983.
In 1984, she competed in the Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles and captured America’s heart with her incredible performances.

Olympic success and fame

Retton’s Olympic success in 1984 was nothing short of historic. She became the first American woman to win the all-around gymnastics gold medal at the Olympics, and she did so with remarkable performances that showcased her strength, flexibility, and precision.

Retton also won individual medals in four out of six events: silver on vault and uneven bars, bronze on balance beam, and gold on floor exercise.
Her perfect 10 score on the vault during the final event remains one of the most iconic moments in Olympic history.
Following her triumphs at the Olympics, Retton quickly rose to fame and became a beloved figure both within and outside of the sports world.

Life after retirement

Beyond her professional pursuits, Retton is a devoted wife and mother. She married Shannon Kelley in 1990, and together they have four daughters. While much of their family life remains private, Retton occasionally shares glimpses into their lives through social media.

Mary Lou Retton’s Marriage to Shannon Kelley

In 1990, Mary Lou Retton married Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback and now a successful real estate developer. Their marriage has been filled with both joy and challenges.

The couple has four daughters together: Shayla Rae, McKenna Lane, Skyla Brae, and Emma Jean.
Retton often speaks about the importance of family in her life and credits her husband for his unwavering support throughout their journey.
In recent years, the couple has faced some personal struggles. In 2018, they announced their separation but assured that they were committed to co-parenting their children.

Meeting and courtship

After her Olympic success, Mary Lou Retton met Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback. The couple began dating and quickly fell in love, with their shared passion for sports serving as a strong foundation for their relationship.

Shannon Kelley was also involved in gymnastics as a coach and judge, which further deepened their connection.
Their courtship was filled with support and admiration for each other’s achievements both on and off the athletic field.

Wedding details and public interest

After her Olympic triumphs, Mary Lou Retton’s personal life also became a subject of public interest. In 1990, she married Shannon Kelley, a former quarterback for the University of Texas football team.

The couple had four daughters together: Shayla Rae (born in 1995), McKenna Lane (born in 1997), Skyla Brae (born in 2000), and Emma Jean (born in 2002).
Their wedding was an extravagant affair held at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, Texas. The ceremony was attended by many celebrities and sports figures.

Retton and Kelley’s relationship attracted significant media attention due to their status as high-profile athletes. Their marriage faced its share of challenges but they remained committed to each other and their family.

Family life and children

Outside of her gymnastics career, Mary Lou Retton has also found happiness in her personal life. She married former University of Texas quarterback Shannon Kelley in 1990 and together they have four daughters.

Their first daughter, Shayla Rae Kelley, was born in 1995.
This was followed by McKenna Lane Kelley in 1997.
In 2000, the couple welcomed Skyla Brae Kelley into their family.
Their youngest daughter, Emma Jean Kelley, was born in 2002.

Retton and her husband are dedicated to providing a loving and supportive environment for their children. While she continues to be involved with gymnastics through coaching and other activities, Retton prioritizes spending time with her family and supporting her daughters’ interests and endeavors.

Challenges Faced by Mary Lou and Shannon

In recent years, Retton has also been open about facing personal struggles outside of gymnastics. These challenges include:

Navigating life after retiring from competitive gymnastics, which can be difficult for many athletes who have dedicated their lives to their sport.
Battling health issues such as hypothyroidism, which can impact energy levels and overall well-being.

Retton’s journey serves as a reminder that even those who achieve great success still face hurdles along the way. Despite these challenges, Retton continues to inspire others with her resilience and positive attitude.

Shannon’s health issues and struggles

In addition to her physical health challenges, Retton has been open about battling an eating disorder during her gymnastics career. She has spoken candidly about the pressure she felt to maintain a certain body image in the sport.

Retton’s struggle with disordered eating highlights the intense demands placed on athletes at the highest level of competition.
She has since become an advocate for mental health awareness within sports and encourages athletes to prioritize their well-being above all else.

