As the world turns its eyes to New York City for what is being dubbed the wedding of the century between Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, one question that continues to surface among fans is about the status of the groom’s parents. Are Donna and Ed Kelce still married, or did they divorce? With both parents expected to be in attendance at the lavish Madison Square Garden ceremony, understanding their relationship history has become a point of curiosity for millions tuning in to the celebration.
The short and definitive answer is that Donna and Ed Kelce are divorced. They were married for roughly 25 years before ultimately deciding to part ways. However, unlike many broken marriages, theirs is a story of mutual respect, shared parenting, and a conscious decision to remain a unified front for their two famous sons, Jason and Travis. As of July 2026, both parents are very much present in their sons’ lives and are expected to be key figures at the wedding festivities.
The Divorce: A Story of Staying Together for the Kids
Donna and Ed Kelce’s love story began in the late 1970s in Cleveland, Ohio. They married and welcomed their first son, Jason, in 1987, followed by Travis in 1989. For over two decades, they built a life together, raising their boys in Cleveland Heights and instilling the work ethic that would later define their NFL careers. However, as the children grew older, the couple’s relationship began to fray. By the time both Jason and Travis had graduated from the University of Cincinnati, Donna and Ed made the decision to end their marriage.
It’s official: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are married.
• The ceremony was officiated by Adam Sandler.
• Instead of bridesmaids or groomsmen, Austin Swift served as Taylor’s Man of Honor and Jason Kelce was Travis’ Best Man.
• Taylor and Travis’ wedding ceremony looks… pic.twitter.com/Wt2iOpXDpD
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) July 3, 2026
In the years since, both have been remarkably open about the dynamics of their split. In the 2023 documentary Kelce, they admitted they would have “preferred” to separate earlier but chose to stay together for the sake of their sons. Donna elaborated on this in a 2024 interview with Glamour, stating plainly: “My husband and I knew that our marriage was not working, but we stayed together for the kids”.
Despite the challenges, there is no bitterness. On the New Heights podcast, when Jason bluntly asked his mother if she hated their father, Donna quickly replied, “I don’t hate him. We’re still friends. We’re friends to this day. We get along great… It’s just sometimes people, they move apart, that’s all”. She also made it clear she has no regrets about the marriage, telling her sons, “No. No, never, because I got you two!”
The Latest Update: United for Their Son’s Wedding
While Donna and Ed are no longer romantically involved, their commitment to their family has never wavered. They have frequently reunited to support both sons throughout their NFL careers and have remained a consistent presence at major family milestones. As of July 2026, this tradition continues. Donna Kelce was spotted arriving at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport on July 2, heading straight to Madison Square Garden ahead of the rumored July 3 wedding. Reports confirm that both she and Ed are expected to be seated on Travis’s side of the aisle for the ceremony.
Also See: Clive Davis Net Worth 2026 at Death: The Music Mogul’s Final Fortune Revealed
In a notable twist just weeks before the wedding, Travis Kelce’s father, Ed, made headlines by seemingly “hard launching” a new romance on social media. The 75-year-old shared a picture with a woman named Doree Hepner, calling her “dynamic and gorgeous”. This development comes after Ed was in a long-term relationship with Maureen Maguire, who sadly passed away in August 2025. Despite his new relationship, Ed’s focus remains on his son. He lives in Philadelphia, near Jason, and has consistently voiced his support for Travis’s relationship with Swift, previously telling People that he thought it was “awesome” to see the couple together.
As the Kelce family gathers to celebrate Travis Kelce and Taylor’ Swifts union, the presence of both Donna and Ed—amicably divorced and happily supportive—serves as a testament to a family that has navigated its challenges and remained strong for the next generation.
