What Happened to Kelly Ripken? Her Life After Cal Ripken Jr.

Kelly Ripken may not be a celebrity in the traditional sense, but her name became well-known because of her long marriage to baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. For nearly three decades, the two were seen as a strong couple in the sports world. They were often photographed at games, red carpet events, and charity dinners.

But after their quiet divorce in 2016, many people started wondering — what happened to Kelly Ripken? Where did she go? What is she doing now? Did she move on or remarry?

In this article, we’ll take a simple and clear look at Kelly Ripken’s life — from her early days and love story with Cal, to her personal health journey, children, and how she is living today in 2025.

Kelly Ripken’s Early Life and Family Background

Kelly Ripken was born as Kelly Geer on March 26, 1959, in Mount Holly, New Jersey, USA. She grew up in a modest and loving family. Her mother’s name is Joan Marie Geer, who played an important role in Kelly’s life — and even in how she met Cal.

Not much is known about Kelly’s early childhood, because she has always lived a very private life. But it’s clear she wasn’t someone who chased the spotlight. Even when she became the wife of a sports star, she stayed grounded.

As of 2025, Kelly is 66 years old and continues to live a quiet and peaceful life.

How Kelly Met Cal Ripken Jr.

Kelly’s story with Cal Ripken Jr. started in a very charming way — something like a movie scene. It all began in 1983, at a nightclub in Cockeysville, Maryland. But interestingly, it wasn’t Kelly who first met Cal. It was her mother, Joan.

Joan was dining at the Corner Stable restaurant when she saw Cal and asked him to sign an autograph for her daughter. Cal jokingly wrote on a napkin: “To Kelly, if you look anything like your mother, I’m sorry I missed you.”

This playful message led to their first meeting, and soon, they began dating. It was a sweet and simple beginning that led to a very long relationship.

Marriage to Cal Ripken Jr.

On November 13, 1987, Kelly and Cal got married at the Towson United Methodist Church in Maryland. Their wedding was a beautiful and private ceremony, surrounded by close friends and family.

Over the years, the couple became one of baseball’s most admired pairs. While Cal focused on his career with the Baltimore Orioles, Kelly often supported him from the sidelines. She joined him at games, interviews, and charity events, but always kept her personal life away from the media.

They lived together in Maryland and raised a family. For many years, people saw them as a strong and stable couple.

What Happened to Cal and Kelly Ripken’s Marriage?

After nearly 30 years of marriage, Cal and Kelly Ripken quietly separated around 2015. Their divorce was finalized in 2016. There was no drama, no interviews, and no public fight. Just silence.

Many people were surprised when they found out. Some fans tried to dig for answers, but the couple made a clear decision — to keep the reason private. Cal’s publicist confirmed the divorce but said nothing more.

It’s believed that Cal moved to Annapolis, where he rented a home for the summer. Kelly also stepped away from the public and focused on rebuilding her life quietly.

Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Kelly Ripken moved to Annapolis, Maryland, where she still lives today. She didn’t do interviews or talk about the split. Instead, she chose to live a peaceful life, away from cameras and gossip.

She began putting more energy into philanthropy and women’s health work, which had become close to her heart. Rather than trying to stay in the spotlight, Kelly focused on helping others and taking care of her own health.

Her strength and quiet nature show that you don’t always need to speak loudly to make a difference.

Kelly Ripken’s Health Struggles with Graves’ Disease

One of the biggest challenges in Kelly Ripken’s life was her health. For many years, she felt sick but didn’t know why. Doctors kept giving her the wrong answers — until finally, experts at Johns Hopkins Medicine gave her the right diagnosis: Graves’ disease.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition. It means the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland, which controls things like energy and weight. People with this condition can feel anxious, tired, sweaty, or lose weight without trying.

Kelly spoke about her experience to help other women understand this condition. She became a part of A Woman’s Journey, a special program at Johns Hopkins that supports women’s health. Her goal was simple — to make sure other women don’t stay undiagnosed for years like she did.

