Life has a funny way of turning corners when you least expect it. HGTV’s beloved Karen E. Laine, star of "Good Bones," and her husband Roger Rominger have parted ways after seven years of marriage, exclusively confirmed by Closer. It's one of those moments where life takes a new direction, and Karen seems ready to embrace it with open arms.
A Legal Chapter Comes to an End
The couple’s joint petition for legal separation was officially filed on April 26, 2022, according to court records obtained by Closer. But the story didn’t end there. On January 13, 2023, Roger took the next step by filing a petition to convert their legal separation into a full dissolution of their marriage. Through multiple court hearings throughout late 2022 and mid-2023, the case was reopened on October 12. The next hearing is scheduled for November 27. It’s a process that reflects the complexities of relationships and the courage it takes to move forward.
A New Life in Wilmington
During an episode of the “What’s Up Wilmington” podcast posted on October 31, Karen shared her thoughts on her current chapter, revealing that her relationship had indeed come to an end. With her characteristic zest for life, she’s now focused on renovating a home she recently purchased in Wilmington, North Carolina. It’s a place that speaks to her soul and offers a fresh start.
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“The reason I’m in Wilmington is because we used to have a travel club in Indianapolis called Ambassadair, and they had this thing called a mystery trip,” Karen explained during the episode. “And they would tell you the weather, and you would get on a plane, and you would go somewhere for the day. So, the mystery trip was to Wilmington, North Carolina.”
Exploring Front Street and the waterfront, Karen fell in love with the area’s charm and history. It sparked a dream within her—a dream of planting roots after her time on "Good Bones." Roger, however, didn’t share the same vision about retiring there. "When I got rid of the last husband, who wanted to retire on a sailboat, which I respect and support despite the fact that I get laid out seasick," she joked. "Like, I can’t do anything." It’s moments like these that remind us of Karen’s humor and resilience.
Building a New Life
This experience left Karen thinking, “Now I can retire anywhere I want. Where do I want to retire? I think Wilmington.” True to her adventurous spirit, Karen flew to Wilmington in January and turned to Zillow to help her find her dream home. She purchased a quaint cottage in the port city and found a contractor to help her transform the space. The TV personality made another rare comment about her marriage later on in the podcast episode, explaining that she can never sit still.
“I’ve annoyed every single one of my husbands; I’ve had way too many,” she said with a laugh. “I don’t sit down. It’s just not what I do, because why would you? There are things to do. Go on a walk and see where you are. Paint something, build something, plant something. I have grandkids; hang out with grandkids. There’s always things to do.”
Speculation about her marriage grew after Karen stopped posting photos with Roger on her Instagram account over the past year. Her page is now largely focused on the renovation of her new home following the conclusion of "Good Bones" after the season 8 series finale. News of the split comes as Karen and her daughter, Mina Starsiak Hawk, are navigating some family drama. Mina revealed during an August 28 episode of her podcast that she and Karen are “not on good terms” and in a “challenging” place.
Reporting by Nate Grant.
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