When you hear the name Kelly Ripken, your first thought is probably Cal Ripken Jr., the baseball legend. For nearly 30 years, Kelly was seen next to him — smiling at games, supporting his career, and being part of his amazing journey. But after their quiet divorce in 2016, many people started asking: What happened to her?
Where is Kelly Ripken now? What is she doing with her life? Did she ever get remarried?
This article is all about answering those questions. You’ll learn about Kelly’s early life, her marriage to Cal, her children, her health journey, and what she’s doing now — all in a simple and friendly way.
Kelly Ripken Quick Bio
| Full Name | Kelly Geer Ripken |
| Birth Date | March 26, 1959 |
| Age (2026) | 66 years old |
| Birthplace | Mount Holly, New Jersey, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Zodiac Sign | Aries |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex‑Husband | Cal Ripken Jr. |
| Children | 2 (Rachel and Ryan Ripken) |
| Profession | Health Advocate, Philanthropist |
| Known For | Cal Ripken Jr.’s ex-wife |
| Net Worth | Not public |
| Current Home | Annapolis, Maryland |
Kelly Ripken’s Early Life and Family Background
Kelly Ripken was born Kelly Geer on March 26, 1959, in Mount Holly, New Jersey. She grew up in a loving family, and her mother, Joan Marie Geer, played a big role in her life.
Even before she became known to the world, Kelly was someone who liked to stay private. She didn’t chase fame. She was calm, grounded, and focused on living a normal life. That quiet, kind personality stayed with her even when she became part of the spotlight.
She didn’t do interviews or try to be in the news. That’s something people still admire about her today.
How Kelly Ripken Met Cal Ripken Jr.
Kelly’s love story with Cal Ripken Jr. started in a very unexpected way. In 1983, Kelly’s mom, Joan, met Cal at a restaurant in Cockeysville, Maryland — where Kelly lived at the time.
Joan asked Cal for an autograph for her daughter. He jokingly wrote on a napkin, “To Kelly, if you look anything like your mother, I’m sorry I missed you.” That funny message started it all.
Kelly and Cal soon met in person, started dating, and the rest is history. Sometimes love really does begin with a napkin and a sense of humor.
The Wedding of Kelly and Cal Ripken Jr.
A few years later, on November 13, 1987, Kelly and Cal got married at Towson United Methodist Church in Maryland. Their wedding wasn’t flashy — it was simple and elegant, just like them.
As a couple, they became one of the most admired duos in sports. Cal Ripken Jr. was already becoming a baseball icon, and Kelly stood beside him through it all. But she never tried to take the spotlight for herself. She was there to support him, raise their children, and keep their life steady and full of love.
Their bond lasted for almost 30 years.
Life as Cal Ripken Jr.’s Wife
Being the wife of a sports superstar isn’t always easy, but Kelly made it look natural. While Cal broke records on the field — like playing 2,632 games in a row — Kelly made sure life off the field stayed calm and happy.
She went to games, events, and banquets. She stood with him during big moments, but always with quiet grace. Kelly never looked for attention — she simply showed up with strength, class, and love.
Behind the scenes, she kept their home life running smoothly. She focused on being a strong partner, a loving mom, and a steady support system for Cal and the kids.
Kelly Ripken as a Mother
Kelly’s biggest and most important role was being a mom. She and Cal had two children:
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Rachel Ripken, born in 1989
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Ryan Ripken, born in 1993
While Cal was busy with baseball, Kelly was focused on their kids. She made sure they had a normal life, even though their dad was a huge sports star. She raised them to be kind, humble, and thoughtful — values she truly believed in.
Kelly kept them grounded, helped with school and sports, and made sure family always came first. Even today, both Rachel and Ryan show the same calm and strong qualities their mom is known for.
Ryan Ripken’s Baseball Career and Life Today
Just like his father, Ryan Ripken loved baseball growing up. In 2012, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, but he chose to go to college first. Two years later, in 2014, he was drafted again — this time by the Washington Nationals.
Ryan played in the minor leagues for several years and even reached the AAA level with the Orioles. But in 2021, he stepped away from professional baseball and began a new chapter.
Today, Ryan works in sports media as a podcast host and analyst. He also went back to school and is working on his business degree at Arizona State University. Just like his mom, he’s thoughtful, focused, and low-key. Kelly continues to support him every step of the way.
Kelly Ripken’s Health Battle with Graves’ Disease
For years, Kelly Ripken didn’t feel like herself. She had scary symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, and a fast heartbeat. Doctors didn’t know what was wrong at first. But after some time, she went to Johns Hopkins Medicine and finally got the right answer.
