Mary Lou Retton may be “America’s Sweetheart” thanks to her gymnastics career, but her most important title is “Mom.” The Olympian is the mother of four children, one of whom was the public messenger during Mary Lou’s health scare in late 2023.
Below, learn all about Mary Lou’s children, her family, and more.
Is Mary Lou Retton married?
No, Mary Lou is no longer married. She was previously married to her ex-husband, Shannon Kelley, from 1990 to 2018.
Does Mary Lou Retton have children?
Yes, Mary Lou shares four daughters with her ex-husband, Shannon. Their names are Shayla, McKenna, Skyla, and Emma.
Her children have maintained a close relationship with her over the years, especially when Mary Lou was diagnosed with a rare form of pneumonia in October 2023, McKenna announced.
“My incredible mother, Mary Lou, has a very rare form of pneumonia and is fighting for her life,” McKenna announced via her Instagram Stories, along with a link to her Spotfund campaign to raise money for medical bills. “She is unable to breathe on her own. She has been in the ICU for over a week. Out of respect for her and her privacy, I will not disclose all the details. However, I will reveal that she is not insured.”
Since Mary Lou did not have health insurance at the time, her daughter asked fans for any possible assistance and their prayers.
“We asked if you could help in any way, 1) pray! And 2) help us with the hospital bill finances,” McKenna added. “Anything, absolutely anything, would be so helpful to my family and my mom. Thank you so much!”
How old are Mary Lou Retton’s children now?
Mary Lou’s children are all grown up. As of now, Shayla (born in 1995) is around 30, McKenna (born in 1997) is around 28, Skyla (born in 2000) is around 25, and Emma (born in 2002) is 23.
What’s wrong with Mary Lou Retton’s health?
As her daughter McKenna revealed in late 2023, Mary Lou was diagnosed with a rare type of pneumonia and has since required daily oxygen, according to People .
