Larry King, the legendary broadcast journalist, built his career on candid interviews and memorable questions, including persistent public curiosity about his private life. Across decades of headlines, the question of how many wives does Larry King has been answered with shifting details, legal statuses, and timelines that often confuse casual followers.
Below is a structured overview of his marital history, followed by in-depth sections on each marriage, timelines, legal outcomes, and common audience questions.
| Marriage Number | Spouse Name | Years Married | Legal Status | Children from Marriage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacqueline Ellam | 1952–1963 | Divorced | 2 |
| 2 | Ann Schatz | 1963–1970 | Divorced | 0 |
| 3 | Marguerite Gardiner | 1970–1976 | Divorced | 0 |
| 4 | Sharon Lepore | 1976–1983 | Divorced | 0 |
| 5 | Maria Lyons | 1989–1990 | Divorced | 0 |
| 6 | Shawn Southwick | 1991–2019 | Separated before death | 2 | Common Law Partner | Annette Kaye | 1960s | Never married | 1 (disputed) |
Early Marriages and Formative Relationships
Jacqueline Ellam and the Start of Family Life
Larry King’s first marriage to Jacqueline Ellam lasted from 1952 to 1963, spanning more than a decade and producing two children. This period established his pattern of long-term commitment early in his career, even as he moved from small-town radio to national prominence.
Ann Schatz and Marguerite Gardiner in the 1960s
After his divorce from Jacqueline Ellam, King married Ann Schatz and later Marguerite Gardiner in the 1960s. These marriages were relatively brief and did not produce children, reflecting a time of personal and professional transition.
Middle Career and Long-Term Partnership
Sharon Lepore and the Stability of the 1970s
With Sharon Lepore, King experienced a longer marriage from 1976 to 1983. Though childless, this relationship coincided with his rise as a nationally recognized television interviewer and cemented his reputation for steady, probing dialogue.
Maria Lyons and the Briefer Union
Maria Lyons became King’s wife from 1989 to 1990. This marriage was notably short and childless, marking a brief interlude before he found a longer-lasting personal connection.
Final Marriage and Later Life
Shawn Southwick and Lasting Commitment
King’s marriage to Shawn Southwick began in 1991 and continued until his death in 2021, though they lived separately for years. This relationship produced two children and remained legally intact, making it his longest and most publicized marriage.
Legacy and Personal Life Insights
The question of how many wives does Larry King have opens a window into the personal side of a man known for interviewing presidents and global leaders. His marital journey reflects both the turbulence of public life and the enduring human desire for companionship across six distinct chapters.
- King married six times, with his final marriage lasting from 1991 until his death in 2021.
- Only his marriage to Jacqueline Ellam and Shawn Southwick produced children.
- His longest marriage was to Shawn Southwick, spanning nearly three decades.
- He remained legally married to Southwick at the time of his death despite years of living separately.
- Public curiosity about his wives often focuses on the contrast between his private life and public persona.
FAQ
Reader questions
Was Larry King married more than once?
Yes, Larry King was married six times, with five of those marriages ending in divorce and one lasting until his death.
Did Larry King have children with all of his wives?
No, he had children with only three of his wives: Jacqueline Ellam, Shawn Southwick, and possibly Annette Kaye, though the child with Kaye was not widely acknowledged during his marriages.
What happened to his marriage to Shawn Southwick at the time of his death?
King and Southwick were still legally married at the time of his death, though they had been living separately for many years before his passing.
Which marriage produced his youngest children?
His marriage to Shawn Southwick produced his youngest children, as they had two sons together during their long-term relationship.