Kelly Ripken and Her Philanthropy Work

After her health diagnosis, Kelly didn’t just focus on herself — she wanted to help others too. She became involved in a program called A Woman’s Journey at Johns Hopkins Medicine. This program helps women learn more about their health and get the support they need.

Kelly started speaking at events and attending fundraisers. She shared her story with other women so they wouldn’t feel alone. She knew what it felt like to be misdiagnosed and ignored, and she didn’t want others to go through the same pain.

Even though she’s not a doctor or a celebrity speaker, her quiet and honest words have touched many lives.

Kelly Ripken’s Children, Rachel and Ryan Ripken

Kelly Ripken is a proud mom of two children — Rachel and Ryan Ripken.

Rachel was born in 1989 and is now 35 years old. She has stayed out of the spotlight, just like her mother. Not much is known about her personal life, but it’s clear she values privacy.

Ryan was born in 1993 and followed in his father’s footsteps by playing baseball. In 2012, he was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles, but he decided to go to college first. Later, he was drafted again by the Washington Nationals. He played in the minor leagues until 2021 and then retired.

Today, Ryan works in sports media as a podcast host and analyst. He’s also finishing his degree in Global Logistics Business Management. Kelly is often seen cheering for him — not in stadiums anymore, but in life.

Kelly Ripken’s Net Worth and Life of Comfort

People often wonder how much Kelly Ripken is worth. While the exact number is not publicly known, it’s believed that she has a comfortable lifestyle, especially after the divorce.

Cal Ripken Jr. is estimated to be worth around $75 million, thanks to his long and successful baseball career. Although no one knows how much Kelly received in the divorce, it’s safe to say she is well taken care of.

She now lives in Annapolis, Maryland, and enjoys a quiet and peaceful life. She may not live like a Hollywood star, but she doesn’t need to — she has everything she needs.

Did Kelly Ripken Have an Affair with Kevin Costner?

One of the biggest and most surprising rumors about Kelly Ripken happened back in 1998. A strange story began to spread — it claimed that Kelly had an affair with actor Kevin Costner. The story even said Cal was so upset that an Orioles game was delayed to protect him.

But here’s the truth: It never happened.

Cal Ripken Jr. and Kevin Costner both denied the rumor many times. Cal spoke about it in 2008, and Kevin even called it “nonsense” during a radio interview in 2001. He said he had only spoken to Kelly for a few minutes in his life and didn’t even know her well.

Sometimes, the internet creates wild stories. But in this case, the people involved made it clear — it was just a false rumor.

Where Is Kelly Ripken Now?

So, what happened to Kelly Ripken after all these years?

As of 2025, Kelly is living in Annapolis, Maryland. She enjoys her privacy and rarely appears in public. When she does, it’s usually for a charity dinner or a health-related event.

She’s not on social media. She doesn’t share her life with the world. But she is still there — living quietly, kindly, and on her own terms.

Her story reminds us that not everyone needs fame or noise. Some people make a real difference by simply being strong and caring behind the scenes.

Is Kelly Ripken Married Again? What About Her Ex?

After her divorce from Cal, Kelly Ripken never remarried. There have been no public relationships or wedding announcements since. She seems happy focusing on her family and her own personal life.

On the other hand, Cal Ripken Jr. remarried in 2018. His new wife is Laura Ripken (née Kiessling), a respected judge. Laura was born in 1964, so she is 61 years old in 2025.

Both Kelly and Cal seem to have moved forward in life, just in very different ways.

Final Thoughts

Kelly Ripken may not be someone we see on TV or in the news every day, but her story still matters. She went through fame, marriage, divorce, and health problems — all while keeping her dignity and grace.

She raised two children, fought through a serious illness, and turned her pain into purpose by helping others. She didn’t let gossip or rumors define her. Instead, she quietly focused on what mattered — family, health, and kindness.

So, what happened to Kelly Ripken? She chose a peaceful life. A strong life. A life that still inspires others in 2025.