Balancing family and career demands

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton faced the challenge of balancing her family life with career demands. She married former University of Texas quarterback Shannon Kelley in 1990 and together they have four daughters.

Retton took on various roles in television broadcasting, including working as a commentator for gymnastics events.
She also became a sought-after motivational speaker, sharing her experiences and inspiring others to pursue their dreams.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Retton has been dedicated to being a hands-on mother and supporting her children’s activities and aspirations.

Financial difficulties and setbacks

Despite her immense success, Retton faced financial difficulties and setbacks throughout her life. These challenges included:

Retiring from gymnastics at a young age due to multiple injuries, which limited her ability to continue competing and earning income.
Dealing with the pressure of being in the public eye and navigating the transition from athlete to adult.
Battling health issues, including hip surgery and thyroid problems, which required expensive medical treatments.

In addition to these personal struggles, Retton also faced financial hardships caused by:

Being involved in a legal dispute with her former business manager over mismanagement of her finances.
Making investments that did not yield expected returns or ended up being scams.

Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley’s Divorce

Unfortunately, Mary Lou Retton’s personal life has not been without its challenges. In 1990, she married Shannon Kelley, a former college football player turned lawyer. The couple had four daughters together before their marriage ultimately ended in divorce.

Their divorce was finalized in 2018 after nearly three decades of marriage.
Retton cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for their separation.
The details surrounding their divorce have remained private, with both parties choosing to keep the specifics out of the public eye.

Reasons behind the separation

The reasons behind Mary Lou Retton’s separation from her husband are personal and have not been disclosed publicly. However, it is important to respect their privacy during this difficult time.

It is worth noting that marriages can face challenges for a variety of reasons, and celebrities are no exception. Factors such as conflicting schedules, career demands, or personal differences can put strain on any relationship.

Retton has expressed her commitment to co-parenting their children with her ex-husband despite the separation.
Both individuals continue to focus on their respective careers and personal lives as they navigate this new chapter.

Public speculation and media coverage

As a prominent figure in the public eye, Mary Lou Retton faced her fair share of speculation and media coverage. Her success and popularity made her a target for tabloids and gossip columns eager to uncover any details about her personal life.

Rumors circulated regarding her relationships with fellow athletes and celebrities, adding fuel to the paparazzi frenzy surrounding her.
Retton’s marriage to Shannon Kelley, a former college football player whom she met at the University of Texas, also garnered significant attention from the media.
The couple had four daughters together, but their relationship faced its challenges over the years, leading to divorce rumors and speculations about their private lives.

Settlement and custody arrangements

While Mary Lou Retton’s gymnastics career brought her much success and fame, her personal life has also been a subject of interest. In 1990, she married Shannon Kelley, a former quarterback for the University of Texas. The couple went on to have four daughters together.

In 2018, after 27 years of marriage, Retton and Kelley announced their separation.
The divorce was finalized in June 2021, with reports indicating that they reached a settlement agreement regarding property division and financial matters.

As part of the settlement process, custody arrangements were made for their four children:

The details surrounding the custody arrangements have not been publicly disclosed.
However, it is known that both Retton and Kelley remain dedicated parents to their children despite the end of their marriage.

Mary Lou Retton’s Personal Growth and Career Revival

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Retton faced new challenges and opportunities for personal growth. She attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied sports broadcasting and continued to inspire others with her motivational speaking engagements.

Retton also embarked on a successful career in television, working as a commentator for gymnastics events and appearing on various shows and commercials.
In 1993, she made a remarkable comeback to gymnastics at the age of 25 by participating in an exhibition tour called “Gymnastics Superstars.”
This revival of her career showcased her enduring talent and passion for the sport, proving that age was no barrier to success.

Overcoming adversity and finding new passions

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Retton faced several challenges and setbacks but ultimately persevered and found new passions in her life. Despite undergoing multiple knee surgeries and battling health issues, she continued to inspire others with her resilience and determination.

