On October 10, 2023, Mary Lou Retton, the legendary Olympic gymnast, made headlines when her daughter McKenna Kelley revealed on social media that her mom was in critical condition, fighting for her life in the ICU. For those who’ve followed Mary Lou’s life, this news was shocking. After all, she’s always been seen as a symbol of strength and resilience, not just in her career but also in her personal life. Mary Lou shares four children with her ex-husband, Shannon Kelley, including McKenna, who is also a former gymnast.
Who Is Shannon Kelley, Mary Lou Retton’s Ex-Husband?
Before diving into the current situation, let’s rewind a bit and talk about Shannon Kelley, the man who was once Mary Lou Retton’s husband. The couple tied the knot in 1990 and stayed married for nearly three decades before quietly calling it quits in 2018. Shannon wasn’t just any guy; he was a star football player at the University of Texas from 1984 to 1988. After his playing days were over, he transitioned into coaching, and today, he holds the position of assistant head coach for the Houston Baptist Huskies. While the couple split, they’ve maintained a respectful relationship, which speaks volumes about their commitment to co-parenting their four children.
Now, fast forward to October 29, 2018. That’s when Mary Lou publicly disclosed their divorce for the first time. She shared the news during an appearance on “Dancing With the Stars,” where she opened up about the decision to part ways. “It’s the first time I’ve actually said it publicly,” she admitted. “It’s something that had really needed to happen for a long time. We still love one another, but we weren’t great together anymore.”
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And what led to their split? According to Mary Lou, it wasn’t any dramatic event or betrayal—it was simply that they had grown apart over the years. Sometimes, life takes people in different directions, even when they start out with the best intentions. It’s clear that both Mary Lou and Shannon approached their separation with maturity and grace.
Is Mary Lou Retton Dating or Remarried?
Since her divorce from Shannon, Mary Lou hasn’t tied the knot again. In fact, shortly after announcing their split, she expressed excitement about embarking on a new chapter in her life. “I’m on a really good path, and I’m happy with my life,” she told People magazine in November 2018. “I’m really excited for what this new chapter is going to bring instead of being that scared person that I was a couple of months ago. I really have done a full turnaround.”
For Mary Lou, this new phase wasn’t just about moving forward—it was about embracing who she is as an individual outside of her role as a wife and mother. While she hasn’t revealed any new romantic interests publicly, it’s clear that she’s focused on self-discovery and enjoying her independence.
Meet Mary Lou Retton’s Four Daughters
Mary Lou and Shannon share four daughters: McKenna Kelley, Shayla Kelley, Skyla Kelley, and Emma Kelley. McKenna, the eldest, followed in her mom’s footsteps and became a gymnast, while the others have pursued their own paths. When Mary Lou and Shannon announced their divorce, their daughters handled the news with remarkable maturity. “My daughters were amazing,” Mary Lou recalled. “There’s that fine line between a daughter and a friend, so there’s a lot that I couldn’t share with them. They were angry in the beginning, and any child should be with their family being torn apart—but we’ve vowed that we would do holidays together and we’re going to try to make it as seamless and as painless as possible.”
What Happened to Mary Lou Retton in 2023?
October 2023 brought unexpected challenges for Mary Lou when McKenna took to Instagram Stories to reveal that her mom was battling a rare form of pneumonia. “My amazing mom, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” the post read. “She is not able to breathe on her own. She’s been in the ICU for over a week now. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all details. However, I will disclose that she [is] not insured.”
The news quickly spread, and fans rallied around the family, raising more than triple the initial $50,000 fundraising goal by October 11. It’s a testament to the love and admiration people have for Mary Lou, not just as an Olympic champion but as a role model who’s inspired countless individuals throughout her life.
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