We all know Danica Patrick as the trailblazing race car driver who's broken barriers in the world of motorsports. But there's another side to her story—one filled with love, relationships, and personal growth. The IndyCar champion, who's always been open about her journey to find love, was once married to Paul Edward Hospenthal. Their union lasted from 2005 to 2013, and after their marriage ended, Danica had high-profile romances with the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Carter Comstock. Despite these relationships, she hasn't remarried. Let’s dive deeper into her past and meet the man who once shared her life. So, who exactly is Paul Edward Hospenthal? Keep reading to find out!
Who Is Danica Patrick’s Ex-Husband, Paul Edward Hospenthal?
Danica Patrick’s first love story began in an unexpected place—a physical therapy office. It was here that she met Paul Edward Hospenthal, a doctor specializing in sports medicine. At the time, Danica was recovering from a yoga injury, and Paul, with his expertise in treating athletes, particularly golfers, was the perfect professional to help her. Their connection wasn’t immediate, but as they spent more time together, a bond formed. What started as a professional relationship soon blossomed into something much deeper. After quietly dating for a few years, Paul popped the question on Thanksgiving Day in 2004, marking the beginning of their life together.
When Danica and Paul tied the knot in 2005, it was a whirlwind moment for the young couple. Danica, just 23 years old at the time, and Paul, who was 40, exchanged vows in a picturesque ceremony in Scottsdale, Arizona. In a candid interview with Women’s Health in May 2007, Danica opened up about her decision to marry so young. “Before we got married, my husband asked, ‘Are you ready? Have you done everything you want to do?’ I thought about it and realized, ‘Am I going to throw this relationship away just to party more?’ That seemed so boring to me, like a dead-end street,” she explained.
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Throughout their marriage, Paul was Danica’s rock, supporting her every step of the way. He attended her races, offering advice and encouragement from the sidelines. The couple was often seen sharing tender moments, with Paul frequently captured on camera kissing Danica on the forehead and cheering her on. However, after seven years together, Danica announced their separation in a heartfelt Facebook post in November 2012. “I am sad to inform my fans that after seven years, Paul and I have decided to amicably end our marriage,” she wrote. “This isn’t easy for either of us, but mutually it has come to this. He has been an important person and friend in my life, and that’s how we will remain moving forward.”
Did Danica and Paul Have Any Kids Together?
While Danica and Paul shared a beautiful chapter of their lives together, they did not have any children during their marriage. Their official divorce was finalized in 2013. Since then, Paul has kept a low profile, choosing to live a quiet and private life. Meanwhile, Danica continued her journey of self-discovery and love. Following her five-year relationship with NASCAR driver Ricky Stenhouse Jr., which ended in 2017, Danica revealed that she had taken steps to preserve her options for motherhood. During a January 2018 interview with CNBC, she shared, “I did IVF treatments, I froze my eggs, hormones, I gained 4 pounds, and I’m 5 foot 1, so 4 pounds make a difference.” She added, “I just decided I needed to try something new.”
