Rita Williams-Ewing is more than just the ex-wife of NBA star Patrick Ewing. She is a strong woman, a loving mom, and a talented writer. While many people still remember her as the wife of a famous basketball player, her real story goes much deeper.
In this article, we’ll explore Rita’s journey — how she met Patrick Ewing, their life together, their divorce, and how she rebuilt her life afterward. We’ll also talk about her career, her children, and where she is today in 2026. If you’ve ever wondered what happened to Patrick Ewing’s ex-wife, this article will give you all the answers.
Rita Williams-Ewing Quick Bio
| Full Name | Rita Williams-Ewing |
| Known As | Patrick Ewing’s ex-wife |
| Background | African-American |
| Education | Degrees in Nursing and Law |
| Career | Author, Former Bookstore Owner |
| Famous Books | Homecourt Advantage, Brickhouse |
| Children | Patrick Jr., Randi, Corey |
| Daughter’s Sport | Randi played college volleyball |
| Net Worth (2026) | Estimated $1–2 million |
| Social Media | Not active |
| Life Today | Private, peaceful, with family |
| Lives In (2026) | Believed to be in the U.S., quietly |
Who Is Rita Williams-Ewing?
Rita Williams-Ewing is a woman with many roles — not just “Patrick Ewing’s ex-wife.” She is a mother, a writer, and a quiet leader who stayed strong through big life changes. She doesn’t enjoy the spotlight, but her story still inspires many.
She became known in the 1990s when she was married to NBA star Patrick Ewing. But even after their divorce, Rita didn’t disappear. Instead, she built her own life with calm strength, staying focused on what really matters — family, learning, and helping others.
Rita Williams-Ewing’s Early Life and Education
Before all the fame, Rita was already on a path to success. She grew up believing in education, hard work, and kindness. These values shaped her entire life.
Rita earned two college degrees — one in nursing and another in law. That shows how serious she was about learning and helping others. Her mix of compassion and intelligence helped her stay strong later on, especially when life got hard.
This strong foundation gave her confidence, even when she was living in the shadow of a sports legend. She never let fame define who she was.
How Rita Williams-Ewing Met Patrick Ewing
Rita met Patrick Ewing in 1983, long before he became a famous NBA player. At the time, she was working as an intern in the office of Senator Bill Bradley, who was also a former basketball player. Patrick was still in college at Georgetown University, where he was already becoming a star in basketball.
Their connection was simple and real. They liked each other for who they were — not for fame or money. That kind of relationship is rare, especially before the spotlight hits. Their bond started quietly, during a more peaceful time in their lives.
This early connection helped shape the beginning of their love story, long before they entered the world of bright lights and headlines.
Rita Williams-Ewing’s Marriage as Patrick Ewing’s Wife
In the early 1990s, Rita and Patrick got married. By then, Patrick Ewing was a huge star, playing for the New York Knicks. Life suddenly became much more public for Rita. Cameras, interviews, and headlines became part of everyday life.
The couple lived in New Jersey and had other properties in Maryland. They seemed happy on the outside. They had three children together — Patrick Ewing Jr., Randi Ewing, and Corey Ewing.
But behind closed doors, things were harder. Being married to a celebrity isn’t always easy. Fame brings pressure, travel, and stress. Over time, their relationship began to change, even though they tried to keep things together.
Rita Williams-Ewing and Motherhood
One of the most important parts of Rita’s life was becoming a mother. She raised three kids while living in the public eye. That’s not easy — especially when people are watching your every move.
Rita was a calm and steady parent. She made sure her children stayed focused on school, family, and kindness. Even though their father was famous, Rita kept their home grounded and loving.
Her son, Patrick Ewing Jr., followed his dad into basketball. Her daughters also found their own paths — one in sports media, and the other in education. Rita’s love and support helped all of them grow into strong, successful people.
The Divorce
In 1998, after more than seven years of marriage, Rita filed for divorce. The news made headlines across the country. Fans were surprised. Around the same time, rumors started about Patrick Ewing having an affair with a Knicks dancer.
Rita didn’t add fuel to the gossip. She stayed calm and respectful. In a public statement, she said:
“There is no ‘significant other,’ as far as I am concerned. We are working toward an amicable solution.”
That one line showed her strength. She didn’t go to the media for drama. She chose peace and respect, even during one of the hardest times of her life.