She was diagnosed with Graves’ disease, a condition that makes the thyroid too active. It’s an autoimmune disease, which means the body attacks itself by mistake. The symptoms can be very hard to live with.
But Kelly didn’t give up. She got the right treatment, recovered, and then did something brave — she spoke up. She didn’t just heal quietly. She decided to help others by sharing her story and spreading awareness.
Kelly Ripken’s Work in Women’s Health
After going through her own health scare, Kelly Ripken found a new purpose. She didn’t just stay quiet after her recovery from Graves’ disease. Instead, she joined Johns Hopkins Medicine to help others — especially women.
Kelly became part of a program called “A Woman’s Journey.” It’s a group that shares health facts, gives support, and helps women speak up when something feels wrong. Kelly spoke on stage, told her story, and encouraged other women to trust their bodies and ask questions.
Even though she once avoided the spotlight, now she uses it to help others in a real way. She turned something painful into something powerful.
The Kevin Costner Affair Rumor: The Real Truth
Back in 1998, a strange and shocking rumor spread like wildfire. It claimed that Kelly Ripken had an affair with actor Kevin Costner, and that Cal Ripken Jr. found out and couldn’t play that night. People even said the Orioles canceled the game by faking a power outage.
Sounds like a movie, right?
But the truth is simple — it never happened. Kevin Costner strongly denied the rumor. Cal Ripken Jr. also called it “a crazy story” in a 2008 interview. Costner even said he barely knew Kelly and had only talked to her for a few minutes.
Kelly Ripken? She never said a word about it. She stayed calm and quiet, just like she always has. That silence spoke volumes. Over time, the story faded away, and most people now know it was just gossip with no proof.
Kelly Ripken and Cal Ripken Jr.’s Quiet Divorce
After nearly 29 years of marriage, Kelly and Cal Ripken Jr. separated in 2015 and officially divorced in 2016. The news surprised many fans, but they handled everything with quiet respect.
There were no loud interviews, no mean headlines, and no bad talk from either side. A spokesperson simply confirmed the divorce, and that was it.
They chose to keep things private for the sake of their kids — and themselves. Kelly Ripken didn’t use the moment to become famous or tell her side in public. She just moved on, with grace and strength, like she always has.
Where Is Kelly Ripken Now?
So, where is Kelly Ripken today?
As of 2026, she is living a quiet life in Annapolis, Maryland. After the divorce, she moved away from Baltimore and found peace in a new home. She’s still involved in health events and sometimes attends charity dinners. But for the most part, she stays away from the spotlight.
You won’t find her on social media. She doesn’t give interviews or try to stay in the news. Kelly Ripken enjoys her privacy, her family, and her quiet strength. She’s doing exactly what she wants — living life on her own terms.
Is Kelly Ripken Married Again?
Many people still wonder: Did Kelly Ripken ever remarry?
The answer is no. Since her divorce from Cal Ripken Jr., Kelly has not married again. There’s no public sign of a new partner, and she hasn’t shared anything about her private life.
But that doesn’t mean she’s alone. Kelly Ripken has her children, her work, and her own peaceful world. She doesn’t need a spotlight or a big headline. She has found happiness in a quiet, meaningful life.
Final Thoughts
Kelly Ripken’s story is full of quiet strength. She spent nearly three decades beside one of the most famous names in baseball, raised two wonderful children, fought a serious illness, and came out even stronger.
She may be known to many as Cal Ripken Jr.’s ex-wife, but she’s clearly so much more. Kelly Ripken is a mother, a health advocate, a calm voice in a noisy world, and a woman who chose peace over fame.
In 2026, she continues to live with purpose — helping others, staying close to her family, and writing her own story, far away from the headlines but full of heart.
(FAQs)
How much money does Kelly Ripken have now?
No one knows the exact amount, but people think she got a lot of money after her divorce. Her ex-husband Cal Ripken Jr. is worth about $75 million, so her share may be in the millions.
What was Kelly Ripken like when she was young?
Kelly was always quiet and kind. She didn’t want to be famous. Even as a young woman, she liked to stay out of the spotlight.
Is Kelly Ripken married now?
Kelly never got married again after her divorce. She has kept her love life completely private.
Why did Kelly Ripken and Cal Ripken Jr. get divorced?
They were married for almost 30 years, then quietly got divorced in 2016. They never said why and didn’t share any details.
Where does Kelly Ripken live now?
Kelly Ripken lives in Annapolis, Maryland. She lives a peaceful and quiet life, away from the spotlight.
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