Retton transitioned into a successful career as a television commentator, providing expert analysis during gymnastics events.
She also became a motivational speaker, sharing her story of overcoming adversity and empowering others to pursue their dreams.
In addition to her professional pursuits, Retton is a dedicated wife and mother of four daughters.

Entrepreneurial ventures and philanthropy

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton ventured into various entrepreneurial endeavors and dedicated herself to philanthropy.

She established the Mary Lou Retton Gymnastics Academy, where she aimed to inspire young athletes and promote the sport of gymnastics.
Retton also appeared in numerous television commercials and endorsements, capitalizing on her fame and charm.
In addition to her business ventures, Retton has been actively involved in charitable work. She has supported organizations such as the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and served as a spokesperson for various causes.

Inspiring others and maintaining a positive image

Throughout her career and beyond, Mary Lou Retton has been an inspiration to many. Her determination, resilience, and positive attitude have made her a role model for aspiring gymnasts and athletes worldwide.

Retton’s success story serves as a reminder that hard work and dedication can lead to great achievements.
She has used her platform to promote healthy living, fitness, and the importance of staying active.
In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Retton is also known for maintaining a positive image both in the media and in her personal life.

Co-Parenting and Family Dynamics Post-Divorce

After retiring from gymnastics, Retton focused on her personal life and raising her family. However, in 2018, it was announced that she and her husband Shannon Kelley were divorcing after 27 years of marriage. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, Retton and Kelley have prioritized co-parenting and maintaining a strong family dynamic for the sake of their four daughters.

Retton has spoken openly about the challenges they have faced as co-parents but also emphasized their commitment to putting their children first.
They have worked together to create a supportive environment for their daughters where both parents are involved in their lives.
Their dedication to co-parenting has not only benefited their children but has also allowed them to maintain a respectful relationship as they navigate this new chapter of their lives.

Navigating the challenges of co-parenting

Co-parenting can be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, it is possible to navigate the difficulties and create a healthy environment for your children. Here are some tips on how to successfully co-parent:

Communication is key: Establish open lines of communication with your ex-partner. Regularly discuss important matters regarding your children’s well-being.
Put the children first: Remember that your children’s needs should always come first. Make decisions together that prioritize their best interests.
Create a consistent routine: Maintaining a consistent schedule helps provide stability for your children. Coordinate and plan activities, school pickups, and drop-offs together.

Maintaining a healthy relationship for the sake of their children

Despite their divorce, Mary Lou Retton and her husband have prioritized maintaining a healthy relationship for the sake of their children. They understand the importance of co-parenting and have made efforts to create a supportive environment for their family.

They communicate regularly and openly about their children’s well-being, ensuring that important decisions are made together.
Both Retton and her ex-husband attend school events, extracurricular activities, and milestones in their children’s lives to show unified support.
They make an effort to maintain consistency in parenting styles between households, providing stability for their children.

Finding new love and blending families

After her gymnastics career, Mary Lou Retton found new love and embarked on a journey of blending families. She met Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas quarterback, and the couple got married in 1990.

Their marriage produced four daughters: Shayla Rae, McKenna Lane, Skyla Brae, and Emma Jean.
Retton embraced motherhood wholeheartedly and prioritized her family above all else.
Blending their families together was not without challenges but with love and commitment, they created a strong bond among their children.

Mary Lou Retton and Shannon Kelley’s Current Lives

As for Shannon Kelley, Retton’s husband since 1990, he has played an important role in supporting his wife’s endeavors while also pursuing his own career:

Kelley works as an orthopedic surgeon, specializing in sports medicine. His expertise aligns well with Retton’s background in gymnastics.
He has been involved in treating athletes from various sports, including gymnasts who seek his guidance regarding injuries and rehabilitation.
Kelley and Retton have four daughters together: Shayla Rae Kelley, McKenna Lane Kelley, Skyla Brae Kelley, and Emma Jean Kelley.

Professional endeavors and achievements

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Retton embarked on a successful career in television broadcasting and motivational speaking. She became a popular commentator for gymnastics events and made appearances on various talk shows and sitcoms.

