Updated: December 19, 2025
Ryan Lochte Ex Wife: Ryan Lochte, the legendary Olympic swimmer with 12 medals to his name, has been making headlines not just for his athletic achievements but for his personal life. As of late 2025, Lochte is in the midst of a high-profile divorce from his estranged wife, Kayla Rae Reid. What started as a whirlwind romance has turned into a public and emotional separation, with recent social media exchanges keeping fans and media buzzing. If you’re searching for “Ryan Lochte ex-wife,” you’re likely curious about Kayla, their relationship timeline, and the latest developments. Let’s break it down thoughtfully.
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Who Is Kayla Rae Reid, Ryan Lochte’s Ex-Wife?
Kayla Rae Reid is a former Playboy model turned realtor who captured Lochte’s heart back in 2016. The couple met through social media during a turbulent time in Ryan’s life—right around the infamous Rio Olympics scandal. Kayla, known for her stunning looks and down-to-earth personality, stood by him through the fallout.
They got engaged in October 2016 and tied the knot in a civil ceremony in January 2018 in Florida. A more lavish celebration followed later that year in Palm Springs. Kayla has often been described as the supportive partner who helped Ryan navigate his career lows and personal growth. Today, she’s focused on her career in real estate and, most importantly, co-parenting their three children.
The Love Story: From Romance to Marriage
Ryan and Kayla’s relationship moved fast, fueled by genuine connection amid chaos.
- They welcomed their first child, son Caiden Zane, in June 2017—before officially marrying.
- Daughter Liv Rae arrived in June 2019.
- Their youngest, Georgia June, was born in June 2023.
The family seemed picture-perfect on social media, with beach outings, holidays, and heartfelt posts. Ryan once gushed about how fatherhood and Kayla made him the “happiest I’ve ever been.” They even talked about expanding to four kids in interviews. But behind the scenes, challenges were brewing.
Why Did Ryan Lochte and Kayla Rae Reid Divorce?
In March 2025, Kayla quietly filed for divorce, citing the marriage as “irretrievably broken.” She went public in June, sharing a heartfelt Instagram post about making the tough decision after “deep prayer and reflection.” Ryan echoed the sentiment, emphasizing gratitude for their shared life and commitment to their kids.
Sources close to the couple have hinted at betrayals and ongoing issues, with Kayla reportedly feeling heartbroken multiple times. Financial strains, including reported debts over $270,000, and Ryan’s personal struggles (like a 2023 car accident and substance issues) added pressure. The split has been messy at times, with public statements revealing regrets—Ryan admitted he “wasn’t a good husband,” while focusing on therapy and growth.
Latest Updates: Drama on Social Media and Beyond
As of December 2025, the divorce remains ongoing and emotional. Recently:
- Kayla shared a throwback video of Ryan reciting their wedding vows, a subtle reminder amid tensions.
- Ryan responded thoughtfully on Instagram, clarifying he meant no harm and expressing regret for past disappointments.
- He’s also auctioning three Olympic gold medals to inspire the next generation, separate from the divorce drama.
Ryan has moved on romantically, dating Molly Gillihan since mid-2025. Meanwhile, Kayla is prioritizing healing and her children.
Here’s a quick timeline table for key relationship milestones:
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Met and Started Dating | 2016 | Via social media during Rio Olympics |
| Engaged | October 2016 | Romantic proposal |
| First Child (Caiden Zane) Born | June 2017 | Son |
| Married (Civil Ceremony) | January 2018 | In Florida |
| Second Child (Liv Rae) Born | June 2019 | Daughter |
| Third Child (Georgia June) Born | June 2023 | Daughter |
| Divorce Filed | March 2025 | By Kayla; announced publicly in June |
| Recent Social Media Exchange | December 2025 | Vows video and Ryan’s clarification post |
Conclusion: Moving Forward with Grace
Ryan Lochte’s marriage to Kayla Rae Reid was a chapter filled with love, family growth, and challenges that ultimately led to separation. Both have expressed a strong commitment to co-parenting Caiden (8), Liv (6), and Georgia (2) with respect and care. While the public back-and-forth has been raw, it highlights real human struggles—even for celebrities. Ryan is embracing personal growth and new beginnings, while Kayla focuses on healing. In the end, their story reminds us that relationships evolve, and prioritizing peace and family is what matters most. Stay tuned as this unfolds, but here’s hoping for positive outcomes for everyone involved.