Kelly Ripken Today: Where Is Cal Ripken Jr.’s Ex-Wife Now?

When you hear the name “Kelly Ripken,” you probably think of baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. That’s understandable. For almost 30 years, Kelly was right beside him — through all the games, fame, and headlines. But here’s the thing: Kelly Ripken is much more than just Cal Ripken Jr.’s ex-wife.

Today, many people are wondering: Where is Kelly Ripken now? What is she doing with her life? Did she ever remarry? These questions have been floating around for years, especially after their quiet divorce. In this article, we’re going to explore who Kelly Ripken really is, what she’s been doing in recent years, and how she lives her life now — away from the spotlight.

Let’s start at the beginning.

Kelly Ripken Quick Bio

Who Is Kelly Ripken?

Kelly Ripken is an American woman who became known to the world as Cal Ripken Jr.’s ex-wife. But she’s also a mother, a health advocate, and someone who values privacy more than fame. She spent nearly three decades in the public eye, but after her divorce in 2016, she quietly stepped away.

She was born Kelly Geer and later took on the Ripken name after marrying Cal. While she never sought out the spotlight herself, she supported her husband during his Hall of Fame baseball career and later found her own purpose through health advocacy and charity work.

Even though she lived a very public life for years, Kelly has always been a calm, private person at heart.

Kelly Ripken’s Early Life

Kelly Ripken was born on March 26, 1959, in Mount Holly, New Jersey. Her full birth name is Kelly Geer, and she grew up in a loving family with her mother, Joan Marie Geer, playing a big role in her life.

Not much is known about her early years because Kelly never chased fame. She wasn’t someone who did interviews or appeared on TV just to be seen. She preferred to stay behind the scenes, even when her name became linked to one of baseball’s biggest stars.

Her quiet, grounded nature has always been part of her personality — and it shows in how she handled fame later in life.

How Kelly Ripken Met Cal Ripken Jr.

It’s actually a pretty sweet and funny story. Back in 1983, Kelly met Cal Ripken Jr. at a nightclub in Cockeysville, Maryland — her hometown at the time. But it wasn’t Kelly who approached him first. It was her mom, Joan.

Joan ran into Cal at a local restaurant and asked him to sign an autograph for her daughter. Cal wrote on a napkin: “To Kelly, if you look anything like your mother, I’m sorry I missed you.” That playful line sparked the beginning of their relationship.

Soon after, Kelly and Cal officially met, started dating, and the rest was history.

Kelly Ripken and Cal Ripken Jr.’s Marriage

Kelly and Cal got married on November 13, 1987, at Towson United Methodist Church in Maryland. Their wedding was elegant but not flashy — just like them. As a couple, they were seen as one of the most respected and admired duos in the sports world.

For almost 30 years, Kelly stood by Cal’s side — through all the games, milestones, and media attention. She didn’t just play the role of “the wife of a baseball star.” She was also a strong mother, a supporter, and someone who helped keep the family grounded while Cal was breaking records.

They lived in Baltimore for many years and were a part of the community both on and off the field.

Kelly Ripken as a Mother

One of the biggest parts of Kelly’s life has always been her children. She and Cal Ripken Jr. have two kids:

• Rachel Ripken, born in 1989

• Ryan Ripken, born in 1993

Kelly was deeply involved in their lives, making sure they had a sense of normalcy even when their dad was a national sports icon. She raised them to be humble, hardworking, and kind — values that are clearly seen in Ryan and Rachel even today.

She stayed focused on motherhood while her husband traveled and played. To Kelly, family always came first, and she didn’t let the fame get in the way of being a good mom.

Ryan Ripken’s Baseball Career and What He’s Doing Now

Growing up in a baseball family, it’s no surprise that Ryan Ripken followed in his father’s footsteps — at least for a while. In 2012, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, but he chose to go to college instead. Later, in 2014, he was drafted again — this time by the Washington Nationals.

Ryan played in the minor leagues until 2021, reaching the AAA level. After that, he decided to step away from baseball and try something new.

Today, he works in sports media, where he’s a podcast host and analyst. He also went back to school and is now finishing a degree in Global Logistics Business Management at Arizona State University. Like his mom, Ryan seems focused, thoughtful, and grounded.

Kelly Ripken’s Health Battle With Graves’ Disease

For many years, Kelly Ripken didn’t feel like herself. She was dealing with symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, and a racing heart — but no one could figure out what was wrong. It wasn’t until she visited Johns Hopkins Medicine that she was finally diagnosed with Graves’ disease.

Graves’ disease is a serious autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid and causes it to become overactive. It can lead to a lot of discomfort and scary symptoms, but thankfully, Kelly got the treatment she needed.