Life After Divorce for Rita Williams-Ewing
Divorce is never easy, especially when it happens in front of the world. But Rita handled it with quiet courage. After the breakup, she focused fully on her children and her own growth.
She moved away from the spotlight and began to rebuild her life. She didn’t try to stay famous or chase attention. Instead, she started fresh — creating a safe, loving space for her kids and rediscovering herself in the process.
Many women look up to Rita today because she showed that it’s possible to move on with grace and strength, even after a very public heartbreak.
Rita Williams-Ewing’s Career as an Author
After stepping away from her marriage, Rita Williams-Ewing did not stop growing. Instead, she turned to writing. Writing gave her a way to speak honestly, without noise or drama. It helped her heal and helped others feel seen.
In 2009, Rita co-wrote a novel called Homecourt Advantage with her close friend Crystal McCrary. The book focused on the lives of women married to basketball stars. It showed the pressure, the fear, and the emotional pain many women feel behind the scenes. Readers quickly noticed that the story felt very real.
Later, Rita also wrote another novel called Brickhouse. This book was celebrated at a book event in Harlem. Her writing was praised for being truthful, strong, and relatable. Rita never wrote to attack anyone. She wrote to explain life as it really is.
Rita Williams-Ewing on Infidelity in Sports
Rita Williams-Ewing also spoke openly about a hard topic — cheating in professional sports. She explained that in many sports spaces, this behavior is treated like it is normal. That truth shocked many people, but it also opened honest talks.
When golfer Tiger Woods was caught in a cheating scandal, Rita shared her thoughts. She said she was not surprised it happened. Not because cheating is right, but because sports culture often allows it. She explained that some teams and leaders send quiet messages that this behavior is okay.
Her words were calm, not angry. She said the mentality of teams and management often supports cheating. Many women related to her honesty. Rita used her voice to speak for women who felt ignored.
Rita Williams-Ewing and the Hue-Man Bookstore
Rita’s love for stories did not end with writing. She became a co-owner of the Hue-Man Bookstore in Harlem, New York. This store focused on Black authors, Black voices, and powerful stories.
The bookstore was more than a place to buy books. It was a space where people met, shared ideas, and learned from each other. Rita helped organize book talks, signings, and community events. She even held events for her own book Brickhouse there.
Although the bookstore later closed, its impact stayed strong. Rita helped build something meaningful for the community. She showed that books can bring people together in powerful ways.
Where Is Rita Williams-Ewing Now in 2026?
So, where is Rita Williams-Ewing today?
As of 2026, she lives a quiet and private life. She stays away from headlines and social media. She chooses peace over attention. Rita spends most of her time with her children and grandchildren, enjoying life without pressure.
She still writes, but mostly in private. She does not chase fame. Her joy now comes from family, calm days, and living on her own terms. Many people respect her for choosing this path.
Rita Williams-Ewing’s Legacy Beyond Being Patrick Ewing’s Ex-Wife
Rita Williams-Ewing is often called Patrick Ewing’s ex-wife, but her legacy is much bigger than that. She is a woman who stayed strong during hard times. She rebuilt her life without anger or noise.
She used her voice to talk about real issues. She supported other women. She helped create space for important stories. Her life shows that you do not need to be loud to be powerful.
Today, many women look at her journey and feel hope. Rita proves that starting over is possible. And doing it with grace matters.
Final Thoughts
So, what really happened to Rita Williams-Ewing?
She chose peace. She chose growth. She chose herself.
After becoming Patrick Ewing’s ex-wife, she did not lose her identity. She found it. She became a writer, a leader, and a quiet inspiration to many. Her life shows that fame does not define success. Character does.
In 2026, Rita Williams-Ewing lives away from the spotlight, but her story still shines. And it reminds us that sometimes, the strongest people are the quiet ones.
(FAQs)
How old is Rita Williams-Ewing?
No one knows her exact age or birthday. She has never shared it in public.
What is Rita Williams-Ewing’s background?
Rita is African-American. She has always supported Black voices and stories.
What is Rita Williams-Ewing’s net worth in 2026?
In 2026, her net worth is guessed to be around $1 to $2 million. She earned it through books and smart choices after her divorce.
Is Rita Williams-Ewing on Instagram?
Rita is not on Instagram or any other social media. She likes to live a quiet and private life.
How many kids does Rita Williams-Ewing have?
She has three children — Patrick Jr., Randi, and Corey. Each one is doing well in life.
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