Mary Lou Retton is one of the most iconic figures in American gymnastics history. As the first American woman to win the all-around gold medal in Olympic gymnastics, she captured hearts across the nation during the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games. Her athletic achievements have inspired generations, but beyond the mat, fans have also followed her personal life with curiosity.
In this article, we explore whether Mary Lou Retton is still married, review her relationship history, and provide an updated look at her life today. We’ll examine her family dynamics, how her personal experiences have influenced her legacy, and what her relationships reveal about the woman behind the gold medal.
Who Is Mary Lou Retton?
Born on January 24, 1968, in Fairmont, West Virginia, Mary Lou Retton became a household name in the 1980s. Under the coaching of Béla Károlyi, she soared to Olympic fame, becoming a national symbol of strength and determination. Her perfect 10s on vault and floor exercise during the 1984 Summer Olympics earned her a spot in sports history.
Following her Olympic success, she retired from competitive gymnastics but remained in the public eye through endorsements, motivational speaking, and appearances in television and film. Retton became a role model not only for her athletic feats but also for her engaging personality and commitment to family values.
Mary Lou Retton’s Marriage to Shannon Kelley
Mary Lou Retton married Shannon Kelley in 1990. Kelley, a former college football quarterback, played for the University of Texas and later transitioned into a career in business and coaching. The couple met in college and developed a strong connection built on shared values and mutual respect.
Throughout their marriage, Retton and Kelley raised four daughters—Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. Their household emphasized discipline, faith, and family unity, values Retton often attributed to her upbringing and athletic background.
For years, the couple was seen as an example of a long-lasting and grounded celebrity marriage, with Retton frequently sharing positive reflections about their life together.
Is Mary Lou Retton Still Married?
No, Mary Lou Retton is no longer married to Shannon Kelley. After nearly three decades together, the couple divorced in 2018. The news of their separation was confirmed by Retton during a public interview, where she spoke candidly about the challenges they faced and how the divorce marked a difficult but necessary chapter in her life.
The divorce was a surprise to many, as Retton had always maintained a wholesome, private image. However, she chose to be open about the emotional toll the separation had on her, especially after sharing so many years and four children together.
What Led to the Divorce?
Mary Lou Retton has not gone into specific detail about the cause of the divorce, but in public statements, she acknowledged that the relationship changed over time. Like many long-term couples, Retton and Kelley experienced shifts in priorities, personal growth, and diverging life paths.
She described the end of the marriage as “very hard” and emphasized how emotionally difficult it was to accept. The couple had spent nearly 27 years married, and even with their shared family and history, sometimes relationships evolve in ways that are no longer sustainable.
Her candid acknowledgment of emotional pain and the transition to single life resonated with many, as she faced her post-marriage life with honesty and grace.
Life After Divorce
Since her divorce, Mary Lou Retton has focused on rebuilding her life with a strong sense of purpose. She remains deeply connected to her daughters and has continued her work as a public speaker and advocate for health and fitness.
Retton has expressed that this chapter of her life is about rediscovery and personal growth. While she has largely remained private about any new relationships, her focus has clearly shifted toward self-care and spending quality time with her family.
Her post-divorce interviews reflect a strong woman coming to terms with change while continuing to inspire others with her resilience.
Relationship with Her Daughters
Mary Lou Retton has always emphasized the importance of motherhood. Her four daughters—Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma—have grown up with a mother who values discipline, encouragement, and unconditional support.
Retton has often shared stories about raising strong, independent young women. One of her daughters, McKenna Kelley, followed in her mother’s athletic footsteps, becoming a competitive gymnast at LSU. Retton has been a proud supporter of her children’s achievements, celebrating their personal and academic milestones even while dealing with the emotional toll of divorce.
Family remains the central pillar of Retton’s life, and her children have played a significant role in her healing and forward momentum.
Public Response to the Divorce
The public response to Mary Lou Retton’s divorce was a mix of surprise and support. Given her longstanding image as the “girl next door” of Olympic fame, many fans had assumed she maintained a stable family life.
However, her openness about the challenges of ending a long marriage invited empathy. Rather than hiding the truth, Retton used her platform to speak about the emotional impact and the strength required to move forward.
Her transparency humanized her in the eyes of the public and highlighted the importance of prioritizing mental and emotional well-being—even for someone who once stood on the highest podium in the world.
Has Mary Lou Retton Remarried?
As of 2025, Mary Lou Retton has not remarried. While she has not publicly discussed any new long-term relationships, she has expressed a sense of peace and growth in her post-divorce life.
Retton continues to focus on herself, her children, and her work. Whether or not she chooses to remarry in the future remains her personal choice, and she has shown that fulfillment can come from many aspects of life—not just romantic partnerships.
Her journey demonstrates that there is strength in starting over and that personal happiness does not need to be defined by marital status.
Personal Growth and Legacy
Mary Lou Retton’s experience with marriage and divorce adds depth to her legacy. While many know her for her Olympic triumph, her willingness to share the emotional struggles of her personal life adds another layer to her public persona.
She remains a motivational speaker, particularly for women navigating life transitions, whether that involves career change, motherhood, or relationships. Her story continues to resonate with people looking for inspiration in both physical and emotional resilience.
Retton’s journey is a reminder that champions are not only defined by gold medals but by how they face life’s unpredictable challenges with grace and determination.
Current Focus and Lifestyle
Today, Mary Lou Retton remains active in various roles, including advocacy for healthy living, public speaking, and occasionally appearing in media interviews and special events. She has also supported causes related to osteoporosis and women’s health, drawing from her own experiences.
Her lifestyle reflects a balance between staying engaged professionally and enjoying time with her family. Though no longer married, she has built a fulfilling life on her own terms.
As she enters this phase of life, Retton serves as an example of how public figures can evolve, grow, and thrive beyond early fame and personal hardships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mary Lou Retton still married?
No, Mary Lou Retton is no longer married. She divorced her husband Shannon Kelley in 2018 after nearly 27 years of marriage.
Who was Mary Lou Retton married to?
Mary Lou Retton was married to Shannon Kelley, a former University of Texas football quarterback and later a coach and businessman. They married in 1990.
Does Mary Lou Retton have children?
Yes, Mary Lou Retton has four daughters: Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma. One of her daughters, McKenna Kelley, was a collegiate gymnast.
Why did Mary Lou Retton get divorced?
While Retton did not reveal specific reasons, she cited emotional difficulty and growing differences as factors. She described it as a hard but necessary decision after many years of marriage.
Has Mary Lou Retton remarried?
As of 2025, Mary Lou Retton has not remarried. She has focused on family, personal growth, and her career as a motivational speaker and health advocate.