After her recovery, she didn’t just move on quietly. Instead, she chose to speak out and help other women going through similar struggles. She joined the Johns Hopkins “A Woman’s Journey” initiative to raise awareness and support others.

Kelly Ripken’s Philanthropy and Public Work

After her health journey, Kelly Ripken found a new passion — helping others. She became involved with Johns Hopkins Medicine, especially through a program called A Woman’s Journey. This program focuses on sharing medical knowledge with women and raising awareness about serious health issues.

Kelly didn’t just show up for events. She spoke on stage, shared her story, and gave real hope to people going through tough times. She used her experience with Graves’ disease to connect with others in a way that felt real and honest. Even though she once avoided the spotlight, she now uses it for a good reason.

Today, she’s known not only as Cal Ripken Jr.’s ex-wife, but also as a voice for women’s health, strength, and support. She turned her personal struggle into something meaningful — and that’s what makes her journey so powerful.

The Truth About the Kevin Costner Rumors

Back in 1998, a wild rumor started spreading. It said that Kelly Ripken had an affair with actor Kevin Costner. The story claimed that Cal Ripken Jr. caught them together, became upset, and couldn’t play that night — so the Orioles canceled the game by faking an electrical problem at the stadium.

Sounds like a movie, right? But it wasn’t true.

Both Cal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Costner denied the story many times. In fact, Kevin said he barely knew Kelly and had only spoken to her for a few minutes in his life. Cal later called the whole thing a “crazy rumor” during a 2008 interview.

Kelly Ripken never responded to it publicly. She didn’t need to. She stayed silent and calm — just like she always has. The story faded over time, but it’s still a good reminder that not everything you hear is true.

Kelly Ripken and Cal Ripken Jr.’s Divorce

After 29 years of marriage, Kelly and Cal quietly divorced in 2016. But they had already separated a year before that. They didn’t fight in public or release long statements. Instead, they kept it respectful and private.

A spokesman confirmed the split, but no other details were shared. Nobody knows exactly why they divorced — and that’s okay. They chose to protect their family’s privacy, especially for their kids.

Kelly Ripken didn’t go on TV or write a book about it. She simply moved on with her life — something many people respect her for. She stayed strong, kept her values, and never turned her personal story into public drama.

Where Is Kelly Ripken Today?

If you’re wondering where Kelly Ripken is today, the answer is simple: she’s living a quiet, peaceful life in Annapolis, Maryland.

After her divorce, she moved away from Baltimore and settled into a new place where she could focus on what matters most to her — health, family, and helping others. She still attends charity events from time to time, especially ones related to medicine and wellness.

You won’t find her on Instagram or TikTok. She doesn’t do flashy interviews. But if you look closely, you’ll see that she’s still making a difference — just in a quieter way.

Is Kelly Ripken Married Now?

As of 2025, Kelly Ripken has not remarried. There’s no public record of her being in a new relationship, and she has not been seen with a new partner.

That’s not surprising, though. Kelly has always valued privacy and peace. She’s not the type to rush into the spotlight with a new story. Instead, she has focused on herself, her children, and the causes that matter to her.

She may be known as Cal Ripken Jr.’s ex-wife, but today, she is living life on her own terms — quietly, confidently, and with a strong sense of purpose.

Final Thoughts

Kelly Ripken’s story is a special one. She lived through the highs and lows of fame, raised two wonderful kids, battled a serious health condition, and still came out stronger on the other side.

She may have started out as Cal Ripken Jr.’s wife, but today, she is so much more than that. She is a survivor, a mother, a voice for women’s health, and a reminder that you can live a full life even after the cameras stop flashing.

So, where is Kelly Ripken today? She’s right where she wants to be — living quietly, helping others, and writing her own story, far away from baseball stadiums but still full of quiet strength.

(FAQs)

How old is Kelly Ripken in 2025?

Kelly Ripken is 66 years old in 2025. She was born on March 26, 1959, in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

What is Kelly Ripken’s net worth now?

While her exact net worth isn’t public, Kelly Ripken is believed to have a multi-million dollar fortune, likely from her long marriage to Cal Ripken Jr., who is worth around $75 million.

Where is Kelly Ripken today in 2025?

Kelly Ripken now lives a quiet life in Annapolis, Maryland. She stays out of the spotlight and focuses on health advocacy and philanthropy.

Did Kelly Ripken have an affair with Kevin Costner?

No! That shocking 1998 rumor was completely false. Both Cal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Costner strongly denied it, and there’s no proof it ever happened.

Did Kelly Ripken remarry after divorcing Cal?

Kelly Ripken divorced Cal in 2016 after nearly 30 years of marriage — but she has never remarried and has kept her private life completely off the radar.