In 1997, she was inducted into the International Gymnastics Hall of Fame, cementing her legacy as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time.
Retton also started her own line of athletic wear and authored a book titled “Mary Lou Retton’s Gateways to Happiness: 7 Ways to a More Peaceful, More Prosperous, More Satisfying Life”.
Her accomplishments both in and outside the world of gymnastics have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career.

Personal happiness and well-being

While Retton’s gymnastics career brought her immense success and fame, she also prioritized her personal happiness and well-being. After retiring from competitive gymnastics, she focused on maintaining a balanced lifestyle and pursuing her own passions.

Retton married former University of Texas quarterback Shannon Kelley in 1990.
The couple has four daughters together: Shayla Rae, McKenna Lane, Skyla Brae, and Emma Jean.
In addition to being a devoted mother, Retton remained active in the sports world by becoming a commentator for various gymnastics events.

Future plans and aspirations

After retiring from competitive gymnastics, Mary Lou Retton set her sights on new goals and aspirations. She continued to be involved in the world of sports and fitness, pursuing various ventures that showcased her expertise and passion for a healthy lifestyle.

Retton became a successful television broadcaster, providing expert commentary and analysis for gymnastics events.
She also embarked on a career as a motivational speaker, inspiring audiences with her personal journey and messages of determination and perseverance.
In addition to her broadcasting and speaking engagements, Retton has been actively involved in charitable work, supporting organizations dedicated to children’s health and wellness.

Legacy and Impact of Mary Lou Retton

Mary Lou Retton’s impact on the world of gymnastics and beyond continues to be felt today. Her accomplishments and infectious personality have left a lasting legacy:

Retton’s success at the Olympics inspired a new generation of young gymnasts, who were motivated by her determination and dedication.
She paved the way for future American gymnasts, showing that they could compete with the best in the world and achieve greatness.
Retton’s influence extended beyond her sport, as she became a role model for young girls everywhere, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly.

Today, Mary Lou Retton remains an iconic figure in both sports history and popular culture. Her achievements continue to be celebrated, reminding us of the power of perseverance and passion.

Retton’s influence on gymnastics and female athletes

In addition to her contributions within the world of gymnastics, Retton has been an advocate for female empowerment. She has used her platform to encourage girls and women to pursue their dreams, break barriers, and believe in themselves. Retton’s legacy extends far beyond her Olympic achievements; she continues to inspire generations of athletes with her determination, resilience, and unwavering spirit.

Inspiring a generation of young gymnasts

Mary Lou Retton’s success at the 1984 Olympics not only made her a household name, but it also inspired a generation of young gymnasts to pursue their dreams. Her incredible performances and infectious personality served as motivation for aspiring athletes all over the world.

Many young girls looked up to Retton as a role model, admiring her strength, grace, and determination.
Retton’s success showed aspiring gymnasts that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.
She became an ambassador for the sport and used her platform to encourage young athletes to follow their passion and never give up on their dreams.

Remembering Retton’s remarkable journey

Retton’s remarkable journey in gymnastics continues to inspire and be remembered by fans worldwide. Her accomplishments and impact on the sport are undeniable, leaving a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.

She paved the way for future generations of American gymnasts, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
Retton’s success also helped popularize gymnastics as a mainstream sport in the United States, leading to increased participation and interest across the country.
Her infectious personality and positive attitude made her a role model for young athletes everywhere, encouraging them to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

FAQ on ‘What happened to Mary Lou Retton and husband?’

When did Mary Lou Retton get divorced?

Mary Lou Retton got divorced from her husband in February 2018.

Do Mary Lou Retton and her ex-husband have any children?

Yes, they have four daughters together.

What was the reason behind their divorce?

The exact reason for their divorce has not been publicly disclosed.

Are Mary Lou Retton and her ex-husband on good terms?

Yes, despite their divorce, they remain amicable for the sake of their children.